Caterpillar PF-300
Caterpillarpaving compactorpneumatic compactor

Caterpillar PF-300

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar PF-300 is a self-propelled, rubber-tired paving compactor (pneumatic-tire roller) built for finish-rolling asphalt mats behind a paver, not an asphalt paver itself and not an attachment-carrying machine. It rolls on pneumatic tires staggered three in front and four in back, riding on an independent hydraulic-cylinder oscillating suspension that lets each wheel find grade and hold even ground contact pressure, backed by a water spray system that wets the tires to limit hot-mix pickup. Three distinct generations share the PF-300 name but differ by engine and serial prefix: the base PF-300 (prefix 7WD) runs a Deutz F6L912 air-cooled inline-six diesel rated near 103 hp with no electronic engine management; the PF-300B (prefix 6HM) moved to a Caterpillar 3054T/3054 DIT turbocharged diesel rated roughly 99 to 105 hp; and the PF-300C (prefix PFB) uses a Caterpillar 3054C turbocharged diesel rated 75 kW (100 hp) meeting Stage II emissions. Operating weight spans roughly 14,000 to 16,100 kg (30,900 to 35,500 lb) unballasted up to about 21,000 to 23,100 kg (46,200 to 50,800 lb) fully ballasted, depending on standard versus Added Weight configuration and the number of steel ballast blocks fitted. The machine is offered with a ROPS canopy as standard and an enclosed cab as an option, and it shares chassis architecture with the sibling PS-300 roller line, which links the rear wheels hydraulically in addition to the front.

What changed across the PF-300's run is mostly the powertrain and its emissions compliance rather than the compaction concept itself: the earliest machines used a mechanical, analog Deutz engine with no fault-code diagnostics, the B-series switched to a Caterpillar-branded turbocharged diesel with more consistent power delivery, and the C-series added the electronics and aftertreatment needed to meet Stage II standards. Through all three generations the core layout stayed constant: hydraulically linked oscillating wheels, a chain-case final drive at each rear hub, a powershift transmission with a mechanical differential, and dual-circuit caliper disc brakes. In the used and parts market today the PF-300 matters because it remains one of the more common Cat pneumatic rollers still working asphalt finish jobs, and buyers and parts counters need the serial prefix to identify which engine and driveline family a given unit belongs to, since parts for the Deutz-powered base PF-300 do not interchange with the Caterpillar-engine B and C series.

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 PF-300 specifications

Engine

Engine model (base PF-300)Deutz F6L912, air-cooled inline-6 diesel
Gross power (base PF-300)76.9 kW (103 hp)
Displacement (base PF-300)5.7 L (346 cu in)
Engine model (PF-300B)Cat 3054T / 3054 DIT turbocharged diesel, 4-cylinder
Gross power (PF-300B)74-78 kW (99-105 hp); figure varies by reference, no derating required up to 2,134 m (7,000 ft)
Engine model (PF-300C)Cat 3054C turbocharged diesel, 4-cylinder
Gross power (PF-300C)75 kW (100 hp)
Emissions (PF-300C)Meets EU directive 97/68/EC Stage II; no derating required up to 2,130 m altitude
Emissions (base PF-300 / PF-300B)Not documented in available records; these are earlier, pre-Stage/Tier era builds

Weights

Operating weight, no ballast (base PF-300)9,000 kg (19,842 lb)
Operating weight, max ballast (base PF-300)21,000 kg (46,297 lb)
Weight per wheel, max ballast (base PF-300)3,000 kg (6,614 lb)
Operating weight, no ballast (PF-300B)14,000 kg (30,860 lb)
Operating weight, max ballast (PF-300B)21,000-23,100 kg (46,200-50,820 lb); varies by configuration/reference
Weight per wheel, max ballast (PF-300B)3,000-3,300 kg (6,600-7,260 lb)
Operating weight, standard config, no ballast (PF-300C)14,000 kg (30,860 lb)
Operating weight, standard config, max ballast (PF-300C)21,000 kg (46,200 lb)
Weight per wheel, standard config, max ballast (PF-300C)3,000 kg (6,600 lb)
Operating weight, HW config, no ballast (PF-300C)16,100 kg (35,494 lb)
Operating weight, HW config, max ballast (PF-300C)23,100 kg (50,820 lb)
Weight per wheel, HW config, max ballast (PF-300C)3,300 kg (7,260 lb)
Ground pressureNot published in available sources for any generation

