Caterpillar HH45
Caterpillarforest productsharvester head

Caterpillar HH45

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar HH45 is a hydraulically driven, single-grip harvester head attachment, not a self-propelled machine. It has no engine, fuel system, or cooling system of its own and draws all of its power from the host carrier's hydraulic system, with no independent hydraulic reservoir. It mounts via a hydraulic rotator bolted to its upper yoke (a six-bolt, thread-locked joint torqued to roughly 240 +/- 40 N*m / 177 +/- 30 lb ft) onto either a purpose-built wheel or track harvester base machine or a hydraulic excavator boom. Within Caterpillar's own HH-series lineup (HH45/HH55/HH65/HH75), the HH45 is the lightest head, positioned for thinning-class work on smaller carriers. Two control-system generations exist: earlier production, carrying serial prefix 2JZ, used a third-party DASA electronic measuring-and-control system; later production, carrying serial prefix CFE, moved to Caterpillar's own CABS control, offered as a single control-station Cabswin unit or a dual control-station Cabsdos unit, with keypad entry and a printer for bucking data.

The move from DASA to CABS replaced a bought-in Swedish measuring-and-control system with Caterpillar's own electronics, folding bucking and length/diameter measurement into a control package built and supported by Cat rather than a third-party supplier. For buyers and shops working the used and parts market today, that split still matters: CFE/CABS heads are the newer, better-supported control generation, while 2JZ/DASA heads may mean sourcing control components outside Cat channels. As the entry-weight head in its family, the HH45 sees high duty cycles on its feed rollers, delimbing knives, and saw chain in thinning work, so wear there shows up faster than on larger heads in the same lineup. A used-HH45 check should always start with confirming which control generation is fitted, since that drives both diagnostic approach and parts sourcing going forward.

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.

HH45 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Chain/bar lubrication tank (saw chain oil)Exact fill figure not published in available documentation for this model - small onboard reservoir sized for a shift's cutting; verify fill level against the sight gauge/dipstick on the head or with your dealerCat-approved bar and chain oil selected by ambient temperature - lighter-viscosity oil for cold-weather operation so it flows to the bar and chain on startup, heavier tacky oil in warm weather for better film retention at the cutting chain; use a biodegradable chain oil where required by local environmental regulation. Feed rate is fixed (non-adjustable) and increases automatically as the saw bar extends.
Grease points - feed roller arm pivots, holding arm pivot/cylinder pins, delimb knife pins, rotator bearingNo capacity - serviced as individual grease points with a grease gun, not a filled reservoirCat multipurpose NLGI 2 grease (moly-fortified type for pin-and-bushing joints) at all pivot pins, cylinder pins, bearings and the rotator. Note: on the HH45 (unlike the HH55/HH65/HH75), the feed roller arm pivots are not fed by the pressurized chain-oil pump, so they rely on scheduled hand-greasing.
Hydraulic system (head)None - the head has no independent hydraulic reservoirRuns entirely on the host carrier's (harvester base machine or excavator) hydraulic system and tank; follow the carrier's own hydraulic oil specification, not a head-specific one.

