Caterpillar PS-110
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Caterpillar PS-110 is a self-propelled, pneumatic (rubber-tired) compactor built for finish-rolling asphalt and compacting soil and granular subgrade. It runs a Perkins-built Cat 4.236 engine: naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder, 3.9 L (238 cu in) displacement, rated 57.4 kW (77 hp) gross, mechanically governed with no electronic control module. Operating weight ranges from 3,827 kg (8,437 lb) with no ballast up to 12,415 kg (27,370 lb) with maximum water, sand, or steel ballast; there is no swappable work-tool interface, so weight is tuned entirely through ballast. Cat built the PS-110 from the late 1980s into the mid-1990s as the smallest member of a shared platform completed by the PS-130 and PS-180, which used one common factory service and parts manual across all three models. Standard configuration runs 11 tires (5 front, 6 rear, size 7.5x15), with an alternate 9-wheel fitment noted on some units; options include a tire spray-water kit, scrapers, and a ROPS canopy.
No distinct lettered generation (B, C, and so on) is documented for the PS-110 itself; that naming shows up later on Caterpillar's larger PS-150 and PS-200 pneumatic compactors, which moved to a turbocharged Cat 3054 engine and represent a different, newer engine platform rather than a direct evolution of this machine. What varies across the PS-110's own production run is mostly ballast and tire configuration rather than driveline design, since it shares its hydrostatic drive, differential, and mechanically governed engine architecture with its PS-130 and PS-180 siblings at different weight classes. In today's used and parts market, that simplicity is the draw: no ECM, no aftertreatment, and a widely supported Perkins-family engine keep repair costs predictable on a machine this age. Parts sourcing leans on the shared PS-110/PS-130/PS-180 manual, though ballast tanks, tires, and driveline components specific to this platform grow harder to find as the working population ages out of service.
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 PS-110 specifications
Engine
| Engine model | 4.236 four-cylinder diesel (Perkins-built engine block, Cat-badged for this compactor line) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated, indirect injection |
| Gross power | 57.4 kW (77 hp) |
| Net power | Not separately published for this model; catalog data lists gross power only |
| Displacement | 3.9 L (238 cu in) |
| Cylinders | 4, in-line |
| Emissions tier | No EPA/nonroad tier certification published. Machine dates to the early 1990s, before nonroad diesel emissions tiers took effect, so it carries no Tier rating |
Weights
| Operating weight, no ballast | 3,827 kg (8,437 lb) |
| Operating weight, maximum ballast | 12,415 kg (27,370 lb) |
| Average wheel load, maximum ballast | 1,134 kg (2,500 lb) per wheel |
| Shipping/base weight | Not separately published; listed operating weight varies slightly by source (roughly 3,750-3,830 kg / 8,270-8,440 lb) depending on ballast and tire fitment |
Dimensions
| Transport length | 4.14 m (13 ft 7 in) |
| Transport width | 2.14 m (7 ft) |
| Transport height (to ROPS) | 2.49 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Wheelbase | 3.36 m (11 ft) |
| Ground clearance | Not documented in available spec data |
| Tire configuration | 11 pneumatic tires in a staggered front/rear pattern (5 front, 6 rear), standard size 7.5x15; some listings show an alternate 9-wheel fitment with 8.5/90-15 tires, so configuration varies by ballast/tire option |
Performance
| Travel speed, maximum | 38.6 km/h (24 mph) |
| Outside turning radius | 6.12 m (20 ft 1 in) |
| Gradeability | Not published for this model |
| Drawbar pull | Not applicable/not published; this is a self-propelled static pneumatic-tire compactor, not a towed or drawbar machine |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel tank | 128.3 L (33.9 gal) |
| Engine oil | 4.9 L (1.3 gal) |
| Hydraulic system | Not documented for this model in available spec data |
| Cooling system | Not documented for this model in available spec data |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
PS-110 fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine crankcase (with filter) | 4.9 L (1.3 US gal) | Cat DEO diesel engine oil (API CD/CE-rated) for the Perkins 4.236 four-cylinder diesel. Use SAE 15W-40 for general service; use SAE 10W-30 in sustained cold-start conditions per Cat's ambient-temperature viscosity guidance. |