Dimensions

Overall length (base PF-300)5.70 m (18 ft 8 in)
Overall width (base PF-300)2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)
Height to top of ROPS (base PF-300)3.00 m (9 ft 10 in)
Wheelbase (base PF-300)4.03 m (13 ft 3 in)
Ground clearance (base PF-300)0.25 m (9.8 in)
Overall length (PF-300B / PF-300C)5.30 m (17 ft 5 in)
Overall width (PF-300B / PF-300C)2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
Height to steering wheel (PF-300C)2.30 m (7 ft 7 in)
Maximum height to top of ROPS (PF-300B / PF-300C)3.00 m (9 ft 10 in)
Wheelbase (PF-300B / PF-300C)4.03 m (13 ft 3 in)
Ground clearance (PF-300B / PF-300C)0.25 m (9.8 in)
Compaction (roller) width (PF-300B / PF-300C)1.90 m (75 in)

Performance

Maximum travel speed (base PF-300)26.5 km/h (16.5 mph)
Maximum travel speed (PF-300B)approx. 20 km/h (12.4 mph)
Maximum travel speed (PF-300C)19 km/h (11.8 mph)
Inside turning radius (PF-300B / PF-300C)4.8 m (15 ft 8 in)
Tire/wheel configuration (all generations)7 pneumatic tires total, 3 front / 4 rear, size 13.80-20 (13/80-20)
GradeabilityNot published in available sources

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank (base PF-300)160 L (42.3 gal US)
Engine oil (base PF-300)12 L (3.2 gal US)
Water spray tank (base PF-300)350 L (92.5 gal US)
Fuel tank (PF-300B)189 L (50 gal US)
Cooling system (PF-300B)27.3 L (7.2 gal US)
Engine oil (PF-300B)7.2 L (1.9 gal US)
Hydraulic system (PF-300B)10.2 L (2.7 gal US)
Water spray tank (PF-300B)447 L (118.1 gal US)
Fuel tank (PF-300C)215 L (57 gal US)
Water spray tank (PF-300C)460 L (118 gal US)
Engine oil / hydraulic / cooling system (PF-300C)Not separately published for this generation; likely close to PF-300B figures given the shared 3054-family engine, but unconfirmed

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

PF-300 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter) - Cat 3054T (PF-300B/PS-300B) or Cat 3054C (PF-300C/PS-300C) turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder diesel7 L (1.8 US gal)Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) 15W-40 for normal ambient range; Cat DEO-ULS or DEO SYN 5W-40 for cold-start conditions below 0 C (32 F), per Cat's standard multi-viscosity chart for this engine family
Cooling system28 L (7.2 US gal)Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) or Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant), factory pre-mixed 50/50 with water, freeze protection to about -37 C (-34 F)
Fuel tank215 L (50 US gal)No. 2-D diesel fuel; ultra-low-sulfur diesel recommended for the turbocharged direct-injection engine
Transmission (3-speed, 3-range powershift)22 L (4.8 US gal)Cat TDTO (Transmission and Drive Train Oil) SAE 10W or 30, TO-4 spec
Differential (mechanical traction unit)7 L (1.8 US gal)Cat TDTO SAE 30, TO-4 spec - same fill class as transmission and final-drive compartments
Chain casings (wheel final drives, combined)9 L (2.4 US gal)Cat TDTO SAE 30, TO-4 spec
Hydraulic tankOne dealer spec sheet lists 10 L (2.6 US gal), but this figure conflicts with the closely related PS-360B/PF-360B sibling (same 3054T engine and chassis family), which lists roughly 90 L (23.7 US gal) for the hydraulic tank. Treat the smaller figure as unverified - likely a transcription error in that source. Capacity varies by configuration; confirm against the machine's own OMM by serial number before servicingCat HYDO Advanced 10 (or equivalent Cat HYDO 10W) for normal climate; Cat HYDO Advanced 5 or Cat TDTO as a cold-weather alternative below about -20 C (-4 F)
Tire ballast / water spray system (non-lubricant fill, listed alongside refill capacities)460 L (118 US gal)Water; a calcium chloride solution is an option for added ballast weight and freeze protection in cold climates
Grease points (chassis, steering linkage, roll pins) - spec only, no bulk reservoirnot applicable (point-lubrication only)Cat Prime Application Grease or Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease, NLGI 2 multipurpose extreme-pressure grease

