Caterpillarwork toolgrapple-contractor

Caterpillar G130B

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar G130B is a Contractors' Grapple, a mechanical, pin-mounted excavator work tool rather than a self-powered machine. It has no engine, ECM, transmission, or undercarriage of its own; a single hydraulic cylinder opens and closes its two-over-three tine jaw, drawing all power from the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit. Operating weight runs about 2332 kg (5130 lb), with a fixed jaw width near 1260 mm (49.6 in) and a maximum jaw opening of about 3223 mm (126.9 in). The tool is sized for medium hydraulic excavators in the 320-330 class, pinning to C, CB, D, or DB-linkage sticks depending on carrier generation, and mounts pin-on or through a pin-grabber coupler without modification. It carries the GCN serial prefix and sits in a shared Contractors' Grapple lineup alongside the G107B, G112B, G115B, G120B, G125B, G145B, G165B, and G185B, each scaled and prefixed for a different excavator size class.

Across this lineup the letter suffix and linkage code, not an engine or capacity change, mark what is new: Caterpillar issues the same grapple frame in different C/CB/D/DB pin-group configurations so one tine geometry can be pinned to successive generations of 320/325/330-class stick linkage as excavator carriers update. Because the G130B has no powertrain or electronics to fail, its condition in the used and parts market rides almost entirely on three points: remaining AR400 tine-tip material, pivot pin and bushing play, and cylinder seal condition. Its broad fit across a long-running excavator class keeps it in steady circulation on demolition and scrap-sorting sites, and it shows up regularly on the used-attachment market as a lower-cost alternative to a new grapple once buyers confirm those wear points are within service limits.

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 G130B specifications

Engine

PowertrainNot applicable. The G130B is a mechanical Contractors' Grapple work tool, a passive excavator attachment with no engine, hydraulic pump, or ECM of its own. It draws hydraulic power from the host excavator's circuit.

Weights

Operating weight2332 kg (5130 lb)

Dimensions

Fixed jaw width1260 mm (49.6 in)
Maximum jaw opening3223 mm (126.9 in)
Tine configurationTwo-over-three tine layout (two tines on the upper jaw, three on the lower jaw), wide-spaced for working-area visibility
Wear plate thickness40 mm (1.57 in)
Wrapper thickness (inner and outer)20 mm (0.79 in) each

Performance

MountingPin-on or pin-grabber-coupler mounting, usable either way without modification
Base machine compatibilitySized for Cat medium hydraulic excavators in the 320-330 class. Documented linkage references vary by source and configuration (325D CB-linkage cited on some documentation; broader 320-336 class C/D/E-series compatibility cited on others) - confirm exact linkage code (C, CB, D, DB) against the host excavator before ordering.
Frame constructionArmored, box-type frame in AR400 abrasion-resistant steel with a slightly curved lower jaw for improved loading and debris penetration; tine tips are replaceable and flush-mounted with the inner wrapper

Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.

G130B fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Pivot pins and bushings (grease)Not a filled reservoir; applied via grease fitting until purge at each service interval, no volume specified in Cat literature for this attachmentCat multipurpose grease, NLGI 2 with moly additive (Cat Prime Application Grease or equivalent EP/moly grease); no viscosity-by-climate split published, single all-season grease grade

Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.

Caterpillar G130B maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Grease the jaw pivot pins and cylinder pin fittings before each shift start
  • Wipe packed debris and material buildup from tine roots and wear plates
  • Visually inspect tine tips for cracking, chipping, or excessive wear
  • Check the cylinder rod and barrel for external leaks or rod scoring
  • Confirm mounting pin-hub bolts are torqued and pin retainers are in place
  • Cycle the jaws through a full open-close range and check for binding or hesitation
Every 250 h
  • Rock each pivot pin by hand and check for bushing play
  • Measure remaining AR400 tine-tip wear material against the service limit
  • Inspect wear plates and wrappers for thinning below minimum spec
  • Check the cylinder pin and clevis connection for elongation
  • Inspect welds at the jaw roots and mounting ears for hairline cracking
Every 500 h
  • Purge all pivot points fully and re-grease with fresh EP/moly grease
  • Inspect pin bores for out-of-round wear or elongation
  • Check cylinder close-cycle time for slowing that signals internal seal bypass
  • Torque-check all structural fasteners on the frame and mounting ears
  • Inspect and replace tine-tip retaining hardware as needed
Every 1,000 h
  • Replace tine tips once wear material reaches the service limit
  • Rebush or oversize pivot pin bores showing measurable elongation
  • Bench-check or pressure-test the cylinder for seal leakage
  • Repair any weld cracking at jaw roots or pin bosses per dealer procedure
  • Replace wear plates and wrappers once below minimum thickness
Every 2,000 h
  • Fully disassemble pivot joints and inspect pins, bushings, and bores
  • Replace cylinder seals or exchange the cylinder assembly
  • Replace wear plates, wrappers, and tine tips as a matched set if near limits
  • Run dye-penetrant or magnetic-particle inspection on jaw-root and mounting-ear welds
  • Recoat the frame for corrosion protection after any structural repair
Every 4,000 h
  • Send the frame out for full NDT crack inspection of all load-bearing welds
  • Rebuild the jaw pivot assembly as a complete matched set of pins, bushings, and retainers
  • Replace rather than reseal the cylinder if barrel or rod scoring is present
  • Re-verify pin-hub dimensions against the host excavator linkage class before return to service
  • Repaint and re-corrosion-proof the entire frame before redeployment