| Fuel tank | 128.3 L (33.9 US gal) | No. 2-D diesel fuel for normal operation; switch to No. 1-D diesel in cold climates to reduce the risk of fuel gelling and hard starting. |
| Cooling system | Not published in sources available for this model — confirm with your dealer or the machine's O&M manual. | Cat ethylene-glycol based antifreeze/coolant (Cat DEAC-type, or the current Cat ELC equivalent), mixed to roughly a 50/50 water-glycol ratio for moderate climates and a richer glycol percentage for hard-freeze regions. |
| Hydraulic system and tank | Not published in sources available for this model — confirm with your dealer or the machine's O&M manual. | Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drivetrain/Hydraulic multipurpose oil), graded SAE 10W, 30, or 50 by ambient operating temperature. This is Cat's standard shared fluid for the hydrostatic propel circuit and hydraulic system on this class of pneumatic compactor. |
| Final drive / differential (if equipped) | Not documented for this model in available sources; capacity varies by configuration. | Cat TDTO multipurpose oil, matched to the grade used in the hydraulic/hydrostatic system, per Cat's standard drivetrain lubrication practice for this compactor class. |
| Tire/water spray tank | Approximately 380 L (100.4 US gal) based on the shared PS-series platform; not separately confirmed under the PS-110 nameplate, so treat as approximate — varies by configuration. | Water, or a water/release-agent emulsion, sprayed over the pneumatic tires to keep asphalt from adhering to the tread. |
| Grease (all chassis and pivot points) | Not applicable — serviced by interval, not reservoir volume. | Cat multipurpose grease, NLGI Grade 2 lithium-complex, for all grease fittings on the frame, steering linkage, and axle pivots. |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar PS-110 maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 10 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
| Every 4,000 h |
|
Servicing the PS-110 beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
This machine's mechanically governed Perkins-built 4.236 has no ECM or onboard diagnostics, so fluid sampling is the main early-warning tool. Sample engine oil, the Cat TDTO in the hydrostatic drive and differential, and coolant on a set interval through a dealer fluid-analysis program to catch wear-metal trends in the hydrostatic pump, wheel motors, and differential before they fail. Watch water-separator drainage closely, since this era's fuel system is sensitive to water intrusion. Track tire pressure spread across the 11-tire set as an early sign of bearing or alignment drift.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Common failure points on this platform: static injection timing drift causing hard starting or smoke, since factory timing is set high with no mechanical advance; fuel-bleed problems after any fuel-system work, given this era's sensitivity to trapped air; tire and ballast imbalance from uneven wear or settled ballast; and hydrostatic wheel-motor or differential seal leaks at the tandem rear axle. Work the fuel-bleed sequence in the exact factory order after any fuel-system disturbance, recheck injection timing before condemning the pump, and pressure-test hydrostatic lines before swapping components outright.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
At high hours, the naturally aspirated, Perkins-built 4.236 typically reaches an inframe or top-end overhaul point once oil consumption or compression falls off, with no turbocharger to complicate the teardown. The hydrostatic pump and wheel motors are the other major rebuild items on this platform, with wear showing first as slow response or drift under ballasted load. Inspect the differential and tandem-axle bearings at the same overhaul point. Check ballast tanks and boxes for internal corrosion before returning a rebuilt unit to water-ballast service.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
In cold climates, switch to winter-grade Cat TDTO in the hydrostatic drive and differential, and confirm coolant protects to the expected low. Drain water ballast before freeze-up to avoid tank and line cracking; switch to sand or steel ballast for winter work. In hot, dry climates, watch coolant level and radiator cleanliness closely, since this mechanically governed engine has fixed cooling capacity, and check tire pressure more often as heat accelerates pressure rise. On wet or muddy sites, drain the fuel-water separator more often and check wheel-arm seals for contamination.
