Caterpillar PS-300
Caterpillarpaving compactorpneumatic compactor

Caterpillar PS-300

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar PS-300 is a self-propelled, seven-wheel pneumatic (rubber-tired) compactor built for asphalt finish rolling and soil/subgrade compaction. The earliest identity, a pre-1995 base PS-300 carrying the 7TD serial prefix, ran a Deutz F6L912 air-cooled inline-six diesel; this early build is treated as a separate, unconfirmed identity and its data does not carry over to the later Cat-engined machines. The PS-300B, built roughly from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s under 4PN and 6HM prefixes, switched to a Cat 3054T turbocharged diesel rated 74 kW (99 hp) gross / 63 kW (85 hp) net. The later PS-300C, under the PFS prefix, carries a Cat 3054C turbocharged diesel at 75 kW (100 hp) gross meeting EU Stage II emissions. Operating weight spans roughly 14,000 to 23,400 kg (30,860-51,588 lb) depending on ballast: machines ship with two or four removable ballast blocks, and an Added-Weight option pushes the top of the range higher. All Cat-engined generations use a torque-converter powershift transmission with three forward and reverse ranges; the PS-300C adds a soft-shift function for smoother direction changes. The tow-behind PF-300 shares the same wheel, tire, and ballast hardware as its self-propelled PS-300 sibling.

Across the PS-300 line, the headline change is the engine: the switch from an air-cooled Deutz in the earliest units to Cat's own 3054T and later 3054C turbocharged diesels brought factory parts and service support in-house and aligned emissions with Stage II rules by the C-series. Ballast capacity grew to handle heavier asphalt lifts, and the C-series soft-shift function reduced shift shock on the powershift transmission without changing its underlying torque-converter design. None of these generations carry an electronic fault-code system; service relies on analog gauges, warning lamps, and scheduled fluid sampling rather than diagnostic codes. In the used and parts market today, the PS-300B and PS-300C remain the most commonly traded generations because Cat 3054-series engine parts are shared across a wide range of other compact Cat machines, keeping support and component availability stronger than for the rarer Deutz-engined base PS-300.

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-300 specifications

Engine

Engine model (PS-300B, 2000-2002)Cat 3054T — four-stroke, four-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged diesel
Gross power (PS-300B)74 kW (99 hp) at 2200 rpm
Net power (PS-300B)63 kW (85 hp) at 2200 rpm, per EEC 80/1269, ISO 9249, and SAE J1349 (Jan 1990) standards
Bore x stroke (PS-300B)100 mm x 127 mm (3.94 in x 5.0 in)
Displacement (PS-300B)4.0 L (243 cu in)
Altitude derating (PS-300B)No derating required up to 2134 m (7,000 ft)
Engine model (PS-300C, later series)Cat 3054C — turbocharged diesel, updated powershift transmission with soft-shift function
Gross power (PS-300C)75 kW (100 hp); net power reported around 63 kW (85 hp), but not published to the same standard as the B-series figure — verify with dealer
Emissions (PS-300C)Certified to EU Stage II / directive 97/68/EC; altitude derating threshold reported near 2130 m (7,000 ft), consistent with the B-series figure
Cylinders4, both series
Unconfirmed early/base configurationA base 'PS300' (no letter suffix) is reported elsewhere with an air-cooled Deutz-brand diesel of roughly 105 hp gross and different displacement. This is a separate, unconfirmed identity — do not mix its figures with the 3054T/3054C data.

Weights

Shipping weight, standard (PS-300B/PF-300B)14 000 kg (30,860 lb) — no ballast, includes lubricants, coolant, operator, full fuel and hydraulic fill
Operating weight, 2 ballast blocks (standard)17 500 kg (38,500 lb); 2500 kg (5,500 lb) per wheel
Maximum operating weight, 4 ballast blocks (standard)21 000 kg (46,200 lb); 3000 kg (6,600 lb) per wheel
Shipping weight, Added Weight (AW) option16 100 kg (35,500 lb)
Operating weight, AW + 2 ballast blocks19 600 kg (43,120 lb); 2800 kg (6,160 lb) per wheel
Maximum operating weight, AW + 4 ballast blocks23 100 kg (50,820 lb); 3300 kg (7,260 lb) per wheel
Later PS-300C operating weightReported up to roughly 23 400 kg (51,588 lb) in its heaviest documented configuration, in line with the B-series AW/max-ballast range — exact per-configuration breakout not separately published; varies by configuration
Optional ballast block1750 kg (3,850 lb) each, fitted in sets of four
Added Weight (AW) option incrementAdds 7000 kg (15,400 lb) over base machine weight
Ground contact / rolling-width force, standard 4-block111 kg per lin cm (616 lb per lin in) across rolling width
Ground contact / rolling-width force, AW 4-block max122 kg per lin cm (678 lb per lin in) across rolling width