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

Caterpillar PF-300 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Check engine oil level and top off before starting the shift.
  • Check coolant level on liquid-cooled PF-300B/C engines, or inspect cooling fins and shrouding on the air-cooled base-PF-300 Deutz engine.
  • Drain the fuel-water separator and check fuel level.
  • Check tire inflation pressure across all wheel positions and inspect tires for cuts, cracking, or hot-mix buildup.
  • Fill the tire water-spray tank and confirm the spray nozzles are clear and wetting all tires evenly.
  • Test the primary and secondary brake systems and the parking-brake interlock before moving the machine.
Every 250 h
  • Obtain an engine oil sample for fluid analysis.
  • Check the chain-case final-drive oil level at each rear hub.
  • Check the differential oil level.
  • Inspect drive belt tension and condition.
  • Grease the oscillating-suspension cylinder pivots and steering linkage fittings.
Every 500 h
  • Change engine oil and filter.
  • Replace the hydraulic system oil filter and obtain a hydraulic oil sample.
  • Change the chain-case final-drive oil at each rear hub.
  • Check the powershift transmission and torque-converter oil level and obtain a sample.
  • Inspect the primary and secondary caliper brake discs and pads for wear.
  • Drain water and sediment from the fuel tank.
Every 1,000 h
  • Change the differential oil.
  • Change the powershift transmission oil.
  • Have a qualified technician check engine valve lash.
  • Inspect ROPS or cab mounting hardware for correct torque.
  • Inspect oscillating-suspension cylinder seals and wheel-hub bearings for leakage or excessive play.
Every 2,000 h
  • Change the hydraulic system oil under the standard interval; only extend this with a documented oil-analysis program.
  • Replace the hydraulic tank breather.
  • Have a qualified technician check fuel-injection timing.
  • Inspect the suspension cross-linkage hoses and fittings for wear or chafing.
  • Inspect the frame and ballast-block mounting hardware for cracks or looseness.
Every 4,000 h
  • Replace the engine cooling-system water temperature regulator (thermostat) after the cooling system has been cleaned.
  • Inspect the oscillating-suspension cylinders and chain-case final drives, and rebuild as needed.
  • Replace the seat belt at three years from installation or five years from manufacture, whichever comes first.
  • Change extended-life coolant on its standard multi-year interval.
  • Have a Caterpillar dealer inspect the powershift transmission clutch packs and torque converter for wear.