PS-110 common service parts
| Part number | Part | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E380083 | Transmission Oil Filter Assembly | Lubrication service | Check fitment → |
Always confirm against your machine's serial number — cross-check any part in Heavy Parts AI before ordering.
PS-110 fault codes & troubleshooting
| Code | Meaning | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Pressure warning light (red, oil-can symbol) | Engine oil pressure has dropped below the safe switch threshold | Low oil level, clogged oil filter, worn oil pump, or worn main/rod bearings | Stop the engine immediately, check oil level and filter condition before any restart |
| Coolant Temperature gauge in red zone / temperature warning light | Engine coolant has exceeded normal operating temperature | Low coolant level, clogged or dirty radiator core, slipping or broken fan belt, or a stuck thermostat | Reduce engine speed, let it idle before shutdown, then check coolant level, belt condition, and radiator airflow once safe to open |
| Charging system (alternator) warning light, battery/amp symbol, red | Charging circuit is not producing adequate voltage to the battery | Broken or slipping alternator belt, faulty alternator, or a loose/corroded wiring connection | Check belt tension and battery terminal connections, then have the charging circuit tested if the light stays on |
| Air cleaner restriction indicator | Intake vacuum across the air filter has exceeded the allowable limit | Dirty or clogged primary air filter element | Service or replace the air filter element and reset the restriction indicator |
| Fuel level warning light | Fuel tank level is near empty | Low fuel, or a stuck/failed fuel level sender | Refuel and check the tank for water or sediment contamination if the light behaves erratically |
Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.
PS-110 attachments & work tools
Wheel/tire configuration
PS-110 pneumatic-tire compactors show up in both 9-wheel and 11-wheel arrangements rather than as a bolt-on work tool choice. Tire size is given as 7.5-15 for the 11-wheel layout and around 8.5/90-15 for the 9-wheel layout; treat exact wheel count and tire size as varying by configuration and confirm against the specific build.
Ballast (weight-adjustment) system
Operating weight is tuned with water, sand, or steel ballast loaded into the wheel-mounted ballast frame instead of a swappable attachment. Base operating weight runs about 3.8 t (8,437 lb); fully ballasted weight is reported up to roughly 12.4 t (27,370 lb) — exact ballast capacity varies by configuration/series.
Tire scrapers
Each wheel carries a self-adjusting scraper blade that strips asphalt and aggregate pickup off the tire face. This is a standard bolt-mounted wear item for this pneumatic-roller class, not an optional quick-attach tool.
Water spray / tire-wetting kit
A pressurized water spray system with a nozzle at each wheel and inline filtration keeps tires wet to reduce asphalt mix pickup while rolling. Spray rate is adjustable and can be run intermittently; this is a factory-fitted plumbing kit, not a hydraulic work tool.
ROPS and canopy
A Roll-Over Protective Structure is standard at the operator's station. A bolt-on sun/weather canopy fitted to the ROPS is a common factory or dealer-installed option across this compactor class.
No quick-coupler work-tool interface
Unlike excavators or loaders, this pneumatic-roller class has no hydraulic quick-coupler for interchangeable buckets, grapples, or compaction wheels. Factory-level options are limited to ballast type/weight, tire selection, scrapers, the water spray kit, and ROPS/canopy hardware bolted or plumbed into the base chassis.