Dimensions

Operating (transport) length5300 mm (209 in / 17 ft 5 in)
Wheelbase4030 mm (159 in)
Operating height with ROPS3000 mm (118 in / 9 ft 10 in)
Shipping height2300 mm (91 in)
Ground clearance250 mm (10 in)
Maximum width1960 mm (77 in); a later-series source reports width closer to 2010 mm (6 ft 7 in) — minor variance, treat as approximate
Rolling (compaction) width, rear1920 mm (76 in)
Rolling width, front1380 mm (54 in)
Tire diameter1050 mm (41 in)
Tire width300 mm (11.8 in), with 30 mm (1.2 in) tire overlap
Turning radius, outside edge7700 mm (25 ft 3 in)
Turning radius, inside edge5800 mm (19 ft)
Vertical wheel travel (suspension)120 mm (5 in), front and rear
PS-300C dimensionsReported consistent with the PS-300B figures above (length approx. 5.3 m / 17 ft 5 in, width approx. 2.0 m / 6 ft 7 in, height approx. 3.0 m / 9 ft 10 in) — same chassis platform carried forward

Performance

Travel speed, 1st (work) gear0-6 km/h (0-3.7 mph)
Travel speed, 2nd (work) gear0-12.7 km/h (0-7.9 mph)
Travel speed, 3rd (travel) gear0-19 km/h (0-11.8 mph); no more than 90 minutes of continuous operation recommended at top speed
Transmission typeHydraulic torque converter with powershift transmission, three forward/reverse speed ranges, electrically actuated shift control; later PS-300C adds a soft-shift function for smoother direction/speed changes
Compaction coverageFull coverage achieved with two side-by-side passes on mat widths up to 3.7 m (12 ft)
Tire inflation / ground contact pressure rangeAdjustable from about 300 to 1000 kPa (44 to 145 psi) to tailor compactive effort to job conditions
Altitude performanceNo engine derating required up to approximately 2130-2134 m (7,000 ft)
GradeabilityNot published by the factory for this machine class — pneumatic tire compactors are rated by travel speed and ground contact pressure rather than gradeability; not documented for this model

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank215 L (50 US gal)
Hydraulic tank10 L (2.6 US gal)
Engine crankcase (oil)7 L (1.8 US gal)
Cooling system28 L (7.2 US gal)
Transmission22 L (4.8 US gal)
Differential7 L (1.8 US gal)
Chain casings (final drive)9 L (2.4 US gal)
Tire watering (spray) tank460 L (118 US gal), reinforced polyethylene tank feeding an electric-motor water pump with continuous or intermittent spray to the tires