Servicing the G130B beyond the schedule

Predictive Wear Monitoring & Grease Condition

On the G130B the only fluid to track is grease at the jaw pivots and cylinder pin. Check grease purge color and consistency at each fitting; contaminated or metallic-flecked grease signals advancing bushing wear before play is measurable by hand. Log tine-tip wear-material thickness and cylinder close-cycle time at each interval. A slowing close cycle is the earliest sign of internal cylinder seal bypass, letting you schedule a reseal before the grapple loses clamping force in service.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most G130B repairs trace to three parts: tine tips, pivot bushings, and the single actuating cylinder. Replace AR400 tine tips once wear material reaches the service limit rather than letting the tine body itself wear through. Loose or misaligned jaws usually mean elongated pin bores; rebush or oversize the pin rather than running it loose. A jaw that closes slowly or creeps shut under load points to worn cylinder seals; reseal or exchange the cylinder before the tool drops a load.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Because the G130B has no engine or transmission to overhaul, rebuild work concentrates on the jaw pivot assembly and the frame itself. At major overhaul, replace pins, bushings, and retainers as a matched set rather than fitting new pins into worn bores. Inspect welds at the jaw roots and mounting ears for fatigue cracking, common on grapples run hard in demolition and scrap-sorting duty, and have any crack repaired by a qualified welder before the tool returns to work.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

The G130B has no coolant or fuel system to winterize, so seasonal care centers on grease and corrosion protection. In cold climates, confirm pin and bushing grease stays pumpable at low temperature so pivots still get lubricated at shift start. Before extended idle storage, purge fresh grease into every fitting, retract and coat the exposed cylinder rod to prevent pitting, and store the tool off bare ground to limit rust at the frame and mounting ears.

G130B attachments & work tools

Product family and role

The G130B is a Contractors' Grapple, a mechanical tine-type demolition and sorting attachment, not a machine. It belongs to the same catalog family as the G107B, G112B, G115B, G120B, G125B, G145B, G165B and G185B contractor grapples, which share a common work-tool manual and pin-group parts structure.

Excavator class / mounting compatibility

The G130B is sized for medium hydraulic excavators in the 320D-330D class range, mounting in place of a bucket on the stick end. Fitment follows the excavator's linkage family rather than a universal coupler, so the grapple must match the stick's pin spacing and pin diameter for that model/series.

Linkage / stick configuration options

Because 320/325/330-class sticks were built with more than one linkage geometry across C and D-series updates, Caterpillar issues linkage-specific pin-group kits (documented variants include C-, CB-, D- and DB-type pin groups within the Contractor Grapples family) so the same grapple frame can be pinned to different stick generations. Exact linkage-to-serial-prefix pairing specific to the G130B beyond this family-level listing is not independently confirmed.

Tine / jaw configuration

The grapple uses a two-over-three tine arrangement (two upper tines closing against three lower tines) with wide tine spacing for operator visibility into the grab zone. Tine tips are abrasion-resistant AR400 steel, replaceable, and flush-mounted with the inner wrapper for wear service.

Capacity for size class

Reported jaw opening is approximately 3223 mm (126.9 in) with an attachment weight near 2332 kg (5130 lb); figures are consistent across the sources reviewed but should be treated as nominal for the class since Cat's demolition/sorting grapple line as a whole spans host-machine operating weights from about 10 000 kg to 45 000 kg (22,000-99,200 lb).

Actuation / hydraulic arrangement

As a fixed pin-mounted contractor grapple (not a rotating grapple), the G130B is closed and opened by a single hydraulic cylinder run off the excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit; it does not include a powered rotation head, distinguishing it from Cat's separate rotating-grapple product line.