All PS-110 assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar PS-110. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Basic Engine
7w2515 Camshaft Gp
| 7W***15 | Camshaft Group; Camshaft Group | 1 |
9y5013 Camshaft Gp
| 9Y***13 | Camshaft Group | 1 |
2w7828 Cover Gp-Front Housing
| 2W***28 | Cover Group-Front Housing | 1 |
7w2534 Cover Gp-Valve Mechanism
| 7W***34 | Cover Group-Valve Mechanism | 1 |
7c6945 Crankshaft Gp
| 7C***45 | Crankshaft Group | 1 |
7c4611 Cylinder Block As-Part 1 Of 2
| 7C***11 | Cylinder Block As | 1 |
6n9630 Cylinder Block As-Part 1 Of 2
| 6N***30 | Cylinder Block As | 1 |
7c4611 Cylinder Block As-Part 2 Of 2
| 7C***11 | Cylinder Block As | 1 |
6n9630 Cylinder Block As-Part 2 Of 2
| 6N***30 | Cylinder Block As | 1 |
9y5857 Cylinder Block Gp
| 9Y***57 | Cylinder Block Group | 1 |
7n3472 Cylinder Block Gp-Short-Part 2 Of 2
| 03***90 | Washer-Thrust; (Standard-Upper)(Upper) | 2 |
| 03***91 | Washer-Thrust; (Standard-Lower)(Lower) | 2 |
| 03***79 | Bearing Kit-Crankshaft (Main) .25mm (.01in) | 1 |
9y2630 Cylinder Block Gp
| 9Y***30 | Cylinder Block Group | 1 |
7n3472 Cylinder Block Gp-Short-Part 1 Of 2
| 03***90 | Washer-Thrust; (Standard-Upper)(Upper) | 2 |
| 03***91 | Washer-Thrust; (Standard-Lower)(Lower) | 2 |
| 03***79 | Bearing Kit-Crankshaft (Main) .25mm (.01in) | 1 |
7c4601 Cylinder Block Gp
| 7C***01 | Cylinder Block Group | 1 |
9y3705 Cylinder Head Gp
| 9Y***05 | Cylinder Head Group | 1 |
7c3188 Cylinder Head Gp
| 7C***88 | Cylinder Head Group | 1 |
7c5408 Cylinder Head Gp
| 7C***08 | Cylinder Head Group | 1 |
7c1203 Flywheel Gp
| 7C***03 | Flywheel Group; Flywheel Group | 1 |
1w7878 Gear Gp-Front
| 1W***78 | Gear Group-Front; Gear Gp-Front Idler | 1 |
9y5003 Gear Gp-Front Idler
| 9Y***03 | Gear Group-Front; Gear Gp-Front Idler | 1 |
7c3103 Housing Gp-Flywheel
| 7C***03 | Housing Group-Flywheel | 1 |
9y5045 Housing Gp-Front
| 9Y***45 | Housing Group-Front | 1 |
7w1143 Housing Gp-Front
| 7W***43 | Housing Group-Front | 1 |
7w2537 Lifting Eye Gp-Engine
| 7W***37 | Lifting Group-Engine; Lifting Eye Gp-Engine | 1 |
9y3094 Mounting Gp-Engine
| 9Y***94 | Mounting Group-Engine | 1 |
1n4268 Rod & Piston Gp
| 1N***68 | Piston & Rod Group | 1 |
7c8209 Pulley Gp-Crankshaft
| 7C***09 | Pulley Group-Crankshaft | 1 |
7w6204 Valve Mechanism Gp
| 7W***04 | Valve Mechanism Group | 1 |
Brake Group
Brake System
Brake System Lines And Fittings
Master Brake Cylinder
| 06***63 | Master Brake Cylinder | 1 |
Cooling
9y3703 Fan Gp
| 9Y***03 | Fan Group | 1 |
7c3112 Lines Gp-Water
| 7C***12 | Lines Group-Water; Lines Gp-Engine Water | 1 |
4w7684 Pump Gp-Water
| 4W***84 | Pump Group-Water | 1 |
9y3097 Pump Gp-Water
| 9Y***97 | Pump Group-Water | 1 |
Drive Train Group
Axle Housing Assembly
Axle Input Assembly
Brake Assembly
Clutch Stack Assembly
| E2***49 | Clutch Stack Assembly | 1 |
Control Assembly
| E8***90 | Control Assembly | 1 |
Control System Assembly
| E8***32 | Control System Assembly | 1 |
Control Valve Assembly
| E8***37 | Control Valve Assembly | 1 |
Differential Assembly - No-Spin
Differential Assembly - Standard
Drive Line Assembly
| A0***37 | Drive Line Assembly | 1 |
Drive Train Assembly
Lower Rear Drive Assembly
Parking Brake Assembly
| E0***29 | Parking Brake Assembly | 1 |
Parking Brake Control Assembly
| E6***66 | Parking Brake Control Assembly | 1 |
Rear Tire Scraper Assembly
Shift Cap Assembly
