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Caterpillar G315

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The G315 is a hydraulically powered sorting and demolition grapple, not a self-propelled machine — it has no engine, cab, or ECM of its own and draws all clamp and rotation power from its carrier excavator. It mounts via B/S linkage on the Cat 322B L (2.5-3.6 m / 8'2"-11'10" stick range) and via C linkage on the 325B L (2.7-3.2 m / 8'10"-10'6" stick range). Operating weight is about 1840 kg (4,057 lb) including the mounting bracket, with an 800 L (1.04 yd³) material capacity and a 60 kN closing force. It sits as the smallest of Caterpillar's original G315/G320/G330 sorting-and-demolition grapple line, dating to the late-1990s/2000s B-series excavator generation, built for tasks like structure stripping, debris sorting, container loading, and site clean-up.

Caterpillar has revised this grapple range more than once since the G315 was current. A later "B"-suffix generation (G310B, G315B, G320B, G325B) carried different weights, capacities, and closing forces under similar-looking model numbers, and a more recent GC-tier naming scheme has reused the "G315" designation again for an unrelated newer product built for the current excavator lineup. That makes the plain G315 (no B or GC suffix) a distinct, dated design tied specifically to 322B L/325B L linkage and mounting geometry. In the used and parts market, that distinction matters: buyers matching a grapple to an older B-series carrier need to confirm the exact suffix and linkage class before assuming parts or mounting brackets interchange with a same-numbered newer unit.

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 G315 specifications

Weights

Operating weight (incl. mounting bracket)

1840 kg (4,057 lb)

Dimensions

Length, grapple closed	1505 mm (59 in)
Length, grapple open	2265 mm (89 in)
Width	1115 mm (44 in)
Height, grapple closed	1850 mm (72.8 in)
Height, grapple open	1690 mm (66.5 in)
Grapple capacity	800 L (1.04 yd3)

Performance

Closing force	60 kN (6.7 ton)
Rotation	360 degree hydraulic rotation; full turn in about 4 seconds at the recommended oil flow
Open/close cycle time	About 1.7 seconds, allowing material to be fed onto moving conveyors during sorting
Carrier compatibility	Mounts on a Cat 322B L excavator with a 2.5-3.6 m (8 ft 2 in - 11 ft 10 in) stick, or a Cat 325B L excavator with a 2.7-3.2 m (8 ft 10 in - 10 ft 6 in) stick

Service capacities (summary)

Hydraulic cylinder circuit, max oil flow	100 L/min (26.4 gpm)
Hydraulic cylinder circuit, max working pressure	35000 kPa (5075 psi)
Rotation circuit, max oil flow	40 L/min (10.6 gpm)
Rotation circuit, max working pressure	14000 kPa (2030 psi)
Fuel tank, engine oil, cooling system	Not applicable. The grapple carries no engine of its own and runs entirely off the carrier excavator's hydraulic system

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

G315 fluids & capacities

System	Capacity	Recommended fluid
Grease points - jaw pivot pins, linkage joints, rotator/slewing-ring bearing	Not applicable - serviced through grease fittings as needed, no set reservoir volume	Cat Multipurpose Grease, NLGI 2 lithium complex, for ambient -30 to 40 C (-22 to 104 F). In colder climates or high-cycle rotator duty, step down to a low-temperature NLGI 0-1 grease (e.g. an arctic-grade lithium complex grease rated to about -50 C/-58 F) per standard Cat work-tool lubrication guidance.
Hydraulic circuit - clamp cylinders and 360-degree rotator	No dedicated reservoir on the grapple itself - it runs off the carrier excavator's own hydraulic tank, so usable capacity follows the host machine, not the tool	Match the oil already specified in the carrier excavator's own OMM (a Cat anti-wear hydraulic oil such as HYDO Advanced or equivalent, graded to the carrier's climate). Grapple circuit is rated for up to about 100 L/min (26.4 gpm) at max 35 000 kPa (5075 psi) on the clamp cylinders, and up to about 40 L/min (10.6 gpm) at max 14 000 kPa (2030 psi) on the rotation drive - confirm carrier flow/pressure is within these limits before fitting.