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

PS-300 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine Crankcase (with filter)7 L (1.8 US gal) per the PS-300B factory refill chart (3054T engine); PS-300C references (3054C turbocharged engine) cite closer to 9 L (2.4 US gal) — capacity varies by engine variant/series, confirm against the serial-specific OMMCat DEO or Cat DEO-ULS multigrade diesel engine oil (Cat DEO SYN synthetic also acceptable). SAE 15W-40 for warm climates; SAE 10W-30 in the -18 C to 40 C (0 F to 104 F) band; SAE 0W-30/0W-40 for cold-soaked starts below -18 C (0 F). Commercial oils meeting Cat ECF-1-a, ECF-2, or ECF-3 are acceptable alternatives.
Cooling System28 L (7.2-7.4 US gal, consistent across PS-300B and PS-300C references)Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant), premixed 50/50 with water, preferred — 12,000 hour/6 year service interval. Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant), conventional glycol-based coolant, is the acceptable alternative on a 3,000 hour/2 year interval with Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) maintenance. Do not mix ELC and DEAC.
Fuel Tank215 L (50 US gal per the factory spec sheet; approximately 56.8 US gal by exact liter conversion)No. 2-D diesel fuel meeting Cat diesel fuel specifications. Use Cat Advanced Efficiency fuel filtration (4 micron or finer). No branded lubricant applies here, fuel spec only.
Transmission (powershift, torque-converter drive)22 L (4.8 US gal), documented for PS-300B; not published separately for PS-300C, likely similar given the shared powershift/torque-converter driveline — verify with dealerCat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil) first choice. Cat TDTO-TMS, Cat Arctic TDTO, or commercial TO-4 oil acceptable. SAE 10W below 0 C (32 F); SAE 30 for 0-35 C (32-95 F); SAE 50 for 10-50 C (50-122 F) climates.
Differential7 L (1.8 US gal), documented for PS-300B; not published separately for PS-300C — verify with dealerCat TDTO family oil meeting the Cat TO-4 specification (same as transmission): Cat TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, or Cat Arctic TDTO, or commercial TO-4. Same SAE 10W/30/50 by-climate split as the transmission compartment.
Chain Casings (final drives)9 L (2.4 US gal), documented for PS-300B; not published separately for PS-300C — verify with dealerCat TDTO family oil meeting the Cat TO-4 specification, same as the differential and transmission compartments — Cat TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, or Cat Arctic TDTO, or commercial TO-4 by climate.
Hydraulic Tank / System10 L (2.6 US gal) per PS-300B factory sheet; approximately 10.2 L (2.7 US gal) on PS-300C references — essentially the same fill, rounding difference between sourcesCat HYDO Advanced 10 (SAE 0W-20) preferred. Second choice: Cat HYDO, Cat MTO, Cat DEO, Cat DEO-ULS, Cat TDTO, Cat Arctic TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, Cat DEO SYN, or Cat Arctic DEO SYN. Third choice: commercial oil meeting Cat ECF-1-a, ECF-2, ECF-3, TO-4, TO-4M, or Cat BF-1 (biodegradable) specification. This is the standard hydraulic-system recommendation; it is distinct from the hydrostatic-drive-specific TDTO-TMS/TO-4M requirement that applies to the smaller PS-150/200/360 pneumatic compactor family, which does not use this drivetrain layout.
Grease (spec only)No fill volume specified — service per grease point per the lubrication chartCat Multipurpose Grease, NLGI grade 2, lithium-complex base, for general pin joints, steering linkage, and wheel-bearing points. Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease (NLGI 2, 3% molybdenum disulfide) is an acceptable step-up for heavier-loaded pivot points.

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

Caterpillar PS-300 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 50 h
  • Check engine oil level, coolant level, and fuel/water separator before starting each shift.
  • Inspect the water-spray tank level and check nozzle spray pattern on all seven wheels.
  • Check tire pressure and rim condition across all seven wheels.
  • Grease the articulation joint, steering cylinder pins, and wheel spindle points weekly.
  • Check seat belt, ROPS mounting bolts, lights, and backup alarm.
  • Check battery terminals and electrolyte level weekly.
Every 250 h
  • Change engine oil and filter.
  • Check powershift transmission and torque converter oil level.
  • Clean or replace the primary fuel filter/water separator element.
  • Check ballast block mounting hardware for looseness.
  • Check final-drive and wheel-hub oil level and top off as needed.
Every 500 h
  • Replace the secondary fuel filter.
  • Replace or service the engine air filter element.
  • Change powershift transmission oil and filter.
  • Change final-drive and wheel-hub oil.
  • Inspect and adjust the brake and parking-brake system.
  • Flush and test the water-spray pump and nozzles for even coverage.
Every 1,000 h
  • Take S.O.S oil samples from the engine, transmission, and final drives.
  • Check and adjust engine valve lash.
  • Inspect the turbocharger mounting, boost lines, and exhaust manifold for leaks.
  • Inspect engine mounts and ROPS/frame welds for cracks.
  • Inspect wheel bearings for wear or excess play.
Every 2,000 h
  • Change engine coolant or test extended-life coolant condition.
  • Have the torque converter and powershift clutch packs inspected for wear.
  • Inspect the steering cylinder, articulation pins, and bushings for wear.
  • Replace the hydraulic tank breather and filter.
  • Check and adjust wheel-spindle bearing preload.
Every 3,000 h
  • Flush and refill the cooling system and pressure-test for leaks.
  • Inspect the radiator and oil cooler cores for airflow blockage or damage.
  • Inspect the crankshaft vibration damper.
  • Have fuel injectors tested and reconditioned if performance has dropped.
Every 6,000 h
  • Plan a torque-converter and powershift transmission rebuild if clutch-pack wear is confirmed.
  • Rebuild final drives and replace wheel-hub seals and bearings.
  • Overhaul or replace the turbocharger as a unit.
  • Inspect and recondition the water-spray pump assembly.