| F1***99 | Shift Cap Assembly | 1 |
Shuttle Assembly
| E2***62 | Shuttle Assembly | 1 |
Transmission Assembly
| A0***58 | Transmission Assembly | 1 |
Transmission Group
| E8***33 | Transmission Group | 1 |
Transmission Oil Cooling Assembly
Transmission Oil Filter Assembly
| E3***83 | Transmission Oil Filter Assembly | 1 |
Upper Rear Axle Assembly
Wheel And Tire Assembly - 6 Ply
| 04***96 | Wheel And Tire Assembly - 6 Ply | 1 |
Engine Arrangement
9y3700 Engine Ar
| 1N***68 | Piston & Rod Group | 1 |
| 1W***26 | Manifold Group-Inlet | 1 |
| 1W***78 | Gear Group-Front; Gear Gp-Front Idler | 1 |
9y5856 Engine Ar
| 1N***72 | Cylinder Block Group | 1 |
| 1N***68 | Piston & Rod Group | 1 |
| 1W***26 | Manifold Group-Inlet | 1 |
Engine Group
Air Cleaner Assembly
| E2***16 | Air Cleaner Assembly | 1 |
Battery Assembly
Engine Air Cleaner Assembly
Engine Cooling System
Engine Exhaust System
Engine Fuel System
Engine Mounting And Oil Drain
Engine Throttle Control Assembly
Frame Group
Console Assembly
Frame Assembly
Fuel Tank Assembly
Hood Assembly
Seat Assembly
| 06***79 | Seat Assembly | 1 |
Front Bolster Group
Double Bolster Assembly
Front Tire Scraper Assembly
Hub And Axle Assembly - Double Wheel
Hub And Axle Assembly - Single Wheel
King Pin Assembly
Fuel System And Governor
7c3115 Filter Gp-Fuel
| 7C***15 | Filter Group-Fuel | 1 |
1w8310 Lines Gp-Fuel Filter
| 1W***10 | Lines Group-Fuel Filter | 1 |
9y3702 Lines Gp-Fuel Injection
| 9Y***02 | Lines Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
7n6422 Pump Gp-Fuel
| 7N***22 | Pump Group-Fuel | 1 |
2w8616 Pump Gp-Fuel Injection
| 2W***16 | Pump Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
7c8029 Separator Gp-Water
| 7C***29 | Separator Group-Water | 1 |
Instrument Group
Instrument Panel Assembly
Intake And Exhaust System
7c3110 Fumes Disposal Gp
| 7C***10 | Fumes Disposal Group | 1 |
9y3704 Manifold Gp-Exhaust
| 9Y***04 | Manifold Group-Exhaust | 1 |
1w2226 Manifold Gp-Inlet
| 1W***26 | Manifold Group-Inlet | 1 |
Lubrication System
9y3701 Filter Gp-Cooler & Engine Oil
| 9Y***01 | Filter Group-Cooler & Engine Oil | 1 |
7c3105 Gauge Gp-Engine Oil Level
| 7C***05 | Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick) | 1 |
7c3104 Pan Gp-Engine Oil
| 7C***04 | Pan Group-Oil; Pan Gp-Engine Oil | 1 |
7c4602 Pump Gp-Engine Oil-Part 1 Of 1
| 7C***02 | Pump Group-Engine Oil | 1 |
Miscellaneous
Back-Up Alarm Assembly
Decals
Hardware Identification
Wiring Harnesses
| 03***98 | Harness Assembly., Front | 1 |
| 03***49 | Harness Assembly., Engine | 1 |
| C1***40 | Harness Assembly., Rear | 1 |
Options
Coco Mat Assembly
Front Lights
R.O.P.S. Assembly
Tail And Brake Light Assembly
Wheel And Tire Assembly - 10 Ply, 12 Ply & 14 Ply
Starting And Electrical System
7c9252 Mounting Gp-Alternator
| 7C***52 | Mounting Group-Alternator | 1 |
7c9269 Mounting Gp-Starting Motor
| 7C***69 | Mounting Group-Starting Motor; Mounting Gp- Starting Motor | 1 |
Steering Group
Hydraulic Cylinder - Green
| B1***09 | Hydraulic Cylinder - Green | 1 |
Hydraulic Pump
| 06***09 | Hydraulic Pump | 1 |
Steering System
Steering System Lines And Fittings
Steering Valve
| E7***19 | Steering Valve | 1 |
Water System
Gravity Water Spray System
PS-110 serial number reference
