Caterpillar PR172
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The PR172 Power Box Rake is a passive, ground-engaging work tool built for skid-steer and multi-terrain loaders, compact wheel loaders, and mini excavators fitted with a universal-style quick coupler. It carries a 72 in (1829 mm) rotor/roller width and comes in two configurations: Manual Angle, at 899.5 lb (408 kg), where the operator resets the 20-degree left/right angle by hand at a pin-and-detent frame, and Hydraulic Angle, at 925.9 lb (420 kg), where the same 20-degree swing is set from the cab through a dedicated angle cylinder. It sits mid-width in Cat's power box rake lineup, which spans narrower PR121/PR123 rakes up through the wider PR184 and PR190, rather than replacing or being replaced by a single predecessor or successor model; Cat offers it alongside those siblings as a width option within one family.
Across the two PR172 configurations, the core rotor, tine set, and hydraulic-motor drive are unchanged; the only functional difference is how the angle is set, and that adds roughly 26 lb (12 kg) of cylinder, hose, and valving mass on the hydraulic version. Because the attachment carries no engine, ECM, or fluid reservoir of its own, its condition rides entirely on wear items that carry over cleanly between owners: tines, roller bearings, the hydraulic motor and hoses, gauge wheel spindles, and the coupler wedge. That makes the used and parts market for the PR172 straightforward to evaluate: a rake with sound bearings, tight tines, and leak-free hoses is functionally equivalent to a newer unit regardless of hours, since there is no aftertreatment, ECM fault history, or engine wear to discount for. That keeps well-maintained used units and remanufactured wear components in steady demand across the skid-steer and CTL attachment market.
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 PR172 specifications
Engine
| Power source | No onboard engine. Rotor is driven hydraulically off the carrier machine's auxiliary (standard-flow) hydraulic circuit |
| Displacement / cylinders | Not applicable - passive ground-engaging work tool, no powerplant of its own |
| Emissions tier | Not applicable - no engine fitted to the tool |
Weights
| Weight, Manual Angle configuration | 408 kg (899.5 lb) |
| Weight, Hydraulic Angle configuration | 420 kg (925.9 lb) |
| Ground pressure | Not published for this work tool |
Dimensions
| Roller / raking width | 1829 mm (72 in) |
| Raking width at maximum angle | 1727 mm (68 in) |
| Overall width | 2057 mm (81 in) |
| Overall length | 1626 mm (64 in) |
| Overall height | 847 mm (33.3 in) |
| Maximum angle, left or right of center | 20 degrees (both Manual Angle and Hydraulic Angle versions) |
Performance
| Required hydraulic flow | 49-86 L/min (13-23 gpm), standard-flow carrier circuit |
| Required hydraulic pressure | 230 bar (3336 psi) |
| Angle control | Manual Angle version set by hand; Hydraulic Angle version adjusted from the operator's seat, both up to 20 degrees left or right of center |
| Gauge wheels | Dual, independently adjustable gauge wheels set skim-pass depth or drainage grade |
| Travel speed / gradeability | Not applicable - passive attachment with no self-propulsion; performance follows the carrier machine |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel tank | Not applicable - no onboard engine |
| Hydraulic system | No dedicated onboard reservoir; the rake runs off the carrier machine's hydraulic system |
| Engine oil | Not applicable - no onboard engine |
| Cooling system | Not applicable - no onboard engine |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
PR172 fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic system (attachment supply, no onboard reservoir) | No dedicated tank on the rake itself. Runs on the host carrier's auxiliary hydraulic circuit at an optimal flow of 49-86 L/min (13-23 US gpm) and system pressure of 230 bar (3336 psi), standard-flow auxiliary hydraulics. | No independent fluid fill for the work tool. Oil comes from the host machine's own hydraulic tank, so the applicable spec is whatever the carrier calls for, typically Cat HYDO Advanced 10W or Cat TDTO (TO-4) on machines that share hydraulic and powertrain oil. Viscosity-by-climate selection follows the host machine's own chart, not a PR172-specific one. |
| Grease points (pivots, bearings, rotor/angle-frame linkage) | Spec only, no fill volume published; serviced by zerk fitting per the routine lubrication interval. | Cat Multipurpose Grease for general-duty bearing and pivot points; Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease where extreme-pressure/high-load duty is called for. No separate cold-weather/hot-weather grease split is published for this attachment. |
