Caterpillar BH160
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Cat BH160 is a passive hydraulic backhoe work-tool attachment, not a self-powered machine. It bolts to a rear subframe on Cat skid steer, compact track, and multi-terrain loaders and draws all its hydraulic power from the host carrier, carrying no engine, ECM, fuel tank, or cooling system of its own. Base operating weight runs about 1,055 kg (2,326 lb), with maximum digging depth around 2,970-3,070 mm (117-121 in) depending on configuration and source, a 180-degree swing arc, and 838-889 mm (33-35 in) of side-shift travel. It is the larger of Cat's two-model compact backhoe attachment lineup, sized above the smaller BH150 sibling, and is documented across compatible carriers roughly spanning the 246D through 299D2 XHP class. Two factory arrangements exist: a base digging-only configuration and a version with an optional auxiliary hydraulic line kit running to the stick end, which enables powered work tools such as hammers, augers, thumbs, and vibratory plate compactors in addition to standard, heavy-duty, grading, and ditch-cleaning buckets.
Real serialed BH160 units trace from roughly 2008-model production without auxiliary hydraulics through later units built with the auxiliary circuit as that option became more common, spanning carrier generations from B/C-series loaders up through D and D2-series machines via bolt-on subframes and conversion kits. The core digging geometry and swing/dig/curl function stayed stable across that run; the meaningful configuration split is aux-hydraulics versus base, not a lettered generational redesign like Cat's engine-driven machines see. Cat now lists the BH160 as non-current, with no distinct named successor documented; its footprint in the current compact-loader backhoe lineup has effectively folded back toward the smaller BH150. That leaves a steady population of BH160 units in the used-equipment channel, and because the attachment is pure structure and hydraulics with no engine to wear out, parts demand concentrates on wear pins and bushings, bucket teeth and cutting edges, cylinder seal kits, and hydraulic hose assemblies rather than powertrain components.
Below: full specifications, fluids & capacities, the factory service schedule, common service parts, verified fault codes, what owners discuss, attachment guidance, the complete assembly directory, and a serial-number reference. Complete parts lists with full OEM part numbers, exploded diagrams, quantities, and fitment data are available free in Heavy Parts AI.
Caterpillar BH160 specifications
Engine
| Power source | No onboard engine. Passive hydraulic attachment powered entirely by the host skid steer, multi-terrain, or compact track loader's hydraulic system. |
| Emissions tier | Not applicable — attachment carries no engine or emissions certification of its own. |
Weights
| Operating weight | 1,055 kg (2,326 lb) |
| Bucket breakout force | 3,181 kg (7,013 lb) |
| Stick breakout force | 1,605 kg (3,538 lb) |
Dimensions
| Overall length | 2,210 mm (87 in) |
| Overall operating height | 3,724 mm (146.6 in) |
| Transport height | 2,563 mm (100.9 in) |
| Transport width | 2,042 mm (80.4 in) |
| Ground clearance | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Boom pivot height | 447 mm (17.6 in) |
Performance
| Maximum digging depth | 2,972-3,074 mm (117-121 in), varies by configuration/source |
| Digging depth at 2 ft reach | 3,157 mm (124.3 in) |
| Digging depth at 8 ft reach | 2,705 mm (106.5 in) |
| Straight wall digging depth | 2,019 mm (79.5 in) |
| Loading reach | 1,869 mm (73.6 in) |
| Loading height | 2,469 mm (97.2 in) |
| Reach from swing pivot at ground line | 4,028 mm (158.6 in) |
| Stabilizer spread, operating position | 1,814 mm (71.4 in) |
| Total side-shift travel | 838-889 mm (33-35 in), varies by configuration/source |
| Swing arc | 180 degrees |
| Bucket rotation | 183-192 degrees, varies by source |
| Host hydraulic flow requirement | 42-86 L/min (11-23 gpm), standard-flow circuit |
| Host hydraulic pressure requirement | 180-230 bar (2,600-3,340 psi) |
| Compatible host machines | Cat skid steer, multi-terrain, and compact track loaders including 246D, 262D, 272D/272D XHP, 272D2/272D2 XHP, 277D, 279D, 287D, 289D, 297D/297D XHP, 297D2/297D2 XHP, 299D/299D XHP, 299D2/299D2 XHP |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel tank | Not applicable — no engine on the attachment. |
| Hydraulic system | No dedicated onboard reservoir; runs off the host machine's hydraulic system via skid steer coupler. |
| Engine oil | Not applicable — no engine on the attachment. |
| Cooling system | Not applicable — no engine on the attachment. |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