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

Caterpillar G315 maintenance schedule

Service interval	Tasks
—	Grease every fitting on the jaw pivots, clamp-cylinder pins, and mounting bracket before the first cycle of the shift. Walk down both clamp cylinders and hose runs, checking for weeping seals, chafing, or loose fittings. Inspect the cutting edges and tines for cracks, bent tips, or excessive wear. Confirm the grapple opens, closes, and rotates smoothly with no hesitation, binding, or unusual noise from the rotator. Check the mounting bracket and pivot-pin retention for visible looseness or movement.
Every 50 h	Grease the swivel/rotator bearing and gerotor motor mounting points in addition to the daily grease points. Inspect the bolt-on wear plates on the cutting edges and flip or rotate them once wear approaches the halfway mark. Torque-check the mounting bracket fasteners and jaw pivot-pin retainers. Check clamp-cylinder rod ends and seals for scoring or oil seepage under load. Clean debris and grit from the swivel housing and grease zerks before regreasing.
Every 250 h	Perform a full grease service at every point on the grapple, rotator, and mounting bracket. Inspect the rotation gerotor motor for external leakage and confirm rotation speed and torque feel are unchanged. Check jaw pivot-pin and bushing clearance, noting any play building beyond normal working tolerance. Inspect the Hardox tines and cutting-edge wear plates for depth of wear and remaining reversibility. Re-torque all structural, mounting-bracket, and cylinder-clevis fasteners to spec. Inspect hydraulic hose routing for chafe points against the arm and housing, re-clamp as needed.
Every 500 h	Check the rotator/gerotor motor for internal leakage or a measurable drop in rotation torque or speed. Inspect the 360-degree slewing ring and swivel bearing for play or roughness under load. Inspect housing and jaw-arm weldments for surface cracking, especially around the pivot bosses. Measure pin and bushing wear at all jaw pivots against working-clearance limits. Confirm clamp-cylinder closing force and open/close cycle time are still within factory spec.
Every 1,000 h	Pull and inspect the rotator/gerotor motor internals, replacing seals and bearings that show wear. Replace clamp-cylinder seal kits as a set rather than spot-replacing individual seals. Rebuild or replace worn jaw pivot pins and bushings found outside working clearance. Inspect and, if needed, resurface the mounting-bracket wear plate and pin bores. Carry out a full structural inspection of the housing, arms, and tines before returning the grapple to service.

Servicing the G315 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The G315 carries no engine oil program of its own — condition monitoring centers on the carrier's hydraulic oil and this grapple's two circuits: a 100 L/min, 35,000 kPa clamp-cylinder circuit and a 40 L/min, 14,000 kPa rotation circuit. Sample carrier hydraulic oil on the excavator's normal interval and watch for contamination tracing back to the grapple's hose runs. Log rotation speed and open/close cycle time over time — a fall-off from the roughly 4-second full rotation or 1.7-second clamp cycle flags early rotator or seal wear before it becomes a leak.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most G315 repairs center on the rotation gerotor motor, clamp-cylinder seals, and tine wear. Internal leakage in the gerotor motor shows up as slower or weaker rotation and calls for a seal and bearing repair rather than a full motor swap. Clamp-cylinder rod seals wear from constant clamp-and-release cycling and are best replaced as a set. The bolt-on wear plates on the Hardox cutting edges can be turned 180 degrees once to double service life before outright replacement is needed.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Overhaul work on the G315 targets the housing and jaw-arm pin/bushing joints along with the 360-degree slewing ring. Years of clamp-and-rotate cycling wear the pivot bores and bushings past working clearance, producing play that shows up as slop in the jaws. A full rebuild replaces worn pins and bushings, checks the swivel bearing for preload and smooth rotation under load, and inspects the mounting-bracket plate and pin bores for wear before the grapple returns to demolition or sorting duty.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Demolition and sorting sites are dusty and abrasive, so grease intervals on the G315 should tighten in hot, gritty conditions where debris packs into the swivel housing and pivot joints faster than the standard schedule assumes. In cold weather, confirm grease at the rotator and pivot points stays workable and doesn't stiffen enough to slow rotation or clamp response. Clean grit from zerks before every greasing cycle, and inspect hose routing more often on sites with sharp debris that can abrade exposed lines.