Servicing the PF-300 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The PF-300 carries three oil systems that never share fluid: the engine crankcase (Deutz F6L912 on the base series, Cat 3054T/3054C on B and C series), the powershift transmission and torque-converter housing, and the chain-case final drives at each rear hub. Track wear metals in chain-case oil closely, since the chain-and-casing final drive is a wear point unique to this pneumatic-roller line. Sample hydraulic oil at the tank sight gauge to catch cross-contamination in the oscillating-suspension cylinders before it shows up as uneven wheel loading on the mat.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most PF-300 repair calls trace to the compaction system rather than the engine: worn or asphalt-picked tires, plugged water-spray nozzles that let hot mix stick to the rubber, and leaking oscillating-suspension cylinders that let one wheel ride high and streak the surface. Check the hydraulically linked front-wheel cylinders for balanced cross-porting after any cylinder reseal. On PF-300B/C machines, turbocharger and injector faults on the 3054-series diesel are the common driveline complaints; base PF-300 Deutz units fail mechanically, with no fault codes to guide diagnosis.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Major rebuild attention centers on the chain-case final drives and the oscillating-suspension cylinders, both of which see continuous flex loading from the machine's staggered pneumatic-tire rolling pattern. Inspect chain casings for seal failure and chain stretch at overhaul; a compromised casing seal is the usual cause of chain wear beyond spec. Base PF-300 Deutz F6L912 rebuilds are constrained by parts availability, while PF-300B/C 3054-series rebuilds follow standard Cat inframe kits. Verify the differential and transmission housings for shared-case wear before returning ballast blocks to service.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Cold-weather starts on the air-cooled base-PF-300 Deutz engine depend on functioning glow plugs and clean cooling fins, since there is no liquid cooling system to buffer temperature swings; PF-300B/C liquid-cooled engines need coolant checked for freeze protection instead. Drain and winterize the tire water-spray tank and lines each season to prevent burst nozzles and pump housings. In hot asphalt-paving conditions, increase tire-wetting frequency to limit mix pickup and inspect tire heat-shield covers if fitted. Re-torque ballast-block mounting hardware after seasonal storage before returning the machine to compaction work.

PF-300 fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
Coolant Temperature Warning Lamp (gauge cluster)Engine coolant temperature has risen above the normal operating band shown on the analog temperature gauge.Low coolant level, blocked radiator core/fins, worn or slipping fan drive, or a stuck thermostat.Stop and idle the engine, check coolant level and radiator fins for debris, verify fan belt/drive operation, and check thermostat function before resuming work.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Lamp (gauge cluster)Engine oil pressure has dropped below the safe minimum shown on the instrument panel.Low oil level, worn oil pump, plugged oil filter, or incorrect/diluted oil viscosity.Shut the engine down immediately, check oil level and filter condition, and inspect for pump wear before restarting.
Air Filter Restriction Indicator (pop-up/visual gauge)Air intake restriction across the filter element has exceeded the allowable limit.Clogged primary or secondary air filter element from dust generated during compaction work.Service or replace the air filter element and reset the restriction indicator.
Charging System Warning Lamp (gauge cluster)Alternator is not producing adequate charging output to the battery circuit.Loose or broken drive belt, failed alternator, or a damaged wiring connection.Check belt tension and condition, test alternator output at the battery terminals, and inspect wiring for corrosion or looseness.
Powershift Transmission Oil Temperature Warning (gauge cluster)Transmission/torque converter oil temperature has exceeded the normal operating range.Low transmission fluid level, plugged transmission oil cooler, or sustained overload during compaction passes.Check fluid level, inspect the transmission oil cooler for blockage, and reduce load or duty cycle until temperature normalizes.
100-03 / 100-04 (Cat CID-FMI convention: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit)On any 3054-family engine fitted with an electronic sensor circuit, this CID-FMI pair flags a sensor signal voltage above (03) or below (04) normal — an electrical fault, not necessarily a true low-pressure condition.Damaged sensor, chafed or corroded harness wiring, or a bad connector at the oil pressure sensor.Inspect the sensor wiring and connector, test sensor resistance/signal per the engine service manual, and replace the sensor if it fails spec.
110-03 / 110-04 (Cat CID-FMI convention: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit)Standard Cat CID-FMI pairing for a coolant temperature sensor circuit fault (open or shorted), separate from an actual overheat event.Damaged coolant temperature sensor or wiring fault in its circuit.Inspect sensor circuit continuity and connector condition, test the sensor against spec, and replace if faulty.

Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.

PF-300 attachments & work tools

Machine type note

PF-300 is a self-propelled pneumatic-tire (rubber-tire) paving compactor, not an attachment carrier. It does not accept excavator/loader-style work tools or quick couplers; "attachments" for this class means factory-fitted kits and configuration options bolted to the roller itself.

