Caterpillar G145B
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Cat G145B is a mechanical, hydraulically-actuated contractor's grapple built for structural demolition, sorting, and material handling, not a self-propelled machine. It has no engine, undercarriage, or transmission of its own; it is a work tool that mounts on a Cat 345-class hydraulic excavator, roughly a 40-50 tonne operating class, spanning C-series through D-series host machines, using either an F-linkage or TB-linkage build matched to the host's stick geometry. The tool weighs approximately 3,050-3,062 kg (6,724-6,750 lb) and uses a curved lower jaw with interlocking multi-tine upper and lower jaw sets for a secure hold when loading or sorting. It sits mid-lineup in Caterpillar's G107B-G185B Contractor Grapple family, one size step above the G130B and one below the G165B, and attaches pin-on or through a pin grabber coupler without modification.
The G145B's history is a linkage history, not an engine or emissions history. It was originally built as an F-linkage tool; Caterpillar now catalogs a TB-linkage build as current production, matched to later-generation 345-class excavators, while the F-linkage version has moved to non-current status. The jaw design, AR400 wear package, and mechanical actuation carry over unchanged between the linkage builds, with a heavier-duty wear package offered as a field-installable option for higher-abrasion scrap and demolition work. In the used and parts market, the G145B trades on wear-component condition more than age: the frame and jaw casting typically outlast the tines, wear plates, pins, and bushings around them, so pin and bushing kits, replacement wear-plate and tine stock, and coupler condition drive most of the resale and parts demand for this tool.
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 G145B specifications
Weights
| Grapple weight | approx. 3,050–3,062 kg (6,724–6,750 lb) depending on published listing; 3,062 kg (6,750 lb) is the primary factory-configurator figure |
Dimensions
| Maximum jaw opening | approx. 3.3–3.4 m (131–135 in); figure varies slightly across published listings for this attachment |
| Fixed jaw width | 1336 mm (52.6 in) |
| Wear plate thickness | approx. 25 mm (0.98 in) |
| Inner wrapper thickness | 20 mm (0.79 in) |
| Outer wrapper thickness | 20 mm (0.79 in) |
Jaw Design & Application
| Jaw configuration | Curved lower jaw with multi-tine upper and lower jaw sets, shaped for easier loading and better penetration into scrap and debris piles |
| Wear material | Tips, wrappers and wear plates built from AR400 abrasion-resistant steel for durability in abrasive material handling |
| Intended use | Structural demolition, material handling and sorting, and loading/unloading rock, scrap, pipe, and other waste or debris |
| Coupler compatibility | Mounts as a pin-on tool or with a pin grabber coupler, usable either way without modification |
Carrier & Linkage Compatibility
| Linkage family | Current production is cataloged for TB-linkage carrier machines; an F-linkage version of the same G145B grapple has also been cataloged as a separate configuration |
| Host excavator class | Sized for a large hydraulic excavator in the 345C class (roughly 45 metric ton operating class) |
| Actuation | Grapple jaw is opened and closed hydraulically through the host excavator's auxiliary circuit; this attachment has no engine, fuel tank, or independent power source of its own |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
G145B fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Grapple pin and bushing joints (grease) | No fluid capacity — lubricate each grease fitting at the jaw and linkage pins until fresh grease purges at the joint; not a fill-volume item | NLGI 1-2 multipurpose EP grease fortified with molybdenum disulfide, the class Caterpillar specifies for high-shock pin/bushing joints on demolition and sorting work tools (moly-EP grease for heavy shock-load pins; a lighter 3% moly multipurpose grease is acceptable for moderate-duty service). Effective range roughly -20 to 40 C (-4 to 104 F); use a colder-rated multipurpose grease below that range. Grease daily under continuous demolition/sorting duty, more often in wet, muddy, or abrasive conditions — follow the lubrication schedule on the work tool decal or host machine OMM. |
| Grapple actuation circuit (jaw open/close cylinder) | No dedicated hydraulic tank or reservoir on this attachment — the grapple cylinder draws from and returns to the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit | Runs on whatever hydraulic oil the host excavator's OMM specifies for its auxiliary/work-tool circuit (viscosity graded to ambient temperature per that machine's chart). Confirm the host machine's auxiliary-circuit flow and pressure are within the grapple's rated range before fitting — exact flow/pressure figures for this specific grapple were not found in available literature; verify against the work tool compatibility chart or your Cat dealer. |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar G145B 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 G145B beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