G315 attachments & work tools

Carrier/excavator size class

The G315 sorting and demolition grapple is built to mount on the Cat 322B L excavator (stick range roughly 2.5-3.6 m / 8'2"-11'10") and the 325B L (stick range roughly 2.7-3.2 m / 8'10"-10'6"). That puts it on mid-size B-series excavators, not on the later G315B family (which pairs with a different, newer carrier lineup) or the separate G315 GC line built for a smaller 10-19 tonne excavator class.

Coupler/mounting bracket system

Mounting is a dedicated bolt-on adapter bracket at the top of the tool rather than a universal pin-grab quick coupler. A positive mechanical linkage ties the bracket to the excavator stick, and the bracket/linkage kit is matched to the host carrier's own stick linkage design so the tool is rigidly located for accurate, repeatable positioning.

Hydraulic rotator configuration

Standard configuration is a 360 degree slewing ring driven by a hydraulic gerotor motor and control manifold, not a fixed non-rotating mount. At rated flow the tool rotates a full 360 degrees in about 4 seconds, with control response accurate enough to start and stop rotation instantaneously.

Hydraulic supply requirements

The grapple's clamp cylinders and rotator run off two separate hydraulic circuits from the carrier: a higher-flow, higher-pressure circuit for the jaw cylinders and a lower-flow, lower-pressure circuit for the rotator motor. Circuit sizing varies by carrier and installation, so flow/pressure should be confirmed against the specific excavator's work-tool circuit before hookup.

Jaw/tine and sideboard configuration

The tool uses a twin-jaw rake-style grapple with vertical tine ribs reinforced by horizontal welded steel bars, giving roughly a 1.7 second open/close cycle for feathering material onto conveyors or into piles. Bolt-on sideboard/side plates are available as an option to close up the rib cage for handling smaller, loose debris.

Wear protection and factory guarding options

Cutting edges are wear-plate protected with reversible bolt-on plates that can be turned to double service life before replacement; the plates and jaw structure are hardened wear-resistant steel selected for impact and abrasion resistance in demolition and sorting duty. A falling-object protective guard is offered as a factory option for applications where overhead debris is a hazard.

All G315 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar G315. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Frame And Body

174-7842 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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193-5353 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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174-1657 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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174-9093 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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193-5358 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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193-5362 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***18	Lockwasher	13

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187-4372 Sideboard Gp-Grapple

15***22	Lockwasher	12
17***40	Screw-Flat Head; (M24x3x90mm)	12
18***70	Plate As-Rh	2
18***72	Sideboard Group-Grapple	1

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187-4371 Sideboard Gp-Grapple

15***22	Lockwasher	12
17***40	Screw-Flat Head; (M24x3x90mm)	12
18***69	Plate As-Rh	2
18***71	Sideboard Group-Grapple	1

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Hydraulic System

174-1679 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic

09***48	Nipple, Grease	2
12***09	Bearing	2
17***79	Cylinder Group-Hydraulic	1
17***68	Cylinder As	1

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177-5021 Lines Gp-Connecting

12***40	Fitting As-Hydraulic; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	2
17***21	Lines Group-Connecting	1
17***22	Hose As	2
6V***98	Seal-O-Ring -Line From Gear Pump Output	4

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229-4905 Lines Gp-Connecting

11***49	Fitting; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	2
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
22***05	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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228-9797 Lines Gp-Connecting

11***49	Fitting; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	2
1P***02	Seal-Rectangular 28.83mm(1.136in) Id	2
22***97	Lines Group-Connecting	1
22***19	Hose As	2

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177-5129 Lines Gp-Connecting

12***40	Fitting As-Hydraulic; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	2
17***29	Lines Group-Connecting	1
17***45	Hose As	2
6V***98	Seal-O-Ring -Line From Gear Pump Output	4