Wear / guarding options

Standard guarding for this class includes AR400 wear plates and wrappers on the tine shell plus replaceable tine tips, aimed at extending service life in demolition and mixed-debris sorting work; no additional factory guard packages specific to the G130B were found beyond these wear components.

All G130B assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar G130B. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Service Equipment And Supplies
280-1490 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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285-8093 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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287-0487 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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287-8239 Plate & Film Gp
286-5619 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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284-7987 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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285-3642 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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288-3908 Plate & Film Gp
287-5798 Plate & Film Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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Work Tool Arrangement
321-6032 Grapple Ar-Demolition
28***04Pin Group-Grapple; -G130b, D-Linkage1
32***58Grapple Group1
32***32Grapple Ar-Demolition1
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282-2576 Grapple Ar-Mechanical
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***76Grapple Ar-Mechanical1
28***77Grapple Group; -G165b1
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275-6072 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G125b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***72Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G125b1
27***75Grapple Group; -G125b1
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279-7362 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G145b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***62Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G145b1
27***77Grapple Group; -G145b1
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279-7307 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G120b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***07Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G120b1
27***22Grapple Group; -G120b1
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282-2575 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G165b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***75Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G165b1
28***77Grapple Group; -G165b1
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279-7306 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G120b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***06Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G120b1
27***22Grapple Group; -G120b1
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275-2402 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***02Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b1
27***04Grapple Group; -G130b1
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283-7308 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G185b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***08Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G185b1
28***10Pin Group-Grapple; -G185b1
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285-1264 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G107b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***64Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G107b1
28***15Grapple Group1
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282-8316 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G115b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***16Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G115b1
28***17Grapple Group; -G115b1
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279-7305 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G120b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***05Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G120b1
27***22Grapple Group; -G120b1
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275-6073 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G125b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***73Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G125b1
27***75Grapple Group; -G125b1
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283-5790 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G112b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***90Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G112b1
28***91Grapple Group; -G112b1
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275-2403 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***03Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b1
27***04Grapple Group; -G130b1
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275-2401 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)0
27***01Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b1
27***04Grapple Group; -G130b1
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279-7361 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G145b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***61Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G145b1
27***77Grapple Group; -G145b1
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275-2400 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***00Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b1
27***04Grapple Group; -G130b1
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275-6074 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G125b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
27***74Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G125b1
27***75Grapple Group; -G125b1
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283-7307 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G185b
13***34Plate-Identification; (Work Tool)1
28***07Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G185b1
28***09Pin Group-Grapple; -G185b1
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Work Tools
279-7322 Grapple Gp -G120b
09***48Nipple, Grease4
10***29Bearing-Sleeve2
12***90Bearing-Sleeve2
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284-5386 Grapple Gp -G185b
08***97Washer; (13x50x6-mm Thk)1
09***30Seal-Lip Type4
09***74Bearing-Sleeve1
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321-4358 Grapple Gp
27***09Bushing2
27***14Pin1
27***17Bushing2
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283-5791 Grapple Gp -G112b
09***48Nipple, Grease6
14***38Bearing-Sleeve4
16***52Bearing; (180.45-mm Id)2
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285-3515 Grapple Gp
27***08Bushing2
27***13Pin1
27***16Bearing2