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

Caterpillar HH45 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Hand-grease all pivot points not covered by the pressurized chain-oil pump: feed roller arm pivots, holding arm pivot and cylinder pins, delimb knife pins, and the rotator bearing.
  • Check saw chain tension and confirm the bar lubrication tank is full; clear bark, chips, and sap from the bar groove.
  • Walk down every hydraulic hose and fitting on the head for leaks, chafe, or loosening, since the head runs entirely off the carrier's hydraulic system.
  • Inspect delimbing knife edges and feed roller spikes/teeth for chipping, flattening, or missing teeth.
  • Clean debris from the measuring arm, diameter sensor, and length-measuring wheel so readings aren't thrown off by packed bark or pitch.
  • Cycle the holding arm and delimb knives and listen to the rotator and feed motors for noise that could point to trapped air or a developing leak.
Every 50 h
  • Check the saw bar rails for straightness and wear and dress or turn the bar as needed; inspect the nose sprocket for play.
  • Verify the measuring wheel spikes and diameter sensor arm move freely and read correctly against a log of known size.
  • Check feed roller spike wear pattern and confirm each roller still rotates freely under load.
  • Retorque the rotator-to-yoke mounting bolts and inspect hose routing and clamps at pivot points for early chafe.
Every 250 h
  • Check the feed roller arm pivot pin and bushing wear against the cam-curve wear check and regrease thoroughly.
  • Test and adjust holding arm cylinder pressure and delimbing knife cylinder pressure to the carrier's hydraulic setting.
  • Inspect delimbing knife edges for wear beyond serviceable limits and check knife cylinder linkage for play.
  • Check saw chain/bar lubrication flow rate and clean or replace the chain-oil tank screen/filter.
  • Check the rotator shaft seal for weep and feel for bearing play.
Every 500 h
  • Run the feed roller arm hydraulic lubrication flow test and adjust to spec.
  • Fully recheck measuring-arm calibration (diameter sensor and length pulse sensor) against a certified sample log, not just a visual check.
  • Inspect feed roller drive chains/sprockets for stretch or tooth wear and replace as needed.
  • Inspect every hydraulic hose on the head for surface cracking or age-related checking and replace any showing damage, even without a visible leak.
  • Retorque the rotator yoke bolts to spec (240 +/- 40 N*m / 177 +/- 30 lb ft) and confirm thread-locking compound is still intact.
Every 1,000 h
  • Partially disassemble and inspect the rotator bearing races and seals if any drift or play was noted at shorter intervals.
  • Inspect feed roller arm cylinders and delimb knife cylinders for internal leakage and reseal as needed.
  • Check the saw bar guide rails and nose sprocket against wear limits and replace if the chain no longer tracks true.
  • Run a full recalibration of the control system: potentiometer settings on DASA-generation heads, or keypad/printer function check on CABS-generation heads.
Every 2,000 h
  • Plan a major rotator teardown for bearing and seal replacement rather than waiting for a failure in the field.
  • Proactively replace the head's main hydraulic hoses on an age basis regardless of outward condition.
  • Inspect the feed roller frame and arm pivot bushings and the yoke/holding-arm structure for cracking or weld fatigue at high-stress points.
  • Service the CABS or DASA control box and connectors, including the printer on CABS-equipped heads.

Servicing the HH45 beyond the schedule

Predictive maintenance & fluid analysis

The head carries no oil of its own beyond the small chain-lubrication tank, so predictive work centers on trends rather than a sump sample. Track chain-oil consumption rate over time; a rising rate points to saw motor or lube-pump wear before it fails outright. Watch carrier hydraulic filter condition and case-drain temperature for early signs of rotator or cylinder seal wear. Log feed roller and delimb knife wear photographically each service, and flag measuring-arm diameter drift early, since it usually traces back to worn feed rollers rather than the sensor itself.

Corrective & common repairs

Most repairs on the HH45 trace to high-cycle wear parts: feed roller spikes and teeth going flat or missing, delimb knife edges chipping, and saw bar rails or the nose sprocket wearing out of spec. Chain stretch and broken links are routine consumables. A weeping rotator shaft seal often traces back to the directional control valve or relief pressure setting on the carrier, not the seal itself, so check hydraulics before pulling the rotator. Hose chafe at pivot points is a recurring failure point given the head runs entirely off carrier hydraulics.

Overhaul & rebuild points

Plan rebuilds around the rotator bearing and seal, feed roller arm cylinders, and delimb knife cylinders, all of which see continuous cycling in service. Reseal cylinders at the first sign of internal leakage rather than waiting for external weep. On reassembly, retorque the yoke-to-rotator bolts to 240 +/- 40 N*m (177 +/- 30 lb ft) with fresh thread-locking compound. Any major rebuild should end with a full control-system recalibration, potentiometer settings on DASA-generation heads or keypad/printer checks on CABS heads, since disturbed linkages shift measuring accuracy.

