Caterpillar IT38G II
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Caterpillar IT38G Series II is a medium wheel loader-based integrated toolcarrier designed for material handling, loading, and general construction applications. Powered by a Cat 3126B ATAAC engine delivering 180 hp (134 kW) net power, the machine weighs approximately 32,156 lb (14,583 kg) and features a static tipping load of 19,106 lb (8,665 kg). Production years for the IT38G Series II span the late 2000s into the early 2010s, succeeding the IT38F and preceding the IT38H. Configurations offered include various bucket capacities ranging from 2.75 to 3.5 cubic yards (2.2 to 2.8 cubic meters), optional limited slip differentials, and quick coupler systems for rapid attachment changes.
Across generations, the IT38G Series II introduced a redesigned operator station with improved visibility to the quick coupler and work tools, increased static tipping loads by 14%, and expanded bucket options. The machine is in use today due to its robust Cat 3126B engine, which is known for durability and ease of service, and its versatile integrated toolcarrier platform that supports diverse attachments like plows and forks. Its widespread use in aggregate yards, roadwork, and agriculture ensures a steady supply of used units and compatible replacement parts.
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 IT38G II specifications
Engine
| Model | Cat 3126B ATAAC |
| Gross Power | 134 kW (180 hp) |
| Net Power | 160 hp (119 kW) ISO 9249 |
| Displacement | 439 cu in (7.2 L) |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Emissions Tier | EPA Tier 2 |
Weights
| Operating Weight | 14,583 kg (32,156 lb) |
| Static Tipping Load (Bucket) | 22,515 lb (10,213 kg) |
| Static Tipping Load (Forks) | 8,304 kg (18,306 lb) |
| Static Tipping Load (Full Turn) | 7,620 kg (16,800 lb) |
Dimensions
| Transport Length (w/ bucket on ground) | 7.62 m (25 ft) |
| Transport Width (over tires) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Transport Height (top of ROPS) | 3.30 m (10.83 ft) |
| Wheelbase | 9.91 ft (3.02 m) |
| Ground Clearance | 0.40 m (1.31 ft) |
| B-Pin Height (Standard) | 4.06 m (13.32 ft) |
| Max Lift Height | 3.58 m (11.75 ft) |
| Dump Clearance at Max Lift | 2.69 m (8.83 ft) |
Performance
| Max Speed Forward | 38.8 km/h (24.1 mph) |
| Max Speed Reverse | 23.3 km/h (14.5 mph) |
| Breakout Force | 127 kN (28,575 lb) |
| Bucket Capacity (Heaped) | 2.2 m³ (2.8 yd³) |
| Hydraulic Pump Flow | 163 L/min (43 gal/min) |
| Hydraulic Relief Valve Setting | 24,800 kPa (3,597 psi) |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel Tank | 67.9 gal (257 L) |
| Hydraulic System (incl. tank) | 23.8 gal (90 L) |
| Engine Oil | 7.9 gal (30 L) |
| Cooling System | 11.4 gal (43 L) |
| Transmission | 7.9 gal (30 L) |
| Front Differential | 6.3 gal (24 L) |
| Rear Differential | 7.1 gal (27 L) |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
IT38G II fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Crankcase (with filter) | 30 l (7.9 US gal) | Caterpillar CH-4 engine oil |
| Cooling System | 43 l (11.4 US gal) | Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze |
| Fuel Tank | 257 l (67.9 US gal) | Not specified |
| Transmission | 30 l (7.9 US gal) | Caterpillar TDTO (Transmission and Torque Converter Oil) |
| Final Drive - Front | 24 l (6.3 US gal) | Caterpillar HYDO / Universal Tractor Transmission Oil |
| Final Drive - Rear | 27 l (7.1 US gal) | Caterpillar HYDO / Universal Tractor Transmission Oil |
| Hydraulic Tank | 76 l (20.1 US gal) | Caterpillar HYDO Hydraulic Oil |
| Hydraulic System (including tank) | 90 l (23.8 US gal) | Caterpillar HYDO Hydraulic Oil |
| Grease | N/A | Caterpillar EC Grease |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar IT38G II maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 10 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
Servicing the IT38G II beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
Utilize S.O.S fluid analysis at 1,000-hour intervals to monitor engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and transmission oil for wear metals and contamination. Check coolant SCA concentration at 500 hours to prevent liner pitting. Monitor hydraulic oil particle count to detect pump or valve wear early. Inspect air filter restriction indicators daily to prevent dirt ingestion. Track fuel dilution and soot levels in engine oil to assess injector performance and combustion efficiency. Use these data points to adjust service intervals based on actual operating conditions rather than fixed hours.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Address frequent issues with the Cat 3126B engine by inspecting the ADEM III electronic control module for diagnostic codes. Replace worn clutch packs in the electronic power shift transmission if shift quality degrades. Check the on-demand cooling fan motor and sensors for proper operation to maintain constant net horsepower. Inspect the quick coupler electro-hydraulic system for leaks or actuator failure. Examine the oscillating rear axle seals and bearings for wear. Replace hydraulic hoses showing abrasion or cracking to prevent fluid loss and system contamination.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
Plan for major component overhauls based on operating hours and condition monitoring. The Cat 3126B engine typically requires valve adjustments and injector service around 10,000 hours. Transmission clutch packs and torque converter components may need rebuilding after 12,000-15,000 hours of heavy use. Final drive and differential gears should be inspected for pitting or wear at 20,000 hours. Hydraulic pumps and cylinders may require seal replacement or barrel reconditioning. Structural welds on the loader tower and frame should be inspected for fatigue cracks during major service intervals.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
In dusty environments, clean the radiator and oil cooler cores daily and check the air filter more frequently. Use extended life coolant to provide up to 6,000 hours of protection against corrosion and foaming. In cold climates, ensure the battery box is sealed and the engine block heater is functional. For snow removal applications, inspect reversing plows and trip-edge plows for wear. Adjust tire pressure for ground conditions to optimize traction and reduce wear. Drain water from the fuel separator more often in humid or cold conditions to prevent fuel line icing.