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279-7377 Grapple Gp -G145b
09***48Nipple, Grease6
14***38Bearing-Sleeve4
18***58Bearing; (190.31-mm Od)2
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275-6075 Grapple Gp -G125b
09***48Nipple, Grease4
10***29Bearing-Sleeve2
19***52Bracket As-Mounting1
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275-2404 Grapple Gp -G130b
09***48Nipple, Grease4
19***52Bracket As-Mounting1
19***60Pin As1
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282-8317 Grapple Gp -G115b
09***48Nipple, Grease4
12***90Bearing-Sleeve2
19***63Spacer; (16.5x22.2x13-mm Thk)1
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282-2577 Grapple Gp -G165b
09***48Nipple, Grease4
11***81Bearing-Sleeve2
12***90Bearing-Sleeve2
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280-9012 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b
27***16Bearing2
27***79Bearing2
27***81Pin1
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281-2049 Pin Gp-Grapple -G145b, F / T-Linkage
19***79Plate1
28***49Pin Group-Grapple; -G145b, F / T-Linkage1
28***53Pin As1
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281-0356 Pin Gp-Grapple -G120b, G125b, Cb-Linkage
27***82Bushing2
27***83Collar2
27***84Pin1
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282-2583 Pin Gp-Grapple -G165b
08***23Pin Bkt To Stk Link To Bkt.1
09***76Nut; (M14x2-Thd)2
24***74Bolt; (M14x2x160-mm)1
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280-9004 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b, D-Linkage
09***49Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk)1
25***58Pin As1
27***10Bushing2
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280-9013 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b, Cb-Linkage
09***49Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk)1
23***31Pin As1
27***08Bushing2
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285-3550 Pin Gp-Grapple -G107b
26***28Plate As-Wear3
26***29Plate-Wear4
26***30Plate-Wear4
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281-2051 Pin Gp-Grapple -G145b
19***79Plate1
21***88Pin As1
28***51Pin Group-Grapple; -G145b1
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283-5792 Pin Gp-Grapple -G112b, 312-Linkage
19***80Plate1
19***84Pin As1
28***59Collar2
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283-7310 Pin Gp-Grapple -G185b
26***19Plate As-Wear2
26***20Plate As-Wear3
26***23Plate-Wear4
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280-9011 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b, C-Linkage
09***49Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk)1
23***31Pin As1
27***11Bushing2
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282-2582 Pin Gp-Grapple -G165b, V-Linkage
10***78Pin1
28***82Pin Group-Grapple; -G165b, V-Linkage1
28***22Bearing2
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281-0355 Pin Gp-Grapple -G120b, G125b, C-Linkage
27***80Bushing2
27***81Pin1
27***84Bushing2
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283-7309 Pin Gp-Grapple -G185b
04***12Pin2
10***34Pin1
28***09Pin Group-Grapple; -G185b1
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281-0357 Pin Gp-Grapple -G120b, G125b, B-Linkage
20***71Washer; (26x90x8-mm Thk)1
27***83Collar2
27***86Bushing2
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282-8521 Pin Gp-Grapple -G115b
19***79Plate1
28***59Collar2
28***21Pin Group-Grapple; -G115b1
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298-5681 Plate Gp-Wear
27***37Keeper1
27***78Keeper1
27***00Plate-Wear2
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268-9631 Plate Gp-Wear
26***31Plate Group-Wear1
29***66Plate As-Wear4
29***69Plate As-Wear1
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268-9617 Plate Gp-Wear
26***17Plate Group-Wear1
26***34Plate As-Wear2
26***65Plate As-Wear3
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268-9679 Plate Gp-Wear
26***79Plate Group-Wear1
29***75Plate As-Wear4
29***78Plate As-Wear1
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298-5672 Plate Gp-Wear
29***72Plate Group-Wear1
29***92Plate As-Wear5
29***93Plate-Wear2
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298-5689 Plate Gp-Wear
28***32Plate-Wear2
28***33Plate-Wear2
28***37Bar, Bolt,Hex Flange Head Cap M8 X 1.25 X 125mm; Special, Bolt,Hex Flange Head Cap M8 X 1.25 X 125mm2
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268-9670 Plate Gp-Wear
26***70Plate Group-Wear1
28***14Plate-Wear4
28***15Plate-Wear4
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268-9625 Plate Gp-Wear
26***25Plate Group-Wear1
26***74Plate As-Wear4
26***76Plate As-Wear1
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288-5713 Plate Gp-Wear
28***13Plate Group-Wear1
29***84Plate As-Wear4
29***85Plate-Wear4
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285-1265 Tine As
27***37Keeper1
27***74Plate-Wear2
27***75Plate-Wear2
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275-6076 Tine As -Upper
27***76Tine As; -Upper1
28***33Plate-Wear3
28***41Plate-Wear3
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285-1266 Tine As
10***29Bearing-Sleeve2
27***07Tine Group; -Lower1
28***66Tine As1
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279-7378 Tine Gp
25***07Bearing-Sleeve2
27***78Tine Group1
28***56Tine Group1
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275-6077 Tine Gp
27***77Tine Group1
27***10Plate-Wear2
27***11Plate-Wear2
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285-3538 Tine Gp
27***05Tine Group1
28***38Tine Group1
28***14Plate-Wear4
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275-2406 Tine Gp -Lower
10***29Bearing-Sleeve2
27***06Tine Group; -Lower1
27***78Tine Group1
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283-5856 Tine Gp
10***29Bearing-Sleeve2
27***06Tine Group; -Lower1
28***56Tine Group1
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321-4360 Tine Gp
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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283-5794 Tine Gp
22***14Bearing-Sleeve2
28***94Tine Group1
28***66Tine As1
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275-2405 Tine Gp
27***05Tine Group1
27***75Plate-Wear1
27***76Bar2
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321-4361 Tine Gp -Heavy Duty
15***44Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)1
15***35Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
15***36Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual)1
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283-5793 Tine Gp
21***21Keeper2
28***93Tine Group1
28***19Plate-Wear2
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275-6078 Tine Gp
27***78Tine Group1
28***18Plate-Wear2
28***19Plate-Wear2
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275-2407 Tine Gp -Lower
27***07Tine Group; -Lower1
27***01Plate-Wear2
27***07Plate-Wear1
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G130B serial number reference