| Engine, cooling, fuel, transmission, final drive, axle | Not applicable. | The PR172 carries no engine, coolant, fuel tank, transmission, final drive, or axle of its own. It is a passive, hydraulically driven power box rake (angle rake) mounted to a host carrier, drawing rotary power entirely from the carrier's hydraulic motor circuit. All engine/coolant/fuel/driveline fluid specs belong to the host machine, not the work tool. |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar PR172 maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 50 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
Servicing the PR172 beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
The PR172 has no engine, ECM, or reservoir of its own, so predictive care tracks the host carrier's hydraulic circuit instead. Sample carrier hydraulic oil on schedule and watch for metal fines, which flag internal wear in the rake's motor before roller speed drops off. Compare delivered flow against the 49-86 L/min (13-23 US gpm) window at 230 bar (3336 psi); a fall-off under load signals a worn motor or fatigued relief valve. On hydraulic-angle units, log cylinder drift and grease uptake at each zerk to catch bearing wear early.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Most PR172 repairs are wear-item swaps, not warranty claims. Bent or chipped tines on the rotor bar are the most common field fix, followed by roller bearing replacement once play develops at the shaft ends. Hydraulic hose and fitting leaks around the motor and, on hydraulic-angle units, the angling cylinder are the next most frequent callouts. Gauge wheels loosen with use and need periodic re-adjustment or bushing replacement. On manual-angle units, the pin-and-detent angling frame wears at the pivot and needs bushing renewal to hold set angle under load.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
Major PR172 rebuild work centers on the hydraulic motor and the rotor assembly. Once the motor shows case-drain contamination or output loss beyond hose and fitting causes, exchange or reseal it rather than chase symptoms downstream. Rotor bearings and shaft seals need replacement together once radial play exceeds limit, since the tine bar rides there. Angle-mechanism pivots and bushings on manual and hydraulic-angle frames wear as a set and should be renewed together. Check the main frame and coupler plate for cracked welds before returning the unit to service.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
The PR172 works turf and seedbed prep, so off-season handling matters as much as in-season checks. Before winter storage, wash organic debris and soil out of the rotor housing and tine bar; packed material holds moisture against bearings and accelerates corrosion. Coat exposed cylinder rods and the coupler wedge with a grease film before layup. In wet or sandy turf, shorten the tine and bearing wear-check interval, since fine grit wears seals faster than on gravel or general construction sites. Re-grease and recheck angle-mechanism free play before spring startup.
PR172 attachments & work tools
Machine type and size-class family
PR172 is itself a Cat power box rake work tool, not a host carrier. It sits in a size family that spans roughly PR121 up through PR184 and PR190, with roller widths climbing from about 1.5 m up to 2.3 m (72 in on the PR172 itself, 1829 mm).
Roller/raking width
PR172 roller width is 1829 mm (72 in), overall width 2057 mm (81 in). At full 20-degree angle the effective raking width narrows to about 1727 mm (68 in). Sibling PR184 and PR190 step up to 2134 mm and 2286 mm roller widths respectively - treat those as a wider/heavier option tier, not this exact model.
Angling configuration
Offered in two variants: manual-angle (pin-adjusted, set from outside the machine) and hydraulic-angle (adjusted from the cab via an auxiliary hydraulic circuit). Both variants swing up to 20 degrees left or right of center for windrowing loosened material to one side.
Coupler / mounting system
Mounts via the universal skid-steer/multi-terrain-loader quick-coupler plate, described by the factory as an opposing-edge design that clamps the tool frame securely for fast tool changes. This is the standard loader quick-attach interface, not an excavator pin-grab coupler.
Hydraulic drive requirement
The rotor is hydraulically driven off the carrier's standard-flow auxiliary circuit; no high-flow kit is required. Optimal flow runs about 49-86 L/min (13-23 gpm) at roughly 230 bar (about 3336 psi) working pressure - varies slightly by dealer listing but stays in this band across sources.
Depth and finish-control options
Factory options include dual independently adjustable gauge wheels for skim passes (over-seeding or fine grade control) and adjustable skid shoes with multiple set positions for consistent working depth. These are the main configuration choices beyond the angle-drive selection.