The G145B carries no engine or hydraulic reservoir of its own, so predictive care centers on the jaw pivots and the host excavator's oil. Track radial play at each pin and bushing joint over time; rising play signals grease starvation before a joint fails outright. Since the jaw cylinders run off the host's auxiliary circuit with no separate filtration, keep the host machine's hydraulic oil sampling and filter changes on schedule. Contaminated host oil is the leading driver of early cylinder seal wear and drift on this grapple.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Most G145B repairs are wear-driven, not breakdowns. Tine tips and wear plates take the abrasive and impact load first, wearing fastest at the leading edge of the curved lower jaw. Field practice is to cut out the worn AR400 section and weld in new plate rather than replace the jaw casting, since the tips, wrappers, and wear plates are all the same AR400 grade. Preheat the surrounding steel and let it cool slowly; skipping preheat on this quenched-and-tempered plate is the most common reason a reweld cracks out again.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
Overhaul on the G145B centers on the jaw pivot and mounting linkage, not an engine or drivetrain. Once radial play at a pin joint is loose enough to feel by hand, rebuild that joint as a set, pin and bushing, to restore factory alignment rather than replacing only the worn half. Inspect the box-type frame and mounting ears for fatigue cracking at weld toes each time pins come out, since demolition impact loads concentrate stress there. Rebuild jaw cylinders when seals weep or the jaw drifts under a held load.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
Demolition and scrap environments push grit into every pin and bushing joint faster than normal duty, so the G145B needs more frequent greasing in hot, dry, dusty work than the base interval calls for, and again after wet or muddy conditions wash grease out of the joint. Wipe fittings clean before greasing so debris doesn't get pumped into the joint with the grease. In cold weather, switch to a colder-rated multipurpose grease so the film doesn't stiffen and starve the pins between service intervals.
G145B attachments & work tools
Mounting interface
Attaches through a single interface usable either pin-on or with a pin grabber coupler, no modification needed between the two. A modular pin hub design lets the mounting pin be pulled and replaced while the grapple jaw halves stay connected, so pinning to the host stick/linkage is quick.
Actuation type
Jaw opening and closing is driven mechanically through the host excavator's own bucket-curl linkage and cylinder, the same way a bucket is actuated. No auxiliary hydraulic hoses or circuits are required and there is no powered continuous-rotation function.
Linkage and host machine class
Factory compatibility guidance pairs the G145B with the Cat 345 excavator platform. It is offered as separate linkage-specific builds, including an F-linkage version and a TB-linkage version, to match different 345-series stick geometries across machine generations. This puts it in the large excavator class, roughly 40-50 tonne operating weight range depending on the 345 generation and configuration.
Cross-generation fit
The grapple line is built for compatibility across C-series through D-series Cat excavators sharing the same linkage class, letting a mixed fleet of older and newer 345-class machines use one grapple. Exact linkage match should still be confirmed per unit with a dealer.
Jaw and tine configuration
Uses a two-over-three tine layout, two upper jaw tines working against three lower fixed tines, with interlocking tines for a secure hold when sorting or loading. The lower jaw has a slight curve to aid penetration into piles and a clean, unrestricted release on unloading. Maximum jaw opening runs roughly 3400-3430 mm (134-135 in) with a minimum closed gap near 270 mm (10.6 in); exact figures vary slightly by linkage configuration.
Wear and guarding package
Tips, wrappers, and wear strips are built from AR400 abrasion-resistant steel on a rigid box-type frame designed to avoid unnecessary weight. Wrapper and wear-tip thicknesses fall in roughly the 20-40 mm range across the tool. A heavier-duty wear package is offered as a field-installable option for higher-abrasion demolition and scrap work.