IT38G II fault codes & troubleshooting
| Code | Meaning | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| CID 0110 FMI 03 | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor — Voltage Above Normal | Open circuit in the sensor wiring harness or a failed sensor element causing a short to the 8-volt supply. | Inspect the sensor wiring for damage or disconnection; replace the coolant temperature sensor if the circuit is intact. |
| CID 0190 FMI 08 | Engine Speed Sensor — Abnormal Frequency | Incorrect air gap between the speed sensor and the tone ring, a damaged tone ring, or a failing sensor. | Check the sensor mounting and air gap; inspect the tone ring for missing teeth or damage. |
| CID 0041 FMI 03 | 8-Volt DC Supply — Voltage Above Normal | Short to power on the 8-volt reference circuit shared by multiple sensors. | Disconnect sensors on the 8-volt supply one by one to isolate the component causing the short. |
| CID 0041 FMI 04 | 8-Volt DC Supply — Voltage Below Normal | Short to ground on the 8-volt reference circuit. | Disconnect sensors on the 8-volt supply one by one to locate the shorted component. |
| CID 0091 FMI 08 | Throttle Position Sensor — Abnormal Frequency | Faulty throttle position sensor or erratic signal from the electronic throttle control module. | Check the throttle linkage and sensor wiring; replace the throttle position sensor if necessary. |
| CID 0248 FMI 09 | Cat Data Link — Abnormal Update Rate | Communication fault on the data link, often caused by damaged wiring, poor connections, or termination resistance issues. | Inspect the data link wiring harness for damage and check termination resistors at the connectors. |
| CID 0168 FMI 01 | System Voltage — Below Normal | Low battery voltage, failing alternator, or poor ground connections. | Test the battery charge and alternator output; clean and tighten all ground connections. |
| CID 0110 FMI 00 | Engine Coolant Temperature — Above Normal Range | Low coolant level, failed thermostat, or restricted cooling system components. | Check coolant level and inspect for leaks; test thermostat operation and clean radiator cores. |
| CID 0100 FMI 01 | Engine Oil Pressure — Low | Low oil level, failing oil pump, or restricted oil filter. | Check engine oil level and condition; inspect the oil filter and pressure relief valve. |
| CID 0102 FMI 02 | Intake Manifold Pressure — Data Does Not Match Current Conditions | Faulty boost pressure sensor or a significant air leak in the intake system. | Inspect the intake piping for leaks and test the boost pressure sensor against live data. |
Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.
IT38G II attachments & work tools
Loader Buckets
Standard bucket capacities range from 2.2 to 2.8 cubic meters (2.75 to 3.5 cubic yards). Expanded line options allow matching bucket size to material density for optimum productivity.
Quick Coupler System
Electrically actuated quick coupler allows attachment changes in under 30 seconds without leaving the cab. Hydraulic model available for operator control via in-cab switch.
Snow Plows
Hydraulic and manual reversing plows available for quick snow clearing. Trip-edge reversing plows offered for mountain roads, airports, and large parking lots.
Differential Options
Front and rear limited slip differentials available as attachments. Differential clutch slows slipping wheel and transfers torque to the slower turning wheel.
Operator Station
Single lever joystick and lift lever F-N-R switch available as attachments. Optional Caterpillar Contour air suspension seat provides increased operator comfort.
Visibility Enhancements
Redesigned cab provides improved lines of sight to the quick coupler and work tools. Parallel lift option keeps load level throughout the lift cycle.
All IT38G II assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar IT38G II. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Hydraulic System
159-7646 Accumulator Gp-Ride Control
| 15***46 | Accumulator Group-Ride Control; -Charged | 1 |
| 5P***79 | Tag-Notice; (Cylinder Pressure) | 1 |
2q-8075 Control Ar-Ride -Custom
| 10***06 | Film-Warning; (High Pressure Cylinder) | 1 |
| 10***56 | Plug; (Switch) | 1 |
| 11***99 | Gasket; (Air Conditioner Control) | 1 |
141-1481 Valve Gp-Shuttle
| 12***57 | Valve Group-Shuttle | 1 |
| 14***81 | Valve Group-Shuttle; (Ride Control) | 1 |
125-3657 Valve Gp-Shuttle
| 09***51 | Seal-O-Ring (Id=14.00mm) | 1 |
| 12***57 | Valve Group-Shuttle | 1 |
| 16***49 | Seal-O-Ring; (12.42mm Id) | 1 |
149-2610 Valve Gp-Solenoid -Ride Control
| 10***02 | Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness) | 2 |
| 11***43 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd) | 2 |
| 14***10 | Valve Group-Solenoid; -Axle Oil Cooler-Hydraulic Lockout | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the IT38G II use?
The IT38G Series II uses the Cat 3126B ATAAC engine, delivering 134 kW (180 hp) net power and meeting EPA Tier 2 emissions standards.
What is the operating weight of the IT38G II?
The operating weight of the IT38G Series II is approximately 14,583 kg (32,156 lb), varying slightly by configuration and attachment package.
What model replaced the IT38G II?
The IT38G Series II was succeeded by the IT38H integrated toolcarrier, which features updated emissions compliance and enhanced performance features.
Need a specific IT38G II part?
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