BH160 fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Grease - pivot pins, boom/stick/bucket linkage, swing pivot | Not specified (apply until purged at each fitting per OMM lube chart) | NLGI 2 multipurpose grease with more than 3% molybdenum (Cat Prime Application Grease or equivalent MPGM); no viscosity-by-climate split documented, molybdenum-EP grease used year-round |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar BH160 maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 50 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
| Every 4,000 h |
|
Servicing the BH160 beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
The BH160 has no fluid systems of its own; every cylinder and swing function runs on the host loader's hydraulic oil. Track the carrier's hydraulic fluid condition on its own sample schedule, since contamination there is what attacks BH160 cylinder seals, swing pivot bushings, and valve spools. Watch cylinder rods for scoring or weeping and note any slowdown or drift in dig, curl, or swing cycle times, both are early flags the host hydraulic system needs attention before the attachment's own wear parts take the damage.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Most BH160 repairs trace to pin and bushing wear at the boom, stick, bucket, and swing pivots after grease intervals slip. Expect to replace worn pins, resleeve bores, and rebuild bucket cutting edges and teeth as routine corrective work. Stabilizer cylinders and foot pads take heavy shock loading during setup and often need reseal or pad replacement. Hydraulic hose chafing near the stick and swing frame is a frequent leak source; reroute and re-clamp hoses at the first sign of rubbing rather than waiting for a blown line.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
A full BH160 rebuild centers on the swing frame, mounting subframe wedge, and coupler interface, since these carry the entire digging load into the host carrier's chassis. At major overhaul, resleeve or re-machine worn pin bores back to tolerance, replace seal kits in the boom, stick, bucket, stabilizer, and swing cylinders, and inspect boom and stick weldments for fatigue cracking. Check the coupler wedge and locking pins for wear that lets the attachment shift under digging load before returning the unit to service.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
Cold weather stiffens grease at every pin joint and slows cylinder response through the host carrier's hydraulic oil, so switch to a low-temperature multipurpose grease and confirm the carrier's hydraulic fluid is rated for the expected ambient lows before winter digging. In wet or abrasive digging seasons, grease pivot points more often to purge contaminated grease from the bushings, and rinse mud and clay buildup off the swing frame, subframe, and stabilizer legs daily so packed debris does not accelerate pin and bushing wear.
BH160 attachments & work tools
Digging (general-purpose) buckets
Standard digging buckets run roughly 260-700 mm (10-28 in) wide and pin-mount to the dipper/stick end. This is the core work tool ordered with the backhoe for trenching and footing work.
Heavy-duty buckets
Reinforced heavy-duty buckets span about 300-914 mm (12-36 in) wide for harder digging conditions such as compacted or rocky ground. They use the same pin-on mount as the general-purpose buckets.
Grading bucket
A wide, low-profile grading bucket around 1200 mm (47 in) is offered for backfilling, trench cleanup, and finish grading rather than digging.
Ditch-cleaning buckets
Wide ditch-cleaning buckets in roughly 1000-1400 mm (40-55 in) widths are offered for slope and ditch maintenance, sized to match the backhoe's swing and reach envelope.
Augers
Auger drive units mount to the stick end for post-hole and footing work and draw from the optional auxiliary hydraulic circuit rather than the base backhoe circuit.
Hydraulic hammers
Compact-class hydraulic hammers sized for this backhoe's roughly 3-ton work-tool platform can be fitted to the stick for breaking rock, concrete, and asphalt. They require the optional auxiliary hydraulic line kit to the stick end.
Vibratory plate compactor
A stick-mounted vibratory plate compactor is offered for trench backfill and utility compaction work, also run off the optional auxiliary hydraulic circuit.
Hydraulic thumb
A bolt-on hydraulic thumb pairs with the bucket linkage for grabbing rock, debris, brush, and pipe. It needs the auxiliary hydraulic line kit to power the thumb cylinder; it is not usable on units without that kit.
Bucket coupling system
Buckets attach with a pin-on mounting system at the dipper end; a manual (non-hydraulic) quick-coupler option is offered so buckets can be swapped without special tools.