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177-5024 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
17***24	Lines Group-Connecting	1
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	1
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	2

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177-5046 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
17***46	Lines Group-Connecting	1
5K***90	Seal-To Hydraulic Cooler Inlet Port	2
6V***48	Reducer Assembly	2

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177-5019 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***19	Lines Group-Connecting	1
17***20	Hose As	2
7K***81	Strap-Pressure & Return Hoses To	4

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177-5023 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
17***23	Lines Group-Connecting	1
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4

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170-2174 Manifold Gp-Control

14***20	Bolt-Socket Head; (M6x1x75-mm)	4
17***74	Manifold Group-Control	1
7Y***19	Seal-O-Ring (Id=12.37mm)	2

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170-2172 Motor & Manifold Gp-Rotator

17***72	Motor & Manifold Group-Rotator	1
17***73	Motor Group-Gerotor	1
17***74	Manifold Group-Control	1
17***76	Ring-Mounting	1

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170-2173 Motor Gp-Gerotor

17***73	Motor Group-Gerotor	1
17***21	Kit-Housing	1
17***22	Shaft-Output	1
17***25	Key-Square	1

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171-7526 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic

03***43	Seal-O-Ring	1
09***48	Nipple, Grease	1
14***70	Elbow, 90°,-8 Orb Swiv. /-8 Orfs	2
15***94	Adapter As	6

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169-6060 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic

03***43	Seal-O-Ring	1
08***09	Spacer; (16.6x32x8.5-mm Thk)	34
12***28	Adaptor - Includes:-	2
15***94	Adapter As	6

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170-3045 Swivel Gp

16***43	Seal	1
17***45	Swivel Group	1
17***41	Stator	1
17***42	Rotor	1

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Service Equipment And Supplies

174-9092 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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204-4260 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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204-4263 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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174-7864 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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204-4257 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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174-1656 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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Work Tool Arrangement

193-5352 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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193-5361 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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174-7841 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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174-9091 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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174-1655 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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193-5357 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***74	Fitting As	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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Work Tools

169-4971 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***71	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***91	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	2

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169-5307 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***07	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***47	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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190-5435 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
19***35	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
19***36	Bracket As	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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175-0338 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***38	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
17***46	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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254-4039 Bracket Gp-Mounting

169-5311 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***11	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***16	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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169-4980 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***80	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***98	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***52	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 30)	2

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169-5308 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***08	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***45	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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179-1647 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***19	Bracket As	1
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***47	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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169-5312 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***12	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***54	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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175-0342 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***42	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
17***49	Bracket As	1
7X***52	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 30)	2

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193-4497 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
19***97	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
20***66	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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169-4976 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***76	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***96	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	1

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169-4969 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***69	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***89	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	2

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169-4975 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***75	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***94	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14

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175-0341 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***41	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
17***48	Bracket As	1
7X***52	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 30)	2

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169-4981 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***81	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***99	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	1

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201-9466 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
20***66	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
20***31	Bracket As	1

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169-4970 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***70	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***90	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7Y***10	Washer-Special; (17x65x6-mm Thk)	2

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169-4974 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***74	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***93	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	2

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169-4968 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***68	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
23***05	Bracket As	1
7Y***10	Washer-Special; (17x65x6-mm Thk)	2

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179-1645 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***18	Bracket As	1
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***45	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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179-1646 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***45	Bracket As	1
17***46	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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179-1654 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***15	Bracket As	1
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***54	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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169-4978 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***78	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***97	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	1

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209-1776 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
20***59	Plate-Serial Number	1
20***76	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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174-9098 Edge Gp-Cutting

17***98	Edge Group-Cutting	1
18***49	Edge-Cutting	2
2J***06	Nut Front Support To Frame; Nut-Front Support To Frame	18
5J***71	Bolt-Plow; (3/4-10x2.75-In)	18

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174-5567 Edge Gp-Cutting

174-7845 Edge Gp-Cutting

17***45	Edge Group-Cutting	1
18***48	Edge-Cutting	2
2J***05	Nut Rim To Adapter And Adapter To Wheel	24
2J***06	Nut Front Support To Frame; Nut-Front Support To Frame	18