Servicing the PS-300 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

Pull S.O.S oil samples from the 3054T/3054C engine, powershift transmission, and final drives at each 250-hour service to catch turbocharger wear, coolant contamination, or clutch-pack degradation before failure. Because the PS-300 line carries no electronic fault-code system, gauge trends and oil analysis are the only early-warning tools operators have. Track fuel filter restriction and water-spray pump pressure between services; a slow drop-off in spray pattern often signals a clogging nozzle before it scars the mat. Log tire pressure variance across all seven wheels weekly.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most PS-300B/PS-300C downtime traces to the pneumatic tire and ballast system, not the 3054-series engine. Expect tire replacement and rim corrosion repair on machines that ran with clogged water-spray nozzles, plus wheel-spindle bearing wear from uneven ballast loading. On the powershift torque converter, watch for delayed direction shifts, an early sign of worn clutch packs or low transmission oil. Turbocharger seal leaks and boost-line cracking show up on high-hour 3054T units; on 3054C machines check the soft-shift solenoid wiring before condemning the transmission.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Plan a torque-converter and powershift transmission rebuild once clutch-pack wear shows up in oil sample trending or shift lag, typically well past the 2000-hour mark. Final-drive and wheel-hub overhauls follow tire and ballast-related bearing wear; inspect hub seals whenever wheels come off for tire service. Engine-out work on the 3054T or 3054C centers on turbocharger and injector reconditioning rather than major bottom-end work, since these compact industrial diesels are lightly loaded in compaction duty. Rebuild the water-spray pump and manifold as a set to restore even nozzle coverage.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Drain and winterize the water-spray tank, pump, and nozzle lines before freezing weather; a cracked pump housing from ice is a common cold-climate failure on these units. In hot, dusty asphalt work, clean the 3054-series engine's air filter and cooling fins more often than the standard interval and watch coolant condition for scale buildup. Before seasonal storage, top off tire pressure on all seven wheels and block the machine off its tires to prevent flat-spotting; grease exposed articulation and steering pivots to keep moisture out.

PS-300 fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
Coolant Temperature (red high-temp lamp)Engine coolant temperature has risen above the normal operating rangeLow coolant level, blocked radiator core or fan drive slipping, stuck thermostatStop the machine in a safe location, let the engine cool, check coolant level and radiator fins for blockage before restart
Engine Oil Pressure (red low-pressure lamp)Engine oil pressure has dropped below the safe minimumLow oil level, worn oil pump, plugged oil filterShut the engine down immediately, check oil level and filter condition before any further operation
Alternator / Battery Charge (amber battery symbol)Charging system is not producing adequate voltageWorn or broken drive belt, faulty alternator, loose or corroded wiring connectionCheck belt tension and alternator wiring connections, test charging output
Air Filter Restriction (yellow filter indicator)Intake air filter restriction has exceeded the allowable limitClogged primary or secondary air filter element from dusty paving-site conditionsService or replace the air filter element and reset the restriction indicator
Hydraulic Filter Bypass (amber filter lamp)Return-line hydraulic filter has gone into bypass due to restrictionDirty or saturated filter element, cold/high-viscosity hydraulic oil at startupReplace the hydraulic filter element and check oil condition and grade
Fuel Level Low (fuel gauge warning)Fuel level in the tank is near emptyMachine due for refuelingRefuel and check the tank for water or sediment contamination

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

PS-300 attachments & work tools

Ballast system

Weight is adjusted through compartments in the wheel/frame structure filled with steel, water, or sand rather than a bolt-on attachment. Standard configuration runs roughly 9-14 t operating weight, extending to about 19-23 t fully ballasted depending on series and source; per-wheel loading at max ballast is commonly cited around 3000 kg, with an Added-Weight (AW) variant reaching about 3300 kg per wheel.

Tire/wheel set

Seven pneumatic tires in a 3-front, 4-rear staggered arrangement, sized in the 13/80-20 class (notation varies slightly by document: 13/80 x 20, 13/80R x 20, 13.80-20). Wheels overlap for full-width coverage in one pass; there is no quick-coupler or bucket-style mounting since the wheel set is the working tool itself.

Water spray / wetting kit

A water tank feeds spray nozzles at each wheel to keep tires wet during asphalt compaction, preventing pickup and marking of the mat. Reported tank capacity ranges from roughly 350 L to about 460 L, varying by series/configuration.

Tire scraper / trim group

A scraper (trim) assembly is fitted per wheel to strip debris and asphalt buildup from the tires, typically paired with the wetting kit as a combined tire-care package for this compactor class.