Mounting subframe and stabilizers
The backhoe bolts to a dedicated subframe fitted to the rear of the loader chassis, reinforcing the loader frame and transmission housing against digging loads. Hydraulic stabilizer legs lower to anchor the unit before digging and retract for travel.
Loader compatibility and factory hydraulic option
This backhoe is offered as a rear-mounted attachment across Cat's larger skid-steer, compact track, and multi-terrain loader range (roughly the 246D through 299D2 XHP class, varies by source/series). The enabling factory option for powered work tools (hammer, auger, thumb, compactor, ditch bucket) is the auxiliary hydraulic line kit running to the end of the stick; without it only the base swing/dig/curl functions and plain buckets are usable.
All BH160 assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar BH160. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Frame And Body
238-0331 Console Gp-Operator
| 16***95 | Knob | 1 |
| 17***11 | Locknut; (M16x2-Thd) | 2 |
| 23***31 | Console Group-Operator | 1 |
255-5491 Frame Gp-Backhoe
| 17***25 | Ring-Retaining | 8 |
| 23***18 | Pad Group-Stabilizer | 2 |
| 23***28 | Cylinder Group-Stabilizer | 2 |
238-0310 Frame Gp-Backhoe
| 17***25 | Ring-Retaining | 8 |
| 23***10 | Frame Group-Backhoe | 1 |
| 23***11 | Frame As | 1 |
238-0320 Frame Gp-Sliding
| 09***45 | Seal-O-Ring | 4 |
| 09***93 | Dowel | 2 |
| 21***85 | Pad As | 2 |
238-0304 Frame Gp-Swing
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***44 | Frame As-Swing | 1 |
| 23***54 | Pin As | 2 |
211-2082 Guard & Mtg Gp-Cab
| 21***82 | Guard & Mtg Group-Cab | 1 |
| 8T***21 | Washer-Hard; (11x21x2.5-mm Thk)(M10x1.50x30mm) | 4 |
| 8T***33 | Nut (M10x1.50 Thd) | 4 |
238-0318 Pad Gp-Stabilizer
| 23***18 | Pad Group-Stabilizer | 1 |
| 23***19 | Foot As | 1 |
| 26***23 | Plate | 2 |
Hydraulic System
273-0053 Control Gp-Hydraulic Hand
| 12***01 | Knob; (Auxiliary) | 2 |
| 16***95 | Knob | 2 |
| 27***50 | Rod | 2 |
273-0052 Control Gp-Hydraulic Hand
| 12***01 | Knob; (Auxiliary) | 3 |
| 16***95 | Knob | 2 |
| 27***50 | Rod | 2 |
238-0341 Cylinder Gp-Boom
| 10***82 | Washer; (11x19.5x2.5-mm Thk) | 1 |
| 23***41 | Cylinder Group-Boom | 1 |
| 26***01 | Kit-Seal; (Boom Cylinder) | 1 |
238-0343 Cylinder Gp-Bucket
| 23***43 | Cylinder Group-Bucket | 1 |
| 26***03 | Kit-Seal; (Bucket Cylinder) | 1 |
| 3B***89 | Fitting-Grease; (Fan And Alternator Drive) | 1 |
238-0328 Cylinder Gp-Stabilizer
| 23***28 | Cylinder Group-Stabilizer | 1 |
| 26***41 | Kit-Seal; (Stabilizer Cylinder) | 1 |
| 6B***82 | Nut Cylinder Block To Head Assembly | 1 |
238-0342 Cylinder Gp-Stick
| 23***42 | Cylinder Group-Stick | 1 |
| 26***02 | Kit-Seal; (Stick Cylinder) | 1 |
| 3B***89 | Fitting-Grease; (Fan And Alternator Drive) | 2 |
238-0329 Cylinder Gp-Swing
| 23***29 | Cylinder Group-Swing | 1 |
| 26***40 | Kit-Seal; (Swing Cylinder) | 1 |
| 27***34 | Bearing-Sleeve | 1 |
246-0192 Cylinder Gp-Tilt
| 16***86 | Seal As-Buffer | 1 |
| 16***94 | Seal-U-Cup | 1 |
| 1H***39 | Packing,Preformed Cover Part Of Kit P/N 4j***80 | 1 |
258-7686 Kit-Fastener
| 25***86 | Kit-Fastener | 1 |
258-7688 Kit-Joystick Control
| 17***36 | Nut-Hex Flange; (M8x1.25-Thd)(M8x1.25) | 3 |
| 19***99 | Nut; (M8x6.5-mm) | 1 |
| 25***88 | Kit-Joystick Control | 1 |
258-7687 Kit-Lever
| 25***87 | Kit-Lever | 1 |
258-7690 Kit-Seal -Control Valve
| 25***90 | Kit-Seal; -Control Valve | 1 |
| 8F***69 | Packing,Preformed Uoc:Bsv,Bsx | 2 |
| 8U***81 | Seal-O-Ring | 4 |
258-7670 Lines Gp-Backhoe
| 11***83 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***15 | Connector As | 5 |
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
258-7680 Lines Gp-Backhoe