Seasonal & environment servicing

Switch to a lighter-viscosity bar and chain oil for cold-weather starts and a heavier, tackier oil in warm weather; the feed rate is fixed and rises automatically as the bar extends, so oil choice is the main seasonal adjustment. Cold, frozen wood changes how far the measuring wheel spikes penetrate versus unfrozen stems, so recheck calibration when conditions swing. In hot, sap-heavy conditions, clean the measuring arm, knives, and rollers more often to stop pitch buildup from masking wear and skewing sensor readings, and watch rotator seal life under sustained high-heat duty cycles.

HH45 attachments & work tools

Host carrier / base machine compatibility

The HH45 works as a dangle head on two factory-supported carrier types: purpose-built wheel (track) harvesters and hydraulic excavators. Cat's own service documentation carries separate hydraulic test-and-adjust procedures for a "Wheel Harvester" configuration and an "Excavator" configuration, so both are factory setups, not field conversions. As the lightest head in its own family line (HH45/HH55/HH65/HH75), it is positioned for thinning work on smaller-class carriers; an exact carrier weight class is not published for the HH45, so match carrier hydraulic flow and pressure to the head with your dealer before fitting.

Rotator and mounting interface

The head hangs from the carrier's boom or dangle link through a hydraulic rotator that gives continuous rotation. The rotator bolts to the head's upper yoke with a six-bolt pattern and thread-locking compound, torqued to 240 ± 40 N·m (177 ± 30 lb ft). A revised rotator design, improving the rotator-to-yoke joint, became effective on HH45 units from serial number CFE211-UP; earlier-built heads used the original rotator. There is no quick-attach coupler on this head — the bolted yoke/rotator joint is the mounting interface to the carrier linkage.

Saw bar and chain

The HH45 fells and bucks with a hydraulically driven bar-and-chain saw. Exact bar length and chain pitch/gauge specific to the HH45 are not documented in public spec sheets — this varies by dealer setup. Across the wider HH-series, harvester saw chain runs from .404 in pitch on the lighter heads up to 3/4 in (.750 in) pitch sprocket-nose bars on the larger heads. Confirm the exact bar/chain spec against the head's serial-specific parts book or with your dealer.

Control-cab / CABS variants

CABS-equipped HH45 units add a computer-aided bucking system with a length/diameter measuring computer and its own on/off switch. Two electrical control-head variants are documented for these units: Cabswin (single control-station wiring) and Cabsdos (dual control-station wiring), each carried as its own electrical control group. Non-CABS HH45 electrical systems used a separate base control, offered in separate English- and German-language versions for export builds.