All G145B assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar G145B. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Service Equipment And Supplies
285-8093 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
287-8239 Plate & Film Gp
| 28***39 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
287-5798 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
280-1490 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
288-3908 Plate & Film Gp
| 28***08 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
287-0487 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
286-5619 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
284-7987 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
285-3642 Plate & Film Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
Work Tool Arrangement
321-6032 Grapple Ar-Demolition
| 28***04 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G130b, D-Linkage | 1 |
| 32***58 | Grapple Group | 1 |
| 32***32 | Grapple Ar-Demolition | 1 |
275-2403 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***03 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b | 1 |
| 27***04 | Grapple Group; -G130b | 1 |
282-2576 Grapple Ar-Mechanical
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***76 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical | 1 |
| 28***77 | Grapple Group; -G165b | 1 |
279-7361 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G145b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***61 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G145b | 1 |
| 27***77 | Grapple Group; -G145b | 1 |
282-2575 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G165b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***75 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G165b | 1 |
| 28***77 | Grapple Group; -G165b | 1 |
275-6074 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G125b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***74 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G125b | 1 |
| 27***75 | Grapple Group; -G125b | 1 |
275-6072 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G125b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***72 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G125b | 1 |
| 27***75 | Grapple Group; -G125b | 1 |
279-7362 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G145b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***62 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G145b | 1 |
| 27***77 | Grapple Group; -G145b | 1 |
282-8316 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G115b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***16 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G115b | 1 |
| 28***17 | Grapple Group; -G115b | 1 |
283-5790 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G112b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***90 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G112b | 1 |
| 28***91 | Grapple Group; -G112b | 1 |
283-7308 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G185b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***08 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G185b | 1 |
| 28***10 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G185b | 1 |
275-2402 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***02 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b | 1 |
| 27***04 | Grapple Group; -G130b | 1 |
279-7307 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G120b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***07 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G120b | 1 |
| 27***22 | Grapple Group; -G120b | 1 |
285-1264 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G107b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***64 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G107b | 1 |
| 28***15 | Grapple Group | 1 |
279-7306 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G120b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***06 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G120b | 1 |
| 27***22 | Grapple Group; -G120b | 1 |
275-2400 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***00 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b | 1 |
| 27***04 | Grapple Group; -G130b | 1 |
283-7307 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G185b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 28***07 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G185b | 1 |
| 28***09 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G185b | 1 |
279-7305 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G120b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***05 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G120b | 1 |
| 27***22 | Grapple Group; -G120b | 1 |
275-2401 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G130b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 0 |
| 27***01 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G130b | 1 |
| 27***04 | Grapple Group; -G130b | 1 |
275-6073 Grapple Ar-Mechanical -G125b
| 13***34 | Plate-Identification; (Work Tool) | 1 |
| 27***73 | Grapple Ar-Mechanical; -G125b | 1 |
| 27***75 | Grapple Group; -G125b | 1 |
Work Tools
275-6075 Grapple Gp -G125b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 4 |
| 10***29 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 19***52 | Bracket As-Mounting | 1 |
279-7322 Grapple Gp -G120b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 4 |