Ballast / added-weight kit

Operating weight is adjusted with a steel-block added-weight (ballast) kit fitted at each wheel station. Unballasted weight runs roughly 14,700-16,100 kg (32,400-35,500 lb); with max ballast the machine reaches about 21,000-23,100 kg (46,300-50,800 lb), adding up to roughly 3,300 kg (7,260 lb) per wheel. Exact figures vary by series (base, B, C) and HW (heavier-ballast) configuration.

Wheel and tire arrangement

Seven pneumatic tires are used, three in the front row and four in the rear (or vice versa), in a staggered pattern so each pass overlaps the gaps left by the row ahead for full-width coverage. Standard tire size is 13/80R20 (also listed as 13.80-20). Each wheel rides on an independent oscillating hydraulic-cylinder suspension so it stays in ground contact over uneven surfaces.

PS vs PF wheel-pattern variant

The PS and PF designations are factory wheel-arrangement variants of the same chassis rather than bolt-on attachments: the PF pattern is set up to leave a smoother, more uniform finish. Choose the pattern at time of order; it is not a field-swappable kit.

Water spray system

A factory-fitted water spray system with a nozzle at each wheel keeps tires clean and prevents asphalt pickup during mat rolling. Tank capacity is quoted from about 350 to 460 liters (92 to 118 gal) depending on series/configuration, feeding a manifold that can be run continuous or intermittent from the operator's station.

Wheel scraper / tire-cleaning kit

Adjustable high-strength scrapers mount against each tire to strip picked-up material, often paired with water-retention mats or coco matting between wheel rows to keep tread damp and clean. This is a factory/dealer-fit kit rather than a swappable work tool.

Operator protection: canopy or cab

An open ROPS canopy is the base operator protection; an enclosed, climate-controlled cab is offered as a factory option for year-round comfort and dust/noise control. Both are structural add-ons selected at order or through a dealer retrofit, not field-interchangeable tools.

HW (heavy-weight) configuration

A higher-ballast-capacity version of the PF-300C line (marketed as PF300C HW) extends the maximum ballasted operating weight and pairs it with a larger water spray tank, for jobs needing more static compaction force from the same chassis footprint.