All HH45 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar HH45. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Electrical And Starting System
196-4825 Control Ar-Harvester Head -Cabswin
19***25Control Ar-Harvester Head; -Cabswin1
19***27Control Group-Harvester Head1
19***30Wiring Group-Harvester Head1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4826 Control Ar-Harvester Head -Cabsdos
19***26Control Ar-Harvester Head; -Cabsdos1
19***28Control Group-Harvester Head1
19***30Wiring Group-Harvester Head1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4822 Control Ar-Harvester Head
19***79Control Group-Harvester Head1
19***22Control Ar-Harvester Head1
19***24Wiring Group-Harvester Head1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4827 Control Gp-Harvester Head
18***01Plate As1
19***19Box-Control Unit1
19***27Keyboard As1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4828 Control Gp-Harvester Head
16***25Printer Group-Computer1
19***19Box-Control Unit1
19***33Harness As-Wiring; (Boom)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-1279 Control Gp-Harvester Head
19***79Control Group-Harvester Head1
19***11Harness As-Monitor; (Control Unit)1
19***12Harness As-Monitor; (Analog Output Box)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
198-1402 Module Gp-Monitor Keypad -Rh
09***78Screw; (Pan Head)2
19***69Cover-Front1
19***70Cover-Back1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
198-1403 Module Gp-Monitor Keypad
09***78Screw; (Pan Head)2
19***69Cover-Front1
19***70Cover-Back1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
198-3434 Printer Gp-Computer
19***34Printer Group-Computer1
19***35Printer Group-Portable1
19***52Case-Carrying1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
161-5225 Printer Gp-Computer
16***25Printer Group-Computer1
17***46Paper-Printer1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4824 Wiring Gp-Harvester Head
10***03Kit; (Receptacle) (3-Pin) (Includes Receptacle As & Wedge)2
13***75Wedge-Receptacle Lock1
14***94Guard; (15-cm)0
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4830 Wiring Gp-Harvester Head
16***85Washer2
16***18Bracket; (Keypad)4
16***66Handle2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
Hydraulic System
194-6602 Bearing Gp-Self-Aligning
18***24Support-Bearing1
18***25Ring-Seal1
18***26Bearing1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
184-6523 Bearing Gp-Self-Aligning
18***23Bearing Group-Self-Aligning1
18***24Support-Bearing1
18***25Ring-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-6368 Cover & Mtg Gp-Control Valve
15***91Spacer2
15***92Spacer2
15***99Bracket1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
195-9361 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Delimbing
15***85Fitting-Adapter6
15***95Fitting-Elbow2
15***97Hose As2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
195-9360 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Meas & Fdg
15***86Fitting1
15***95Fitting-Elbow2
15***22Hose As1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
195-9359 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Saw
15***93Fitting-Banjo1
15***95Fitting-Elbow2
15***98Junction Block1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
158-0403 Cylinder Gp-Delimbing Knife
15***03Cylinder Group-Delimbing Knife1
16***42Bearing2
16***55Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
228-3395 Cylinder Gp-Delimbing Knife
16***42Bearing2
21***83Kit-Seal; (Delimbing Knife Cylinder)1
22***21Piston1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
209-5725 Cylinder Gp-Delimbing Knife
16***42Bearing2
20***25Cylinder Group-Delimbing Knife1
21***83Kit-Seal; (Delimbing Knife Cylinder)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
209-5727 Cylinder Gp-Feed Roller Arm
16***45Bearing2
20***27Cylinder Group-Feed Roller Arm1
22***07Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
158-0259 Cylinder Gp-Feed Roller Arm
15***59Cylinder Group-Feed Roller Arm1
16***45Bearing2
16***23Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
209-5726 Cylinder Gp-Holding Arm
16***41Bearing2
20***26Cylinder Group-Holding Arm1
22***25Piston1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
158-0404 Cylinder Gp-Holding Arm
15***04Cylinder Group-Holding Arm1
16***41Bearing2
16***56Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
206-4594 Cylinder Gp-Measuring Arm
09***52Ring2
16***42Bearing2
20***94Cylinder Group-Measuring Arm1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
156-3852 Cylinder Gp-Measuring Arm
15***52Cylinder Group-Measuring Arm1
16***42Bearing2
16***50Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
184-6511 Cylinder Gp-Piston
18***11Cylinder Group-Piston1
18***12Piston Group8
18***13Kit-Retainer8
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
228-3397 Cylinder Gp-Saw
09***01Bolt-Socket Head; (M8x1.25x40-mm)1
21***85Kit-Seal; (Saw Cylinder)1