The PIN/serial plate is riveted or stamped onto the grapple's mounting frame or one of the pivot ears near the top link/bucket-linkage attachment point, the same general area used on Cat work-tool attachments rather than on a machine cab. Read the first three characters as the serial prefix (a letter-letter-letter code, here GCN), which identifies the specific tool model and configuration within the shared Contractor Grapple parts family; the digits following it are the sequential unit number within that prefix run.

PrefixIdentifies
GCNG130B Contractors' Grapple, D-Linkage (mechanical grapple attachment, no engine)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar G130B use?

None. The G130B is a passive mechanical work tool with no engine, ECM, or onboard hydraulic system of its own. Its single opening/closing cylinder is powered entirely by the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar G130B?

About 2332 kg (5130 lb), per Cat product literature for this Contractors' Grapple.

What replaced the Caterpillar G130B?

No confirmed successor is documented in available Cat literature. It remains part of the current Contractors' Grapple lineup alongside its G107B, G112B, G115B, G120B, G125B, G145B, G165B, and G185B siblings, each sized and prefixed for a different excavator class rather than superseding one another. Verify current availability and any newer linkage configuration with your Cat dealer.

What G130B owners discuss

Where does wear show up first on a G130B-type mechanical grapple?
The tine tips take the brunt of it. They're abrasion-resistant AR400 wear parts, flush-mounted with the inner wrapper so they can be replaced before the tine body itself wears through. After the tips, the next wear point is the pivot area where the jaws hinge and where the cylinder connects - pins and bushings there wear from constant open/close cycling under load, especially in sorting and demolition work where the jaws see hundreds of cycles a day.
Why would the jaws start closing slowly or losing grip force compared to when the tool was new?
The common explanation is wear inside the single actuating cylinder - worn piston seals let hydraulic pressure bypass internally, so the jaw closes sluggishly or can't hold full clamping force on heavy material, and may even creep closed on its own under load. External leaks at the barrel or hose fittings point the same direction. Because a grapple losing its grip mid-lift is a dropped-load hazard, have your dealer verify the cylinder before returning the tool to service.
How much play at the pivot pins and bushings is considered normal wear versus a problem?
A little play is expected over time, but the general rule from grapple owners is that any looseness you can feel by hand-rocking the jaw, or visible misalignment between the tines when closed, means the pin and bushing are past due for replacement. Left alone, elongated pin bores turn into a bigger repair - oversized pins or bushing sleeves, and eventually weld buildup on the pin bosses themselves.
Does the grease interval actually matter on a simple single-cylinder grapple like this?
Yes - the pivots and cylinder pin are the only moving joints on the whole tool, so they're what wears out if neglected. Regular shift-based greasing at the ground-level grease points is what owners point to as the main upkeep item; skipping it accelerates dry pin/bushing wear and is the single most common cause of premature pivot play on these tools.
Can a G130B just be swapped between different excavators, or is the linkage fixed?
The jaw and cylinder assembly stays matched to its rated excavator class, but the pin-hub connection is designed to be shared across compatible machines of similar size just by using the correct linkage-specific pin - the jaws stay connected even with the main grapple pin removed for a swap. Don't force a grapple onto a linkage size it wasn't rated for; matching the tool to the stick/linkage class is what keeps pin loads and cylinder leverage within design limits.
What causes structural cracking on grapples used heavily for demolition sorting, and how serious is it?
High-cycle clamping against rebar, concrete chunks, and dense scrap puts repeated fatigue stress on the welds around the jaw roots and pin bosses, and that's where cracks tend to start on any grapple worked this hard. A crack at a weld, pin boss, or other load-bearing point is treated as structural, not cosmetic, and should stop the tool from being used until a dealer or qualified welder verifies and repairs it properly.
What should you check before buying a used G130B?
Owners' inspection habits for a used mechanical grapple line up fairly consistently: check how much AR400 wear tip material is left on the tines, rock every pivot pin by hand for bushing play, look the cylinder over for external leaks or scoring on the rod, and cycle the jaws through a full open-close range checking for hesitation, drift, or uneven closing between the two jaw halves. Also check every weld around the jaw roots and mounting ears for cracking, and confirm the pin-hub size actually matches the linkage class of the excavator you intend to run it on.

Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.

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