All PF-300 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar PF-300. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Air Inlet And Exhaust System
1g2865 Intake Gp-Air
5e7589 Air Cleaner Gp
1g2870 Compressor Gp-Air
1g2869 Compressor Gp-Air
1g2864 Exhaust Gp
Braking System
826973 Brake Gp
1g2953 Brake Gp-Reversing
1g2752 Brake Gp
1g2909 Brake Gp-Parking
1g2765 Brake Gp-Parking
0814716 Cylinder Gp-Air
815085 Cylinder Gp-Master
1g3921 Lines Gp-Cylinder Head
1g2903 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 2 Of 2
1g2903 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 1 Of 2
1g2902 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 1 Of 2
1g2902 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 2 Of 2
1g2910 Lines Gp-Parking Brake
826817 Pedal Gp-Brake
815345 Regulator Gp
1g2561 Regulator Gp
Cooling System
Electrical System
0849059 Box Gp-Instrument
1g4009 Electrical Gp
1g2933 Electrical Gp
1g2934 Electrical Gp
1g2954 Horn Gp-Electric
831124 Kit-Warning
08***37Button; (Warning Lights)1
08***24Kit-Warning1
08***41Wiring Harness; (Warning)1
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1g3962 Light Gp-Warning
08***20Washer3
08***90Orange Control Lamp; (Diff Control)1
08***30Switch; (Rear Wheel Water Spray)1
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0826747 Lighting Gp
08***47Lighting Group; (Rotating Beacon)1
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1096742 Lighting Gp-Beacon
08***53Fuse; (16-Ampere)1
08***90Orange Control Lamp; (Diff Control)1
10***29Lamp Group-Warning Beacon; (24-Volt, Amber)1
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814135 Regulator As
832107 Warning Gp-Backup
1g2932 Wiring Gp-Dashboard
1g2931 Wiring Gp
1g2930 Wiring Gp
Engine Installation
1g2863 Engine Gp-Adaption
1g2862 Engine Gp-Adaption
1g2861 Engine Gp-Adaption
Frame And Body
1g3160 Cab Gp
1g2936 Cab Gp-Rops
831550 Cab Gp
1g2923 Frame Gp-Front
1g2924 Frame Gp-Front
1g2925 Frame Gp-Front
1g2927 Platform Gp
1g2928 Seat Gp
1g2926 Platform Gp
1g2952 Shield Gp-Wind
Fuel System
1g2868 Tank Gp-Fuel
1g2867 Tank Gp-Fuel
1g2866 Tank Gp-Fuel
Hydraulic System
0815038 Cylinder Gp
815316 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic (Suspension Lifting)(Chg 00)
826789 Distributor Gp-Suspension Lifting
1g2929 Lifting Gp-Cab
1g2897 Hose Gp-Suspension Lifting
1g2896 Lines Gp-Suspension
1g2899 Piston Gp-Front (Suspension Lifting)
829956 Tank Gp-Hydraulic Oil
1g2972 Valve Gp-Solenoid
Implements
1g3934 Frame Gp-Sideroller
1g3972 Frame Gp-Sideroller
850265 Hub Gp-Roller
1g4003 Lines Gp-Lifting-Part 2 Of 2
1g4003 Lines Gp-Lifting-Part 1 Of 2
1g4008 Roller Gp
1g4002 Sideroller Gp
1G***21Spray Group-Water; Mounting Gp-Wtr1
1G***34Frame Group-Sideroller1
1G***72Frame Group-Sideroller1
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1g3621 Spray Gp-Water
1G***21Spray Group-Water; Mounting Gp-Wtr1
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Operator Station
815047 Block Gp-Selector
1g2937 Canopy Gp
0845448 Canopy Gp
845448 Canopy Gp
1g2913 Control Gp-Accelerator
1g2919 Dashboard Gp
1g2915 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
1336129 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
826673 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
5e5155 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
1g2918 Control Gp-Gauges
1g2917 Control Gp-Instr
1g2916 Control Gp-Gauges
1g3868 Control Gp-Gearshift
828965 Control Gp-Sideroller
851613 Control Gp-Sideroller
1g2914 Control Gp-Transmission
1g2920 Dashboard Gp
831899 Dashboard Gp
1g2938 Heater Gp-Cab
1g2922 Indicator Gp-Speed
1g2921 Indicator Gp-Speed
827490 Lever Gp-Hand Control
1g2871 Meter Gp-Service
5e6552 Mirror Gp-Rear View
1104437 Module Gp-Speed
1g2955 Panel Gp-Instrument
1g2956 Panel Gp-Instrument
832220 Seat Gp
Power Train
1g2887 Hub Gp-Front
1g2515 Bearing Gp
1g2876 Clutch Gp
849375 Differential Gp
1g2513 Gear As-Bevel
1g2874 Housing Gp-Transmission
1g2881 Lock Gp-Differential
1g2880 Lock Gp-Differential
1g2878 Pump & Valve Gp
1g2885 Reducer Gp-Pinion
1g2883 Reducer Gp-Casing
1g2884 Reducer Gp-Pinion
1g2882 Reducer Gp-Casing
1g2886 Shaft Gp-Drive
0846314 Support Gp
1g2872 Adapter Gp-Transmission
1g3888 Transmission Gp
1g2877 Clutch Gp
1g2873 Adapter Gp-Transmission
1g2875 Housing Gp-Transmission
828716 Valve Gp-Transmission Control
08***16Valve Group-Transmission Control1
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1049230 Wheel Gp-Smooth
1g2939 Wheel Gp
1g3927 Wheel Gp-Smooth
Service Equipment And Supplies
1043489 Film Gp
1043491 Film Gp
1g2957 Finish Gp
1g2940 Hose Gp-Tire Inflation
1g2941 Hose Gp-Tire Inflation
1g4717 Inflation Gp-Air
1G***40Hose Group1
1G***42Inflation Group-Tire1
1G***21Lines Group-Air Compressor Oil1
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1g4716 Inflation Gp-Air
1G***41Hose Group1
1G***43Inflation Group-Tire1
1G***21Lines Group-Air Compressor Oil1
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1g2942 Inflation Gp-Tire
1g2943 Inflation Gp-Tire
5e7580 Trim Gp
08***69Rivet12
08***29Plate; (Water Reservoir)1
1P***07Film-Symbol; 2 On Bottom Of Upper Frame Below Engine. 2 On Front Of Upper Frame Above Boom Articulation2
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Steering System
1g2912 Control Gp-Steering
1g2911 Control Gp-Steering
1g2892 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic (Steering)(Chg 00)
1g2891 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic (Steering)(Chg 00)
1g2895 Lines Gp-Grease
1g2888 Lines Gp-Steering
830356 Pump Gp-Hydraulic
1g3742 Pump Gp-Steering
1g2889 Pump Gp-Steering
1g2894 Steering Gp
5e7634 Valve Gp-Distributor
815024 Valve Gp
Water System
5e5214 Anti-Freeze Gp
831332 Anti-Freeze Gp
1g2944 Hose Gp-Water Spray
1g2945 Hose Gp-Water Spray
1g2947 Hose Gp-Water Spray
1g2946 Hose Gp-Water Spray
1g3230 Hose Gp-Spray
1g2951 Mat Gp-Water
1g2950 Mat Gp-Water
5e7738 Pump Gp-Water Spray
814502 Pump Gp-Water Spray
813450 Pump Gp-Water Spray