22***29Piston1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
206-2003 Cylinder Gp-Saw
20***03Cylinder Group-Saw1
21***85Kit-Seal; (Saw Cylinder)1
6V***75Bearing2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
156-1228 Cylinder Gp-Saw
15***28Cylinder Group-Saw1
16***52Kit-Seal1
6V***75Bearing2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
156-4147 Cylinder Gp-Tilt
15***47Cylinder Group-Tilt1
16***45Bearing2
16***53Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
206-2000 Cylinder Gp-Tilt
16***45Bearing2
20***00Cylinder Group-Tilt1
21***82Kit-Seal; (Tilt Cylinder)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
184-6516 Housing Gp-Motor
09***73Bolt; (Socket Head) (M12x1.75x60mm)6
18***16Housing Group-Motor1
18***17Cover-Valve1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
194-6593 Housing Gp-Motor
09***73Bolt; (Socket Head) (M12x1.75x60mm)6
18***18Valve1
18***19Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
194-7953 Hydraulic Ar
19***53Hydraulic Ar1
19***59Cylinder & Lines Group-Saw1
19***60Cylinder & Lines Group-Meas & Fdg1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
197-2070 Lines Gp-Hydraulic
14***25Connector As.1
14***51Elbow Group1
19***70Lines Group-Hydraulic1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
162-5756 Lubrication Ar -Saw & Feed Roller
15***51Tank & Lines Group-Lubrication1
15***14Pump Group-Lubrication1
16***56Lubrication Ar; -Saw & Feed Roller1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
155-9921 Motor Gp-Piston
15***21Motor Group-Piston1
18***11Cylinder Group-Piston1
18***14Kit-Cam1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
165-4118 Motor Gp-Piston
16***18Motor Group-Piston1
18***11Cylinder Group-Piston1
18***14Kit-Cam1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
173-0659 Motor Gp-Saw
15***09Motor Group-Saw1
15***59Washer6
15***64Plug2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
155-9909 Motor Gp-Saw
10***11Plug, Includes:2
15***09Motor Group-Saw1
18***90Rotating Group-Motor1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
158-0414 Pump Gp-Lubrication
15***12Fitting1
15***16Scraper1
15***20Valve-Check1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
183-3990 Rotating Gp-Motor
14***97Cover1
14***98Washer; (12.7x17.5x0.3-mm Thk)1
14***99Plate-Retainer1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6251 Tank & Lines Gp-Lubrication
15***85Valve Group-Breather1
15***95Strainer As1
15***84Fitting1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-6366 Valve & Mtg Gp-Main Control
19***18Valve Group-Bank 81
19***66Valve & Mtg Group-Main Control1
7X***37Bolt-Plt; (M8 X 1.25 X 35)4
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
224-7577 Valve & Mtg Gp-Main Control
15***40Washer; (M10)4
22***77Valve & Mtg Group-Main Control1
22***85Valve Group-Bank 71
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
229-9785 Valve Gp-Bank 7
16***51Kit-Seal9
19***73Valve Group-Control; -Pump1
19***76Valve Group-Control; -Upper Delimbing Knife1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
194-7118 Valve Gp-Bank 8
16***51Kit-Seal9
19***18Valve Group-Bank 81
19***73Valve Group-Control; -Pump1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
214-3508 Valve Gp-Bank 8
16***51Kit-Seal9
19***73Valve Group-Control; -Pump1
19***74Valve Group-Control; -Saw1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
156-0285 Valve Gp-Breather
15***85Valve Group-Breather1
15***56Fitting1
16***86Breather1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8080 Valve Gp-Control -End Block
19***80Valve Group-Control; -End Block1
19***00Manifold1
19***07Valve Group-Pressure Reducing2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
211-8770 Valve Gp-Control
16***07Valve Group-Solenoid; (Medium Pressure)1
16***84Spool As1
17***73Valve As-Line Relief1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8079 Valve Gp-Control -Tilt
16***41Spool As1
17***72Valve As-Line Relief1
17***74Valve As-Line Relief1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8074 Valve Gp-Control -Saw
16***84Spool As1
17***70Valve As-Line Relief1
17***76Valve Group-Pilot Relief1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8078 Valve Gp-Control -Lower Delimbing Knife
17***74Valve As-Line Relief1
17***80Valve As-Line Relief1
17***32Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
214-3505 Valve Gp-Control
16***84Spool As1
17***32Kit-Seal1
19***08Seal-O-Ring2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8073 Valve Gp-Control -Pump
03***27Seal-O-Ring; (19.18mm Id)1
15***40Washer; (M10)2
19***73Valve Group-Control; -Pump1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8077 Valve Gp-Control -Roller Clamp
17***74Valve As-Line Relief1
17***75Valve As-Line Relief1
17***32Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8076 Valve Gp-Control -Upper Delimbing Knife
17***73Valve As-Line Relief1
17***23Valve As-Line Relief1
17***32Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