Host-carrier compatibility
Rated for skid-steer and multi-terrain loaders across a wide weight range (small-frame through large-frame D-series/M-series units) and for compact wheel loaders in the same power class. Exact compatible-model lists vary by dealer catalog revision; match by hydraulic flow rating and coupler type rather than model number alone.
All PR172 assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar PR172. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Frame And Body
276-4408 Deflector Gp-Debris
| 03***55 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X) | 16 |
| 1D***72 | Bolt-Carriage; (1/2-13x5.5-In) | 16 |
| 27***08 | Deflector Group-Debris | 1 |
276-4428 Deflector Gp-Debris
| 03***55 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X) | 24 |
| 1D***72 | Bolt-Carriage; (1/2-13x5.5-In) | 24 |
| 27***28 | Deflector Group-Debris | 1 |
276-4418 Deflector Gp-Debris
| 03***55 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X) | 24 |
| 1D***72 | Bolt-Carriage; (1/2-13x5.5-In) | 24 |
| 27***18 | Deflector Group-Debris | 1 |
277-8211 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 02***87 | Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint) | 4 |
| 0T***84 | Bolt 19 mm(.75 In.) Long | 3 |
| 27***70 | Bushing | 1 |
276-4406 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 15***70 | Lockwasher | 1 |
| 27***06 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***08 | Deflector Group-Debris | 1 |
276-4410 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 02***87 | Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint) | 4 |
| 0T***84 | Bolt 19 mm(.75 In.) Long | 3 |
| 27***10 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
276-4430 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 02***87 | Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint) | 4 |
| 0T***84 | Bolt 19 mm(.75 In.) Long | 3 |
| 27***30 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
276-4426 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 15***70 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 27***26 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***28 | Deflector Group-Debris | 1 |
276-4416 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 15***70 | Lockwasher | 1 |
| 27***09 | Wheel Group-Landscape Rake | 2 |
| 27***16 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
277-8221 Frame Gp-Landscape Rake
| 02***87 | Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint) | 4 |
| 0T***84 | Bolt 19 mm(.75 In.) Long | 3 |
| 27***70 | Bushing | 1 |
276-4429 Wheel Gp-Landscape Rake
| 02***87 | Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint) | 1 |
| 0S***79 | Bolt 5.08 cm(2 In.) Long | 1 |
| 27***29 | Wheel Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
276-4409 Wheel Gp-Landscape Rake
| 02***87 | Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint) | 1 |
| 0S***79 | Bolt 5.08 cm(2 In.) Long | 1 |
| 1B***39 | Nut Connecting Link | 1 |
Hydraulic System
277-8217 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***15 | Connector As | 2 |
| 14***41 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 15***94 | Coupler As-Quick Disconnect; (Female)(Quick Disconnect) | 1 |
277-8212 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***15 | Connector As | 2 |
| 14***41 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 15***94 | Coupler As-Quick Disconnect; (Female)(Quick Disconnect) | 1 |
277-8222 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 13***38 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***15 | Connector As | 2 |
| 15***94 | Coupler As-Quick Disconnect; (Female)(Quick Disconnect) | 1 |
276-4431 Lines Gp-Cylinder & Manifold
| 13***38 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***15 | Connector As | 2 |
| 14***39 | Tee As | 2 |
276-4420 Lines Gp-Cylinder & Manifold
| 13***38 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***15 | Connector As | 2 |
| 14***41 | Connector Group | 2 |
276-4411 Lines Gp-Cylinder & Manifold
| 13***38 | Connector | 1 |
| 14***15 | Connector As | 2 |
| 14***41 | Connector Group | 2 |
Service Equipment And Supplies
277-8213 Plate & Film Gp
| 22***45 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 22***30 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Stay Back, U.S.) | 1 |
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
276-4419 Plate & Film Gp
| 22***45 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 22***30 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Stay Back, U.S.) | 1 |
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
277-8223 Plate & Film Gp
| 22***45 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 22***30 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Stay Back, U.S.) | 1 |
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
276-4433 Plate & Film Gp
| 22***45 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 22***30 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Stay Back, U.S.) | 1 |
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
277-8216 Plate & Film Gp