| 10***29 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 12***90 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
279-7377 Grapple Gp -G145b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 6 |
| 14***38 | Bearing-Sleeve | 4 |
| 18***58 | Bearing; (190.31-mm Od) | 2 |
282-8317 Grapple Gp -G115b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 4 |
| 12***90 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 19***63 | Spacer; (16.5x22.2x13-mm Thk) | 1 |
275-2404 Grapple Gp -G130b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 4 |
| 19***52 | Bracket As-Mounting | 1 |
| 19***60 | Pin As | 1 |
283-5791 Grapple Gp -G112b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 6 |
| 14***38 | Bearing-Sleeve | 4 |
| 16***52 | Bearing; (180.45-mm Id) | 2 |
284-5386 Grapple Gp -G185b
| 08***97 | Washer; (13x50x6-mm Thk) | 1 |
| 09***30 | Seal-Lip Type | 4 |
| 09***74 | Bearing-Sleeve | 1 |
282-2577 Grapple Gp -G165b
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 4 |
| 11***81 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 12***90 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
321-4358 Grapple Gp
| 27***09 | Bushing | 2 |
| 27***14 | Pin | 1 |
| 27***17 | Bushing | 2 |
285-3515 Grapple Gp
| 27***08 | Bushing | 2 |
| 27***13 | Pin | 1 |
| 27***16 | Bearing | 2 |
280-9011 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b, C-Linkage
| 09***49 | Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk) | 1 |
| 23***31 | Pin As | 1 |
| 27***11 | Bushing | 2 |
281-0357 Pin Gp-Grapple -G120b, G125b, B-Linkage
| 20***71 | Washer; (26x90x8-mm Thk) | 1 |
| 27***83 | Collar | 2 |
| 27***86 | Bushing | 2 |
281-2051 Pin Gp-Grapple -G145b
| 19***79 | Plate | 1 |
| 21***88 | Pin As | 1 |
| 28***51 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G145b | 1 |
283-5792 Pin Gp-Grapple -G112b, 312-Linkage
| 19***80 | Plate | 1 |
| 19***84 | Pin As | 1 |
| 28***59 | Collar | 2 |
280-9012 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b
| 27***16 | Bearing | 2 |
| 27***79 | Bearing | 2 |
| 27***81 | Pin | 1 |
285-3550 Pin Gp-Grapple -G107b
| 26***28 | Plate As-Wear | 3 |
| 26***29 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
| 26***30 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
283-7310 Pin Gp-Grapple -G185b
| 26***19 | Plate As-Wear | 2 |
| 26***20 | Plate As-Wear | 3 |
| 26***23 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
283-7309 Pin Gp-Grapple -G185b
| 04***12 | Pin | 2 |
| 10***34 | Pin | 1 |
| 28***09 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G185b | 1 |
282-2582 Pin Gp-Grapple -G165b, V-Linkage
| 10***78 | Pin | 1 |
| 28***82 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G165b, V-Linkage | 1 |
| 28***22 | Bearing | 2 |
281-0356 Pin Gp-Grapple -G120b, G125b, Cb-Linkage
| 27***82 | Bushing | 2 |
| 27***83 | Collar | 2 |
| 27***84 | Pin | 1 |
280-9013 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b, Cb-Linkage
| 09***49 | Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk) | 1 |
| 23***31 | Pin As | 1 |
| 27***08 | Bushing | 2 |
281-2049 Pin Gp-Grapple -G145b, F / T-Linkage
| 19***79 | Plate | 1 |
| 28***49 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G145b, F / T-Linkage | 1 |
| 28***53 | Pin As | 1 |
280-9004 Pin Gp-Grapple -G130b, D-Linkage
| 09***49 | Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk) | 1 |
| 25***58 | Pin As | 1 |
| 27***10 | Bushing | 2 |
282-8521 Pin Gp-Grapple -G115b
| 19***79 | Plate | 1 |
| 28***59 | Collar | 2 |
| 28***21 | Pin Group-Grapple; -G115b | 1 |
282-2583 Pin Gp-Grapple -G165b
| 08***23 | Pin Bkt To Stk Link To Bkt. | 1 |
| 09***76 | Nut; (M14x2-Thd) | 2 |
| 24***74 | Bolt; (M14x2x160-mm) | 1 |
281-0355 Pin Gp-Grapple -G120b, G125b, C-Linkage
| 27***80 | Bushing | 2 |
| 27***81 | Pin | 1 |
| 27***84 | Bushing | 2 |
268-9679 Plate Gp-Wear
| 26***79 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 29***75 | Plate As-Wear | 4 |
| 29***78 | Plate As-Wear | 1 |
288-5713 Plate Gp-Wear
| 28***13 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 29***84 | Plate As-Wear | 4 |
| 29***85 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
268-9670 Plate Gp-Wear
| 26***70 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 28***14 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
| 28***15 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
298-5681 Plate Gp-Wear
| 27***37 | Keeper | 1 |
| 27***78 | Keeper | 1 |
| 27***00 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
298-5689 Plate Gp-Wear
| 28***32 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
| 28***33 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
| 28***37 | Bar, Bolt,Hex Flange Head Cap M8 X 1.25 X 125mm; Special, Bolt,Hex Flange Head Cap M8 X 1.25 X 125mm | 2 |
268-9617 Plate Gp-Wear
| 26***17 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 26***34 | Plate As-Wear | 2 |
| 26***65 | Plate As-Wear | 3 |
298-5672 Plate Gp-Wear
| 29***72 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 29***92 | Plate As-Wear | 5 |
| 29***93 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
268-9625 Plate Gp-Wear
| 26***25 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 26***74 | Plate As-Wear | 4 |
| 26***76 | Plate As-Wear | 1 |
268-9631 Plate Gp-Wear
| 26***31 | Plate Group-Wear | 1 |
| 29***66 | Plate As-Wear | 4 |
| 29***69 | Plate As-Wear | 1 |
285-1265 Tine As
| 27***37 | Keeper | 1 |
| 27***74 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