214-3506 Valve Gp-Control
16***84Spool As1
17***32Kit-Seal1
19***08Seal-O-Ring2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
224-6026 Valve Gp-Control -Oil Manifold
19***07Valve Group-Pressure Reducing2
22***26Valve Group-Control; -Oil Manifold1
23***53Manifold1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
199-8107 Valve Gp-Pressure Reducing
03***27Seal-O-Ring; (19.18mm Id)1
03***43Seal-O-Ring1
18***27Ring-Backup2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
214-3507 Valve Gp-Relief
19***06Valve Group-Relief2
21***18Manifold1
21***07Valve Group-Relief1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
Service Equipment And Supplies
169-2758 Film Gp
166-9180 Plate & Film Gp
13***76Film; (Warning) (Universal) (Lh Side Post Inside Cab)1
16***91Film-Identification; (Chain Oil)1
16***80Plate & Film Group1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
197-5088 Tool Gp-Hand
16***53Wrench-T-Handle; (6-mm Hex)1
16***56Hook As-Cleaning1
16***71Wrench-Spanner1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
Work Tools
157-6853 Arm Gp-Feed Roller -Lh
09***78Pin-Spring1
15***36Guide2
15***37Ring2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6848 Arm Gp-Feed Roller -Rh
09***78Pin-Spring1
15***36Guide2
15***37Ring2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
198-3012 Arm Gp-Grapple
15***98Washer; (M8x1.25-Thd)2
15***97Arm As-Holding1
16***39Bushing2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6242 Arm Gp-Measuring
08***73Screw-Countersink Head3
09***50Ring-Retaining1
13***40Locknut; (M8x1.25-Thd)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
198-3005 Control Ar-Color Marking
19***05Control Ar-Color Marking1
19***09Control Group-Color Marking1
19***12Arm Group-Grapple1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
198-3009 Control Gp-Color Marking
09***49Bolt; (M8x1.25x40-mm)2
14***94Guard; (15-cm)0
15***71Kit-Connecting Plug; (4-Pin)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
189-5510 Damper Gp-Harvester Head
15***41Pin As1
15***43Washer1
15***44Nut1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
155-8800 Damper Gp-Harvester Head
15***00Damper Group-Harvester Head1
15***40Body-Damper1
15***41Pin As1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
196-4834 Frame Ar-Harvester Head
15***45Yoke Group-Harvester Head1
16***80Plate & Film Group1
19***34Frame Ar-Harvester Head1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
197-4795 Frame Gp-Harvester Head
12***17Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)2
14***02Bolt-Socket Head; (M6x1x10-mm)8
15***40Washer; (M10)11
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
194-8100 Head Ar-Harvester
15***00Damper Group-Harvester Head1
15***21Motor Group-Piston2
15***40Roller Group-Feed; -Rh1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
156-5252 Holder Gp-Saw Bar
09***60Setscrew-Socket; (M6x1x6-mm)1
15***52Holder Group-Saw Bar1
15***53Kit-Pin; (Contains 10 Pieces)1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
228-3873 Housing Gp-Chain Tensioner
08***65Bolt; (M3x0.5x8-mm)2
09***19Ring-Retaining1
09***73Setscrew-Socket2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
219-2535 Measuring Ar-Harvester Head
21***34Measuring Ar-Harvester Head; (Field Installation)1
21***35Measuring Ar-Harvester Head1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6240 Roller Gp-Feed -Rh
13***40Locknut; (M8x1.25-Thd)1
13***13Bolt6
15***46Pin As1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6241 Roller Gp-Feed -Lh
13***40Locknut; (M8x1.25-Thd)1
13***13Bolt6
15***46Pin As1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
163-3978 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic
12***76Bolt; (M10x1.5x130-mm)10
15***42Plug2
15***59Spring12
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
210-1506 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic
12***76Bolt; (M10x1.5x130-mm)10
15***42Plug2
15***59Spring12
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
162-5757 Saw Ar-Chain
16***57Saw Ar-Chain1
17***59Motor Group-Saw1
18***60Saw Group-Chain1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
187-8460 Saw Gp-Chain
09***19Ring-Retaining1
09***79Setscrew-Socket3
15***40Washer; (M10)7
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
228-3874 Tensioner Gp-Chain
09***88Setscrew3
15***52Holder Group-Saw Bar2
15***81Kit-Seal1
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-7077 Wheel Gp-Feed Roller -Lh
15***61Screw5
15***77Wheel Group-Feed Roller; -Lh1
16***09Chain; (20m)0
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6865 Wheel Gp-Feed Roller -Rh
15***61Screw5
15***65Wheel Group-Feed Roller; -Rh1
16***09Chain; (20m)0
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →
157-6245 Yoke Gp-Harvester Head
09***70Bolt-Socket Hd; (M12 X 1.75 X 45)4
09***28Ring-Retaining; (External)2
15***45Fitting-Grease2
See all parts with full part numbers in Heavy Parts AI →