PF-300 serial number reference

On Cat PF-300 pneumatic compactors the PIN/serial plate is riveted to the machine frame, typically near the operator's platform or on the chassis rail close to the engine compartment; plate position has shifted across the base, B, and C updates, so check both spots. The plate reads as a 3-character prefix followed by a 5-digit sequence number (for example PFB00123); the prefix identifies the model/generation and the digits are the sequential build number, so match the prefix — not the full string — against the model/generation table.

PrefixIdentifies
7WDPF-300 (base, pre-letter series)
6HMPF-300B
PFBPF-300C

Frequently asked questions

What engine powers the Caterpillar PF-300?

It depends on the series. The base PF-300 (serial prefix 7WD) uses a Deutz F6L912 air-cooled inline-six diesel rated around 103 hp with no electronic engine controls. The PF-300B (prefix 6HM) switched to a Caterpillar 3054T/3054 DIT turbocharged diesel rated roughly 99 to 105 hp. The PF-300C (prefix PFB) uses a Caterpillar 3054C turbocharged diesel rated 75 kW (100 hp) meeting Stage II emissions.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar PF-300?

Shipping (unballasted) weight runs roughly 14,000 to 16,100 kg (30,900 to 35,500 lb) depending on standard versus Added Weight configuration. With full steel ballast blocks installed, operating weight reaches about 21,000 to 23,100 kg (46,200 to 50,800 lb), varying by series and ballast option.

What replaced the Caterpillar PF-300?

The PF-300 line progressed internally rather than being dropped for an unrelated model: the base PF-300 gave way to the Caterpillar-engine PF-300B, which was in turn succeeded by the Stage II-compliant PF-300C. No documented successor beyond the PF-300C has been confirmed.