| 22***45 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 22***30 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Stay Back, U.S.) | 1 |
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
276-4413 Plate & Film Gp
| 22***45 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back) | 2 |
| 22***30 | Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Stay Back, U.S.) | 1 |
| 22***42 | Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, U.S.) | 2 |
Work Tool Arrangement
276-4415 Landscape Power Rake Ar
| 22***15 | Harness As-Work Tool; (Connecting) | 1 |
| 27***12 | Wiring Group-Work Tool | 1 |
| 27***15 | Landscape Power Rake Ar | 1 |
276-4405 Landscape Power Rake Ar
| 22***15 | Harness As-Work Tool; (Connecting) | 0 |
| 27***05 | Landscape Power Rake Ar | 1 |
| 27***06 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
276-4425 Landscape Power Rake Ar
| 22***15 | Harness As-Work Tool; (Connecting) | 1 |
| 27***12 | Wiring Group-Work Tool | 1 |
| 27***25 | Landscape Power Rake Ar | 1 |
277-8220 Landscape Power Rake Ar
| 27***26 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***27 | Drive Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***20 | Landscape Power Rake Ar | 1 |
277-8210 Landscape Power Rake Ar
| 27***06 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***07 | Drive Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***10 | Landscape Power Rake Ar | 1 |
277-8215 Landscape Power Rake Ar
| 27***16 | Frame Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***17 | Drive Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
| 27***15 | Landscape Power Rake Ar | 1 |
Work Tools
276-4407 Drive Gp-Landscape Rake
| 03***55 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X) | 2 |
| 23***89 | Nut-Flange; (1/2-13-Thd) | 4 |
| 27***07 | Drive Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
276-4417 Drive Gp-Landscape Rake
| 03***55 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X) | 2 |
| 23***89 | Nut-Flange; (1/2-13-Thd) | 4 |
| 27***17 | Drive Group-Landscape Rake | 1 |
276-4427 Drive Gp-Landscape Rake
| 03***55 | Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X) | 2 |
| 1K***72 | Locknut Horn To Guard | 4 |
| 26***15 | Motor Group-Gerotor | 1 |
PR172 serial number reference
The PIN plate sits on the main frame of the power box rake, typically near the hitch/mounting plate on the top or side rail, not on any roller or motor housing. Read the first three characters of the 17-character PIN as the prefix, which ties the unit to its specific width/angle configuration; the digits that follow are the sequential unit number within that run.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RDD | PR172 hydraulic-angle power box rake, 72 in (1829 mm) roller width | Skid steer / multi-terrain loader attachment. Angle is set hydraulically from the cab, up to 20 deg either side. Passive work tool, no engine or ECM; runs off host machine hydraulic flow through a hydraulic motor. Roughly 420 kg (925 lb), about 12 kg (25 lb) heavier than the manual-angle version due to the added hydraulic components. |
| RPB | PR172 manual-angle power box rake, 72 in (1829 mm) roller width | Same frame and 72 in (1829 mm) roller width as the hydraulic-angle version, but angle (up to 20 deg either side) is set by hand rather than from the cab. Passive attachment, no engine or ECM, driven by host machine hydraulic flow. About 408 kg (900 lb). |
Frequently asked questions
What configurations and weight options does the PR172 come in?
Two configurations, both on a 72 in (1829 mm) rotor width with 20-degree left/right angling: Manual Angle at 899.5 lb (408 kg), where the angle is reset by hand at the frame, and Hydraulic Angle at 925.9 lb (420 kg), where the operator sets the angle from the cab through a dedicated cylinder.
What hydraulic flow does the PR172 need from the carrier?
It runs on a standard-flow circuit of 49-86 L/min (13-23 US gpm) at 230 bar (3336 psi). It is a passive tool with no engine or ECM, so it draws only hydraulic power (plus an electrical signal on hydraulic-angle units to run the angle cylinder) from the host machine.
Where does the PR172 sit in Cat's power box rake lineup, and what replaced it?
The PR172 is a mid-width entry in Cat's power box rake family, which runs from the narrower PR121/PR123 up through the wider PR184 and PR190. It is a width option within one ongoing lineup rather than a model with a distinct predecessor or successor, and Cat continues to sell it alongside those siblings.
What PR172 owners discuss
Where do owners usually find hydraulic leaks on a PR172 power box rake?
How much tine or tooth wear is normal, and when should they be replaced?
What roller bearing problems show up over time on this type of rake?
Does the host carrier's hydraulic flow really matter for a PR172?
What issues come up with the angle adjustment on manual vs hydraulic versions?
What wears out at the quick-attach mount plate?
What should a buyer inspect on a used PR172 before purchase?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
Need a specific PR172 part?
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