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193-7176 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
19***62	Housing Group-Grapple	1
19***76	Grapple Group	1

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179-3481 Grapple Gp

17***26	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
17***93	Housing Group-Grapple	1
17***81	Grapple Group	1

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179-3477 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
17***57	Housing Group-Grapple	1
17***77	Grapple Group	1

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193-7174 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
19***53	Housing Group-Grapple	1
19***74	Grapple Group	1

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193-7178 Grapple Gp

17***26	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
19***58	Housing Group-Grapple	1
19***78	Grapple Group	1

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179-3479 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
17***42	Housing Group-Grapple	1
17***79	Grapple Group	1

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G315 serial number reference

The serial/PIN plate is riveted to the grapple's frame or housing, typically near the top mounting plate or rotator drive, not on the excavator carrier itself. It shows an 8-character Product Identification Number: the first 3 letters are the prefix tied to this specific work-tool model and build run, followed by a 5-digit sequence number (for example ALW00001). Read the full plate rather than the bare prefix, since related grapple models sharing the same parts manual can carry visually similar but distinct 3-letter prefixes.

Prefix	Identifies	Notes
ALW	G315 GRAPPLE-DEM/SORT (base G315 line, not G315B or G315 GC)	Identifies the base G315 demolition and sorting grapple housing and mounting-bracket group. The G315 shares one parts book with the G320 and G330 grapples; G320 carries its own AFA prefix and G330 its own AMT prefix on the same mounting-bracket listings, so those two prefixes belong to the larger siblings, not a G315. No engine or power source of its own -- draws hydraulics from the host excavator (commonly matched to 317-325 class carriers). Treat as a hydraulic grapple work tool, single production series with no documented sub-generation split. Confirm the exact build lot and any spec changes with a dealer using the full plate.

Frequently asked questions

What carrier excavators fit the Caterpillar G315 grapple?

Per Cat's factory matching guide, the G315 mounts via B/S linkage on the 322B L with a 2.5-3.6 m (8'2"-11'10") stick, and via C linkage on the 325B L with a 2.7-3.2 m (8'10"-10'6") stick. It is not interchangeable with later same-numbered B-suffix or GC-tier grapples, which use different mounting geometry.

What is the G315's operating weight and material capacity?

About 1840 kg (4,057 lb) including its mounting bracket, with an 800 L (1.04 yd³) material capacity. Closing force is rated at 60 kN, with a clamp-cylinder circuit rated at 100 L/min at 35,000 kPa and a rotation circuit rated at 40 L/min at 14,000 kPa.

What came after the G315 in Cat's grapple line?

Caterpillar replaced the original G315/G320/G330 sorting-and-demolition line with a "B"-suffix generation (G310B, G315B, G320B, G325B) carrying different weights and closing forces under similar numbers, and later reused "G315" again under a GC-tier naming scheme for an unrelated newer product. Always confirm the suffix, not just the number, before matching parts or specs.

What G315 owners discuss

How durable is the rotator (gerotor) motor on the G315, and what typically fails first?

The gerotor rotation motor is generally reported as the most trouble-free wear item on the grapple as long as the hydraulic oil stays clean. Most rotator complaints trace back to oil contamination or a restricted case-drain line rather than gear wear itself. The first sign owners describe is slow or hesitant rotation under load, followed by a rise in case-drain temperature or flow past normal. Shaft seal leakage at the motor is a more common repair than internal gear wear. Running the wrong oil viscosity or stretching filter change intervals speeds up wear noticeably. Because case-drain condition affects the whole rotation circuit, have your dealer verify case-drain flow and shaft seal condition if rotation ever feels sluggish or runs hot.

How fast do the tines/jaws and cutting edges wear, and what pattern do owners see?