ROPS / operator protection

A ROPS structure is standard, with overall height to the top of the ROPS around 3000 mm (9.85 ft). An optional canopy or enclosed cab over the ROPS is offered for operator weather protection and comfort.

Self-propelled vs tow-behind configuration

The PS-300 is the self-propelled version of this pneumatic-roller platform, riding on its own engine and powershift transmission. A companion PF-300 model shares the same wheel/ballast module but is an unpowered, tow-behind unit pulled by a separate tractor; the two are distinct machines built on common roller hardware, not interchangeable attachments.

All PS-300 assemblies by section

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

Air Inlet And Exhaust System
5e7589 Air Cleaner Gp
1g2865 Intake Gp-Air
1g2870 Compressor Gp-Air
1g2869 Compressor Gp-Air
1g2864 Exhaust Gp
Braking System
826973 Brake Gp
1g2953 Brake Gp-Reversing
1g2752 Brake Gp
1g2765 Brake Gp-Parking
1g2909 Brake Gp-Parking
0814716 Cylinder Gp-Air
815085 Cylinder Gp-Master
1g3921 Lines Gp-Cylinder Head
1g2903 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 1 Of 2
1g2902 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 2 Of 2
1g2902 Lines Gp-Brake-Part 1 Of 2
1g2903 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
1g2934 Electrical Gp
1g2933 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
1g2931 Wiring Gp
1g2930 Wiring Gp
1g2932 Wiring Gp-Dashboard
Engine Installation
1g2862 Engine Gp-Adaption
1g2863 Engine Gp-Adaption
1g2861 Engine Gp-Adaption
Frame And Body
1g3160 Cab Gp
831550 Cab Gp
1g2936 Cab Gp-Rops
1g2925 Frame Gp-Front
1g2923 Frame Gp-Front
1g2924 Frame Gp-Front
1g2926 Platform Gp
1g2927 Platform Gp
1g2928 Seat 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
1g2896 Lines Gp-Suspension
1g2897 Hose Gp-Suspension Lifting
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
845448 Canopy Gp
1g2937 Canopy Gp
0845448 Canopy Gp
1g2913 Control Gp-Accelerator
1g2919 Dashboard Gp
5e5155 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
826673 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
1g2915 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
1336129 Control Gp-Forward/Reverse
1g2916 Control Gp-Gauges
1g2917 Control Gp-Instr
1g2918 Control Gp-Gauges
1g3868 Control Gp-Gearshift
851613 Control Gp-Sideroller
828965 Control Gp-Sideroller
1g2914 Control Gp-Transmission
831899 Dashboard Gp
1g2920 Dashboard Gp
1g2938 Heater Gp-Cab
1g2921 Indicator Gp-Speed
1g2922 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
1g2880 Lock Gp-Differential
1g2881 Lock Gp-Differential
1g2878 Pump & Valve Gp
1g2884 Reducer Gp-Pinion
1g2885 Reducer Gp-Pinion
1g2882 Reducer Gp-Casing
1g2883 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
1g4716 Inflation Gp-Air
1G***41Hose Group1
1G***43Inflation Group-Tire1
1G***21Lines Group-Air Compressor Oil1
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1g4717 Inflation Gp-Air
1G***40Hose Group1
1G***42Inflation Group-Tire1
1G***21Lines Group-Air Compressor Oil1
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1g2943 Inflation Gp-Tire
1g2942 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
1g2911 Control Gp-Steering
1g2912 Control Gp-Steering
1g2891 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic (Steering)(Chg 00)
1g2892 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
831332 Anti-Freeze Gp
5e5214 Anti-Freeze Gp
1g2945 Hose Gp-Water Spray
1g2947 Hose Gp-Water Spray
1g2944 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

PS-300 serial number reference

The PIN/serial plate on PS-300-family compactors is riveted to the main frame, typically on the right-hand side near the articulation hitch or on the frame rail ahead of the operator platform, with a duplicate tag often present on the engine. The first three characters (letters) are the prefix identifying the model/design series, and the digits that follow are the sequential unit number within that series - read the prefix first to confirm which PS-300 generation and engine you actually have before ordering parts.

PrefixIdentifies
7TDPS-300 (base/original series)
4PNPS-300B
PFSPS-300C

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar PS-300 use?