HH45 serial number reference

The PIN plate for the HH45 is mounted on the harvester head itself, not on the carrier (excavator or wheel harvester) it is mounted to. Read the first 3 characters as the prefix identifying the production run, followed by the sequential unit number. Match the plate's full PIN against the parts or service manual covering that specific prefix range to confirm the correct running-change point.

PrefixIdentifies
CFECABS / CABSWIN control generation
2JZEarly / DASA electronic control generation

Frequently asked questions

Does the Caterpillar HH45 have its own engine?

No. The HH45 is a harvester head attachment with no engine, fuel tank, or cooling system of its own. It runs entirely on the host carrier's hydraulic system and has no independent hydraulic reservoir.

What carriers does the HH45 mount on?

The HH45 is factory-supported on two carrier types: purpose-built wheel or track harvester base machines and hydraulic excavators. It hangs from the carrier's boom or dangle link through a hydraulic rotator bolted to the head's upper yoke; there is no quick-attach coupler.

What is the difference between DASA and CABS control on the HH45?

Earlier HH45 production, serial prefix 2JZ, used a third-party DASA electronic measuring-and-control system. Later production, serial prefix CFE, switched to Caterpillar's own CABS control, available as a single control-station Cabswin unit or dual control-station Cabsdos unit, with a keypad and printer for bucking data.