Wear rate depends heavily on material. Sorting mixed construction and demolition debris is comparatively gentle on the edges; working concrete with embedded rebar or digging into aggregate wears the bolt-on cutting edges much faster. Community reporting puts edge replacement anywhere from a few hundred hours to under a thousand hours in abrasive concrete and rebar work, stretching well beyond that on lighter sorting duty — treat any specific hour figure as a rough guide since it varies by configuration/series and material mix. The tine tips and the leading edge take the first bite and wear fastest. Bolt-on edges are meant to be rotated or replaced before wear reaches the tine base casting, since grinding into base metal is a far more expensive repair than swapping a wear edge.

What do owners say about pin, bushing, and swivel-ring wear?

Consistent greasing is the factor operators point to most. Pin and bushing joints greased roughly every shift, about every 8 to 10 working hours, last far longer than joints left to run dry between services, since a broken grease film lets pins gall and wear at several times the normal rate. Once a joint develops play, operators describe a knock or clunk under load and looser jaw control. The center swivel/slew ring that carries the 360-degree rotation is greased on its own schedule separate from the jaw pivots and is the more expensive joint to rebuild, so rotation that feels loose, notchy, or shows visible play at the ring is treated as a bigger concern than ordinary jaw-pin play.

How do hoses and seals hold up on a demolition or scrap site, and what causes early failures?

Exposed hose and cylinder seals are the most discussed wear item outside the wear metal itself. Puncture and abrasion from sharp debris account for most unscheduled hose failures on demolition and scrap duty; grapples with hose runs kept internal or behind guarding hold up noticeably better than exposed external plumbing. Heat is a secondary factor — hose routed near the carrier's engine bay, or running hot because of a restricted circuit, ages faster than hose kept clear of heat sources. Cylinder rod seals see accelerated wear from fine grit and dust embedding in the rod surface over repeated cycles; wiping rods down and checking for pitting is a common preventive step. In high-duty demolition and recycling service, hose life is generally reported as noticeably shorter than in lighter-duty work, so more frequent hose inspection is standard practice, not a sign of a bad unit.

What hydraulic flow and pressure should the carrier deliver, and why does a mismatch matter?

The G315 was built around specific carrier and linkage pairings — B/S linkage on the 322B L class carrier, C linkage on the 325B L class carrier — with a matched auxiliary circuit flow and pressure range commonly cited around 90 to 110 L/min (about 24 to 29 US gpm) at roughly 150 to 170 kg/cm2 (about 2,340 to 2,420 psi); treat exact figures as varying by configuration/series and by how the carrier's auxiliary valve is set up. Too little flow shows up as slow rotation and sluggish jaw closing. Flow above the tool's rated range does not add useful speed — it shows up as extra relief-valve heat and faster rotator and seal wear. Mismatched flow or pressure is flagged more often as the cause of a weak or slow-acting grapple than actual tool wear.

Are there any structural or safety concerns with the mounting bracket?

Fatigue cracking at the mounting bracket and around the pin bosses is the structural item owners watch for, since that structure carries the full clamping and rotation load through a high-cycle, high-impact duty cycle. Reported warning signs include hairline cracking near welds, elongated pin bores, or paint chipping at stress points that suggests movement under load. Because a bracket or pin-boss failure can drop the tool or let it swing unexpectedly, have your dealer verify bracket and pin-boss condition, including a crack check and pin-bore measurement, at regular service intervals rather than relying on a visual check alone.

What should a buyer check on a used G315?

Buying advice for this class of grapple centers on a handful of items: remaining thickness on the jaw/tine wear edges above the base casting; play or knocking at the jaw pivot pins and the center swivel ring under load; smooth, even rotation speed in both directions with no hesitation, which points to case-drain or gerotor wear if present; hose and cylinder condition, checking for chafing, bulging, or a weeping rod seal rather than trusting a machine that was freshly washed; the mounting bracket and pin bosses for cracks or bore elongation; and confirming which carrier linkage the unit was originally set up for, B/S or C, since the wrong linkage means added adapter cost or a poor fit. Service and greasing history is treated as more telling than the hour meter alone, since joint life tracks lubrication discipline as much as raw hours. Given the safety implications of bracket and pin condition, have your dealer verify structural condition before putting a used unit back into service.

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

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