| 11***83 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 14***19 | Connector As | 3 |
255-5483 Lines Gp-Backhoe -Without Auxiliary
| 11***83 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 14***19 | Connector As | 3 |
255-5482 Lines Gp-Backhoe
| 11***83 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***15 | Connector As | 5 |
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
250-0178 Lines Gp-Boom
| 14***74 | Elbow As | 1 |
| 14***57 | Union Bulkhead; (Orfs) | 1 |
| 15***48 | Elbow As | 2 |
250-0182 Lines Gp-Boom
| 14***74 | Elbow As | 1 |
| 14***57 | Union Bulkhead; (Orfs) | 1 |
| 15***48 | Elbow As | 2 |
252-6793 Lines Gp-Bucket Cylinder
| 14***25 | Connector | 1 |
| 15***41 | Block | 1 |
| 15***94 | Coupler As-Quick Disconnect; (Female)(Quick Disconnect) | 1 |
258-7681 Manifold Gp-Control -Inlet
| 09***51 | Seal-O-Ring (Id=14.00mm) | 1 |
| 25***81 | Manifold Group-Control; -Inlet | 1 |
| 29***95 | Valve-Manual | 1 |
222-3779 Manifold Gp-Control
| 03***21 | Ring-Back-Up | 1 |
| 1H***23 | Packing,Preformed Part Of Kit P/N 5r***25 | 1 |
| 22***79 | Manifold Group-Control | 1 |
238-0332 Valve Gp-Bank 7
| 23***32 | Valve Group-Bank 7 | 1 |
| 25***81 | Manifold Group-Control; -Inlet | 1 |
| 25***82 | Valve Group-Control; -Auxiliary | 1 |
253-1483 Valve Gp-Bank 7 -Without Auxiliary
| 25***83 | Valve Group-Bank 7; -Without Auxiliary | 1 |
| 25***81 | Manifold Group-Control; -Inlet | 1 |
| 25***83 | Valve Group-Control; -Boom | 1 |
258-7683 Valve Gp-Control -Boom
| 25***83 | Valve Group-Control; -Boom | 1 |
| 29***98 | Valve Group-Relief; (Stick Out) | 1 |
| 29***03 | Valve Group-Relief; (Boom Down) | 1 |
258-7684 Valve Gp-Control -Stabilizer
| 25***84 | Valve Group-Control; -Stabilizer | 1 |
| 29***04 | Kit-Cover | 1 |
| 29***05 | Valve-Check | 1 |
258-7682 Valve Gp-Control -Auxiliary
| 25***82 | Valve Group-Control; -Auxiliary | 1 |
| 29***00 | Valve Group-Relief; (Thumb Close) | 1 |
| 29***01 | Valve Group-Relief; (Thumb Open) | 1 |
258-7692 Valve Gp-Control -Bucket
| 25***92 | Valve Group-Control; -Bucket | 1 |
| 29***00 | Valve Group-Relief; (Thumb Close) | 2 |
| 29***04 | Kit-Cover | 1 |
258-7691 Valve Gp-Control -Swing
| 25***91 | Valve Group-Control; -Swing | 1 |
| 29***02 | Valve Group-Relief | 2 |
| 29***04 | Kit-Cover | 1 |
258-7696 Valve Gp-Control -Auxiliary
| 25***96 | Valve Group-Control; -Auxiliary | 1 |
| 29***97 | Plug | 2 |
| 29***04 | Kit-Cover | 1 |
258-7689 Valve Gp-Control -Stick
| 25***89 | Valve Group-Control; -Stick | 1 |
| 29***98 | Valve Group-Relief; (Stick Out) | 1 |
| 29***99 | Valve Group-Relief; (Stick In) | 1 |
Service Equipment And Supplies
250-0181 Plate & Film Gp -Bh150
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
| 22***69 | Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm) | 1 |
| 24***45 | Film-Information; (Lift Eye, Tie-Down Location) | 2 |
250-0180 Plate & Film Gp -Bh160
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
| 22***69 | Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm) | 1 |
| 24***45 | Film-Information; (Lift Eye, Tie-Down Location) | 2 |
Work Tool Arrangement
253-1480 Backhoe Ar -Bh160, Without Auxiliary
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***05 | Stick Group-Hoe | 1 |
304-9903 Backhoe Ar
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***05 | Stick Group-Hoe | 1 |
| 23***20 | Frame Group-Sliding | 1 |
253-1481 Backhoe Ar -Bh150, With Auxiliary
| 15***15 | Plate-Identification | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
238-0330 Backhoe Ar -Bh160, With Auxiliary
| 15***15 | Plate-Identification | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
304-9902 Backhoe Ar
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***05 | Stick Group-Hoe | 1 |