What HH45 owners discuss

What feed roller and delimbing knife wear patterns show up most on the HH45?
Feed roller spikes rounding off is the top complaint. As grip drops, operators run higher feed pressure to compensate, which just accelerates wear on the roller arm pivot pins and the arm's cam-curve surface, and eventually starts stripping bark instead of holding the stem clean. Shops check that pivot pin cam curve for flat spots whenever an arm feels loose or wanders under load. Delimbing knives dull well before they look damaged - stripped bark and hung branches on an otherwise clean cut are the field tell that knives are due for a sharpen and re-adjust, not visible chipping. Consensus is to inspect and sharpen on a calendar interval rather than waiting for the knives to look worn.
How should saw bar and chain be tensioned and maintained on this head?
Check chain tension every shift, both cold and after it has warmed up - the high cycle rate of a hydraulic bucking saw loosens chain faster than a handheld saw, and a loose chain on a powered bar derails or throws quickly. Bar rails wear unevenly from repeated tension cycling, so flip and dress the bar on a routine schedule rather than waiting for a dragging chain to force the issue. The saw draws lube oil from the head's own lubrication circuit along with the feed roller pivots - a blocked or gummed lube filter (or a weak lube pump) is a common root cause behind a chain and bar that heat up and gall even though the saw motor itself checks out fine.
How accurate is the HH45's measuring arm, and what throws off calibration?
The HH45 uses a single diameter sensor (larger heads in this family use two), so measuring accuracy leans heavily on that one sensor tracking true and the arm linkage staying tight. Field experience is that most drift traces back to worn feed rollers, not a bad sensor - rollers that have gone round change the effective feed distance per revolution, which throws off length calculation even with a perfectly good sensor. Run a length-calibration cut against a tape-measured log any time rollers are changed, the feed arm is rebuilt, or control software is updated - recalibrating without addressing roller wear just chases a moving target.
What are the common rotator seal and bearing wear points?
The rotator is a continuous-duty, reversing hydraulic motor, and a weeping shaft seal is the most reported complaint. Mechanics point out that on reversing hydraulic motors generally, a shaft seal leak often traces back to the directional valve rather than the seal itself - if the return port closes before the supply port as the valve re-centers, the resulting pressure spike vents out through the shaft seal, since return oil also lubricates the motor's internal bearings and bushings. Replacing the seal without correcting the upstream valve or relief setting usually means the same leak comes back. Have your dealer verify valve and relief pressures before condemning a rotator seal.
CABS versus DASA control - what should an owner know?
The HH45 shipped across its life with two distinct control families, identified by serial prefix: earlier heads run the DASA electronic control (a third-party Swedish forestry control system, not Cat's own design), later heads run Cat's own CABS control (Cabswin/Cabsdos generation) with a keypad and printer for measuring and bucking data. Community consensus treats DASA-equipped heads as the older, simpler generation with thinner ongoing software and parts support, since DASA develops its control line independently of Cat and has moved on to newer platforms of its own. Confirm which control generation a given head carries by its serial prefix before sourcing cab-side harness or console parts - the two generations are not interchangeable.
How does hydraulic flow and pressure matching work when moving the HH45 between carriers?
The head's attachment circuit uses selectable low/medium/high flow positions set through the carrier's attachment spool, so matching starts with confirming the base machine or excavator's auxiliary circuit can actually deliver the head's required range at the selected position, not just connecting hoses. Underflow shows up as sluggish saw and feed cycling and weak delimb strokes; overflow shows up as excess heat and shortened hose life. Excavator installs also use a dedicated delimbing-knife-cylinder-pressure test-and-adjust procedure that a wheeled-harvester base machine does not use the same way, because the two installations are set up differently at the factory. Confirm carrier flow and pressure settings against the head's own test-and-adjust spec before running it hard on a new carrier, and have your dealer verify circuit pressures during commissioning.
What should a buyer check on a used HH45?
Confirm the serial prefix first so you know which control generation (DASA or CABS) you are buying and what support to expect. Feel for play at the feed roller arm pivot pins and check the arm cam-curve surface for flat spots - loose arms are the single most common complaint on a tired head. Look at knife edges and roller grip together, since fresh bark or wood scarring on test logs shows both are worn even when the metal still looks serviceable. Check saw bar rails for uneven wear or spread and confirm the lube line and filter are clear, not gummed up. Cycle the rotator fully in both directions checking for seal weep and any roughness or hesitation. If it is coming off a wheeled-harvester base, ask about its holding-arm cylinder pressure test result, since that check is specific to that mount and not used on excavator installs. Have your dealer confirm hydraulic flow and pressure compatibility with the carrier you plan to run it on before buying - a head tuned to the wrong flow shows accelerated wear across every wear point above.

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

Need a specific HH45 part?

Search live OEM part data, check fitment, and cross-reference alternatives with Heavy Parts AI.