What PF-300 owners discuss

The PF-300 name covers three different engines. How do you tell which one you're looking at?
Check the serial prefix and the cooling setup before assuming anything about the powertrain. The original PF-300 runs a Deutz F6L912, an air-cooled naturally aspirated inline-6 with no radiator or coolant system at all - if there's no coolant to check, you're on the Deutz. The PF-300B moved to a Cat 3054T/3054 DIT turbocharged diesel, liquid-cooled, rated around 74 kW (99 hp) gross. The PF-300C kept the same 3054C turbo block updated to meet Stage II-equivalent emissions rules, in the 67-74 kW (91-99 hp) band depending on rating. Don't assume parts or fuel-system procedures carry across generations - the air-cooled Deutz and the Cat 3054 family are unrelated designs sharing only the model name.
Owners of Cat 3054-powered compactors keep mentioning fuel showing up in the engine oil. What's causing that?
On the 3054T/3054 DIT/3054C family (PF-300B and PF-300C), the injection pump has a lip seal at the front, and when it starts to go, fuel weeps past it into the timing gear case and ends up diluting the crankcase oil. There's a drain tube built into the pump housing meant to bleed off that leakage before it reaches the oil, but once that path clogs or the seal wears enough, oil starts smelling like diesel and viscosity drops. Left unaddressed this runs the bearings on thin, fuel-cut oil. If you smell fuel in the oil or see the level creeping up between changes, don't just top it off - have your dealer verify the injection pump front seal and drain tube before you put more hours on it.
What's the deal with the base PF-300's air-cooled engine overheating?
The Deutz F6L912 block used on the original PF-300 cools itself by pulling air across finned cylinder barrels with a shroud-mounted fan, so there's no coolant level to check and no radiator to flush. What it doesn't tolerate is dust building up in the cooling fins, especially when it's combined with any oil weeping from valve cover gaskets or pushrod tubes - the oil film catches airborne dust and packs the fins solid, and once airflow is blocked the engine runs hot with no warning until it's already cooked a cylinder. Routine fin cleaning and staying on top of small oil leaks matters more on this engine than on a liquid-cooled machine.
What wear patterns show up on the tires and oscillating axle over time?
As a pneumatic (rubber-tired) compactor, the PF-300 kneads the mat with a staggered row of tires mounted in pairs on oscillating axles so each pair can walk independently over uneven grade - that oscillation is what gives the kneading action its value, and a stiff or seized pivot flattens it out into a rigid axle that just bounces over low spots instead of working them. Check that every wheel pivots freely with no binding or excess play before you trust the compaction pattern. Tire pressure is the other item that gets watched closely: pressure across the tire group needs to stay consistent (commonly within about 5 psi of each other) since uneven pressure means uneven ground contact and streaky compaction. Sidewall checking and weather-cracking are normal wear items on a machine that sits outside between paving seasons.
Any recurring complaints about the water spray system?
The tank-and-nozzle spray system that keeps the tires from picking up hot mix is a low-drama system but it's the first thing to act up if the machine sits: the screens ahead of the nozzles trap debris and scale from the tank, and a clogged nozzle shows up as one tire running dry while the rest spray fine, which then shows as that tire tracking or pulling mix. Pump priming after the tank runs dry is the other common annoyance. Neither is a serious repair, but it's worth cycling the system and checking every nozzle before relying on it for a hot-mix job.
How reliable is the electrical system and gauge cluster on these compactors?
These are simple machines electrically compared to a modern excavator - no factory electronic engine controls on the Deutz-powered PF-300, and only basic engine monitoring on the Cat 3054-powered B/C models. The failure points that come up are the ones common to any Cat machine of this vintage sitting outdoors for years: connector corrosion at the harness plugs, and on some units the harness insulation itself getting brittle and cracking with age and heat-cycling near the engine bay. Intermittent gauge readings or a no-start with good battery voltage usually traces back to a corroded ground or connector rather than a failed sensor. Have your dealer verify wiring continuity before replacing sensors or gauges on a hunch.
What should I check before buying a used PF-300?
First confirm which generation you're actually looking at by serial prefix and engine - Deutz air-cooled base PF-300, Cat 3054T/DIT PF-300B, or Cat 3054C PF-300C - since parts and service procedures don't cross over. Pull the oil and check for a fuel smell or milky/thin consistency, especially on 3054-powered units, since that points at the injection pump front seal. Cycle every wheel through its oscillation travel checking for binding, and verify tire pressures are even across the group with no dry-rot or sidewall cracking from sun exposure. Confirm the ballast blocks are present and match the machine's rated configuration - operating weight on these swings from roughly 9,000 to 21,000 kg (about 20,000-46,000 lb) depending on ballast loaded, and a unit missing its blocks is effectively down-rated. Run the water spray system through a full cycle and check every nozzle. Hour meters in the 8,000-10,000+ hour range aren't unusual for a working unit and aren't disqualifying on their own if the engine and axles check out, but have your dealer verify engine compression and hydraulic/oscillation function on any unit before you commit.

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

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