| 23***20 | Frame Group-Sliding | 1 |
304-9900 Backhoe Ar -(With Auxiliary)
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***05 | Stick Group-Hoe | 1 |
| 23***10 | Frame Group-Backhoe | 1 |
253-1482 Backhoe Ar -Bh150, Without Auxiliary
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***05 | Stick Group-Hoe | 1 |
304-9901 Backhoe Ar
| 23***04 | Frame Group-Swing | 1 |
| 23***05 | Stick Group-Hoe | 1 |
| 23***10 | Frame Group-Backhoe | 1 |
Work Tools
238-0340 Boom Gp
| 23***40 | Boom Group | 1 |
| 23***41 | Cylinder Group-Boom | 1 |
| 23***42 | Cylinder Group-Stick | 1 |
279-4325 Bucket Ar-Tiltable
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 24***76 | Pin As | 1 |
| 24***87 | Pin | 1 |
279-4322 Bucket As-Ditch Cleaning
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 27***22 | Bucket As-Ditch Cleaning | 1 |
282-9315 Bucket As-Ditch Cleaning
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 28***15 | Bucket As-Ditch Cleaning | 1 |
279-4323 Bucket As-Ditch Cleaning
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 27***23 | Bucket As-Ditch Cleaning | 1 |
279-4313 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 13***90 | Tooth-Uni | 1 |
| 15***81 | Tooth Group-Uni | 4 |
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
279-4321 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 13***90 | Tooth-Uni | 1 |
| 15***81 | Tooth Group-Uni | 4 |
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
252-2623 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***00 | Pin | 5 |
279-4312 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 13***90 | Tooth-Uni | 1 |
| 15***81 | Tooth Group-Uni | 3 |
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
255-3392 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***00 | Pin | 4 |
281-1551 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 13***90 | Tooth-Uni | 1 |
| 15***81 | Tooth Group-Uni | 4 |
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
252-2616 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***00 | Pin | 5 |
279-4320 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 13***90 | Tooth-Uni | 1 |
| 15***81 | Tooth Group-Uni | 3 |
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
252-2600 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***00 | Pin | 5 |
255-3405 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***00 | Pin | 3 |
281-3824 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 13***90 | Tooth-Uni | 1 |
| 14***63 | Screw-Flat Head; (M16x2x65-mm) | 1 |
| 15***81 | Tooth Group-Uni | 3 |
255-3398 Bucket Gp-General Purpose
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 23***00 | Pin | 3 |
303-1328 Bucket Gp-Hoe
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 1U***02 | Tip-Penetration; (Long) | 1 |
303-1326 Bucket Gp-Hoe
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 1U***02 | Tip-Penetration; (Long) | 1 |
303-1325 Bucket Gp-Hoe
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 1U***02 | Tip-Penetration; (Long) | 1 |
303-1327 Bucket Gp-Hoe
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 1U***02 | Tip-Penetration; (Long) | 1 |
303-1329 Bucket Gp-Hoe
| 15***04 | Plate-Instruction; (Bucket Specifications) | 1 |
| 16***89 | Tack-Fastener | 4 |
| 1U***02 | Tip-Penetration; (Long) | 1 |
222-3780 Compactor Gp-Vibratory
| 0S***29 | Bolt (1" Long) | 8 |
| 19***36 | Seal; (85.6mm Od) | 1 |
| 1J***76 | Seal-O-Ring; (202.79mm Id) | 1 |
240-4077 Coupler Gp-Quick
| 17***48 | Pin | 2 |
| 24***77 | Coupler Group-Quick | 1 |
| 24***78 | Coupler Group-Quick | 1 |
240-4078 Coupler Gp-Quick
| 09***28 | Fitting-Grease | 1 |
| 09***37 | Pin; (Spring) | 2 |
| 24***63 | Pin-Coupling | 1 |