On the PS-110 the PIN/serial plate is a riveted metal tag on the main frame, commonly on the right-hand side near the front axle or frame rail below the operator's platform (also check the battery box area or other frame rail if not immediately visible, since exact placement can vary by build date). The plate shows the full Product Identification Number; the first three characters are the serial prefix identifying the model and build series (letter-letter-letter, e.g., 7MD), and the digits that follow are the sequential unit number within that prefix (e.g., a plate reading in the 7MD00051 range is a unit at or after that point in the PS-110 build run). Confirm exact plate placement with a dealer if not found in the usual location.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7MD | PS-110 pneumatic (rubber-tire) paving compactor - single documented generation | Only prefix documented for the PS-110 in Caterpillar parts and service literature; the parts catalog lists the range as 7MD00051-UP. Machine uses the naturally aspirated Perkins-built 4.236 diesel (4-cylinder, roughly 57 kW/77 hp class, about 3.9 L displacement), the same base engine block shared across the PS-110/PS-130/PS-180 pneumatic-roller family (rating can vary by application). Production follows Caterpillar's 1987 acquisition of the former Raygo pneumatic-roller line (previously marketed through CMI); surveyed units run mid-1990s (examples dated 1994-1995) and general references place first production in the early 1990s. Confirm exact start/end of the 7MD range and any sub-splits with a dealer, since only the 00051-UP starting point is documented in available literature. |
Frequently asked questions
What engine powers the Caterpillar PS-110?
A Perkins-built Cat 4.236 engine: naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder, 3.9 L (238 cu in) displacement, rated 57.4 kW (77 hp) gross. It is mechanically governed with no electronic control module, consistent with its late-1980s design.
What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar PS-110?
Base weight with no ballast is 3,827 kg (8,437 lb). With maximum water, sand, or steel ballast loaded, operating weight reaches up to 12,415 kg (27,370 lb). Actual weight varies with the ballast type and fill level chosen for the job.
What replaced the Caterpillar PS-110?
No single named direct successor is documented for the PS-110. It shared its factory service manual and chassis platform with the larger PS-130 and PS-180. Over time, Caterpillar's pneumatic-compactor line moved to larger, turbocharged models such as the PS-150 and PS-200 series, and the broader compaction lineup shifted toward vibratory CP/CS-series rollers. Treat this as general product-line direction, not a documented one-to-one replacement.
What PS-110 owners discuss
Why does the PS-110's Perkins-built 4.236 engine have a reputation for being hard to start, especially cold?
Why is bleeding the fuel system such a common complaint after any filter or injector work?
How much of a problem is water in the fuel on this engine, and what do owners do about it?
What should I expect from the hydrostatic propel system, and what's a red flag versus normal behavior?
What wear patterns and tire issues are typical for a pneumatic-tired roller in this weight and age class?
What electrical or sensor problems come up on a machine this age?
What should I check before buying a used PS-110?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
Need a specific PS-110 part?
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