| 27***75 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
285-1266 Tine As
| 10***29 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 27***07 | Tine Group; -Lower | 1 |
| 28***66 | Tine As | 1 |
275-6076 Tine As -Upper
| 27***76 | Tine As; -Upper | 1 |
| 28***33 | Plate-Wear | 3 |
| 28***41 | Plate-Wear | 3 |
275-2405 Tine Gp
| 27***05 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 27***75 | Plate-Wear | 1 |
| 27***76 | Bar | 2 |
275-2406 Tine Gp -Lower
| 10***29 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 27***06 | Tine Group; -Lower | 1 |
| 27***78 | Tine Group | 1 |
283-5793 Tine Gp
| 21***21 | Keeper | 2 |
| 28***93 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 28***19 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
321-4361 Tine Gp -Heavy Duty
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
283-5856 Tine Gp
| 10***29 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 27***06 | Tine Group; -Lower | 1 |
| 28***56 | Tine Group | 1 |
321-4360 Tine Gp
| 15***44 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris) | 1 |
| 15***35 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 15***36 | Film-Warning; (Read Operation Manual) | 1 |
279-7378 Tine Gp
| 25***07 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 27***78 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 28***56 | Tine Group | 1 |
275-2407 Tine Gp -Lower
| 27***07 | Tine Group; -Lower | 1 |
| 27***01 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
| 27***07 | Plate-Wear | 1 |
283-5794 Tine Gp
| 22***14 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 28***94 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 28***66 | Tine As | 1 |
275-6077 Tine Gp
| 27***77 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 27***10 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
| 27***11 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
275-6078 Tine Gp
| 27***78 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 28***18 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
| 28***19 | Plate-Wear | 2 |
285-3538 Tine Gp
| 27***05 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 28***38 | Tine Group | 1 |
| 28***14 | Plate-Wear | 4 |
G145B serial number reference
The PIN plate for this work tool is mounted on the grapple's own frame/casting near the linkage pivot, not on the host excavator's dash or frame - it identifies the attachment, not the carrier machine. It reads as an 8-character PIN: the first 3 letters are the prefix tied to the specific grapple model/arrangement (GCJ for the G145B), and the trailing 5 digits are the sequential unit number built within that prefix run, so GCJ00001 is the first unit off that arrangement.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GCJ | G145B Contractors' Grapple - Mechanical Grapple Arrangement (FT-linkage and TB-linkage mounts) | Serial break GCJ1-UP. Identifies the grapple arrangement itself (frame/jaw casting), not a host excavator or engine serial. Covers the mechanical grapple fitted to FT-linkage and TB-linkage excavator mounts for structural demolition, material handling, and sorting/loading of scrap, rock, pipe and debris. Sits inside a shared parts manual spanning the full G107B-G185B Contractor Grapple range, where each size carries its own distinct prefix; no sub-breaks or running-change prefix after GCJ1 turned up for this size. |
Frequently asked questions
What host excavator does the Cat G145B fit?
The G145B is sized for the Cat 345 excavator platform, a large excavator in roughly the 40-50 tonne operating class, spanning C-series through D-series machines. It mounts via F-linkage or TB-linkage builds matched to the host's stick geometry, and attaches pin-on or through a pin grabber coupler without modification. It carries no engine of its own; the jaw is driven off the host excavator's own bucket-curl linkage and cylinder, the same way a bucket is actuated.
What is the operating weight of the Cat G145B?
The G145B weighs approximately 3,050-3,062 kg (6,724-6,750 lb) as a bare attachment. Maximum jaw opening runs roughly 3.3-3.4 m (131-135 in), with a fixed jaw width of 1336 mm (52.6 in). Since the tool has no engine, undercarriage, or fluid reservoirs of its own, this weight is its full shipping weight, not a partial machine spec.
What replaced the Cat G145B in Caterpillar's grapple lineup?
Nothing has replaced the G145B model number; it remains a current Caterpillar product. What changed is the linkage: the original F-linkage build is now non-current, while the TB-linkage version is the current production build for today's 345-class excavators. Within the wider G107B-G185B Contractor Grapple family, the G145B still fills the size step between the smaller G130B and the larger G165B.
What G145B owners discuss
What wears out first on a G145B in daily demolition or sorting work?
How do shops usually deal with worn wear plates and tines rather than replacing the whole jaw?
What should be checked on the pins and bushings at the linkage points, and how often do they need grease?
The jaw does not open and close evenly on both sides, or feels sluggish at low engine RPM. Is that normal?
How long do the jaw cylinder seals typically last, and what shortens their life?
Does the G145B need a specific coupler, and can it be adapted to a different size excavator?
What should be checked before buying a used G145B?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
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