304-9904 Mounting Gp-Backhoe
| 25***97 | Step As; (Lh) | 1 |
| 25***84 | Step As; (Rh) | 1 |
| 30***04 | Mounting Group-Backhoe | 1 |
304-9905 Mounting Gp-Backhoe
| 25***17 | Step As; (Lh) | 1 |
| 25***21 | Step As; (Rh) | 1 |
| 30***05 | Mounting Group-Backhoe | 1 |
258-3639 Mounting Gp-Backhoe -Kit
| 17***07 | Lock Pin | 8 |
| 25***30 | Step As | 1 |
| 25***39 | Mounting Group-Backhoe; -Kit | 1 |
238-0305 Stick Gp-Hoe
| 09***68 | Pin-Cotter | 4 |
| 15***38 | Mounting Group-Bucket | 1 |
| 23***96 | Pin As | 2 |
282-1712 Tilt Gp -Bucket
| 24***75 | Bearing | 2 |
| 28***12 | Tilt Group; (Bucket) | 1 |
| 28***13 | Bracket As-Mounting | 1 |
BH160 serial number reference
The BH160 is a passive skid-steer/CTL/MTL backhoe attachment with no engine, so its ID plate is riveted to the backhoe's own frame or sliding-frame casting near the mounting pins, not in a cab. Read the stamped PIN left to right: the first 3 characters are the plant/model-configuration prefix (identifies which work-tool arrangement built the unit), followed by a sequential production number. Match the prefix plus number against the parts manual's serial-break table to pull the correct parts list for that specific unit.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SKB | BH160 backhoe with auxiliary hydraulic lines (aux flow to stick end for hammers, augers, thumbs, compactors) | Work tool arrangement listing ties S/N SKB1-UP to the BH160-with-auxiliary configuration. A real 2018-model-year unit carries this prefix, built with hydraulic outriggers and aux hose lines. Passive attachment, no engine or ECM. |
| PEP | BH160 backhoe without auxiliary hydraulics (bucket/digging only, no aux flow circuit) | Work tool arrangement listing ties S/N PEP1-UP to the BH160-without-auxiliary configuration, confirmed on a hydraulic-system parts page titled for the BH160 model. Real units carrying this prefix have surfaced from roughly 2008 production through later resale listings. Passive attachment, no engine or ECM. |
Frequently asked questions
What carrier machines is the Cat BH160 compatible with?
The BH160 mounts to Cat skid steer, compact track, and multi-terrain loaders across roughly the 246D through 299D2 XHP class, including 246D, 262D, 272D/272D XHP, 272D2/272D2 XHP, 277D, 279D, 287D, 289D, 297D/297D XHP, 297D2/297D2 XHP, and 299D/299D XHP/299D2/299D2 XHP. Conversion kits allow it to move between earlier and later carrier generations. Confirm exact fit against the specific carrier's work-tool coupler before ordering.
What is the Cat BH160's operating weight?
Base operating weight is about 1,055 kg (2,326 lb). This is the attachment alone; actual mounted weight varies with the bucket or work tool fitted and whether the unit carries the optional auxiliary hydraulic line kit.
Is there a direct successor to the Cat BH160?
No distinct named successor is documented. Cat lists the BH160 as non-current, and its current compact-loader backhoe offering centers on the smaller BH150. Check with a Cat dealer for the latest lineup if you need a like-for-like replacement.
What BH160 owners discuss
What hydraulic problems come up most often with the BH160 backhoe attachment?
What pin and bushing wear should owners expect on this class of backhoe attachment?
Are the stabilizer legs and cylinders a weak point on this attachment?
What about the swing cylinder and swing tower structure?
How fast do bucket teeth and cutting edges wear on the BH160?
Does the BH160 subframe fit across different Cat skid steer and track loader models?
What should a buyer check on a used BH160 before purchase?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
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