It depends on series. The earliest, pre-1995 base PS-300 (7TD prefix) is documented with a Deutz F6L912 air-cooled inline-six diesel, treated as a separate early identity. The PS-300B (roughly mid-1990s to early 2000s, 4PN/6HM prefixes) runs a Cat 3054T turbocharged diesel at 74 kW (99 hp) gross / 63 kW (85 hp) net. The later PS-300C (PFS prefix) runs a Cat 3054C turbocharged diesel at 75 kW (100 hp) gross, meeting EU Stage II emissions.

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

Operating weight varies by ballast configuration, roughly 14,000 kg (30,860 lb) with no ballast up to about 21,000-23,400 kg (46,300-51,588 lb) fully ballasted, using two or four removable ballast blocks plus an Added-Weight option on some configurations. Per-wheel loading can reach around 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) at maximum ballast across the seven-wheel layout.

What replaced the Caterpillar PS-300?

Within its own line, the PS-300 progressed from the original Deutz-engined base model to the Cat 3054T-powered PS-300B and then the Cat 3054C-powered PS-300C, which added a soft-shift transmission function and EU Stage II emissions compliance. No separately named external successor is documented; the tow-behind PF-300 remained its non-self-propelled sibling throughout, sharing the same wheel and ballast hardware.

What PS-300 owners discuss

What engine actually powers the PS-300, and does it change across the B and C series?
The base PS-300 and PS-300B run the Cat 3054T DIT four-cylinder diesel, rated around 74 kW (99 hp) at 2200 rpm. The PS-300C moved to the 3054C turbocharged diesel at roughly 75 kW (100 hp). Numbers are close enough that operators often treat them as the same engine family, but confirm which variant sits under a given serial before ordering fuel-system parts. Don't assume naturally aspirated versus turbo without checking the tag - mixing up 3054T and 3054C parts is a common source of fitment headaches.
Are there known quirks with this engine family that owners should watch for?
Yes. The injection pump front shaft seal is a known weep point on 3054-family engines, and when it lets go it puts diesel into the crankcase oil, which shows up as rising oil level and a fuel smell on the dipstick. Injection pump O-ring seepage and timing drift are also reported, usually presenting as white smoke or rough idle. Keep an eye on coolant level and radiator condition too - if this engine runs hot for any length of time, operators report piston and liner scuffing that can progress to a rod failure. None of this is unique to the compactor application, it's the same 3054 family used across Cat's industrial line, but it applies directly to the PS-300.
What transmission behavior is normal versus a red flag on the PS-300?
The PS-300 uses a powershift transmission with three forward and reverse speed ranges; later C-series machines add a softshift function for smoother direction changes. Slow engagement, a noticeable delay before the machine moves, or an intermittent false-neutral feel are the complaints that show up most. In the vast majority of cases operators trace this back to low or contaminated transmission fluid, or the wrong fluid spec entirely - using an engine oil or a slippery gear oil instead of the specified transmission/hydraulic fluid will starve the clutch packs of the friction they need to grip. Chronic slip after a fluid and filter service points to worn clutch packs rather than a fluid problem.
What undercarriage or wear patterns are typical for a machine like the PS-300?
As a pneumatic-tire compactor, the PS-300 doesn't have track undercarriage, but front and rear wheel sets oscillate for ground contact on uneven surfaces, and that oscillating axle geometry is the main wear point. Tire pressure balance across the wheel group is the single most watched maintenance item - pressure should stay tight across all tires on an axle set, because an out-of-balance tire will scuff and wear unevenly well before it visibly deflates. Any wheel wobble in a straight line is treated as a warning sign for a worn bearing or king pin/kingpin bushing, and it can be hard to catch unless you're watching the tire closely while the machine tracks straight.
What electrical or sensor issues come up on this engine and machine combination?
On the mechanically governed 3054T DIT fitted to the base PS-300/PS-300B, electrical complaints tend to be basic - charging system faults, hard starting tied to a weak battery or corroded ground, and wiring chafe at the articulation joint where harnesses flex every time the machine steers. Where a coolant temperature sensor or similar sender is fitted for gauges, a failed sensor is reported to cause erratic gauge readings and can contribute to hard-starting complaints since the ECM or gauge circuit reads a false cold or hot condition. This isn't a machine loaded with modern electronics - most reported issues are basic charging, starting, and sender-wire problems rather than complex control-module faults.
Does ballast configuration affect how the PS-300 is described or compared between listings?
Yes, and it's a frequent source of confusing numbers between sources. Operating weight varies a lot depending on ballast loaded into the wheel frames - figures anywhere from roughly 14,700 kg up toward 21,000 kg (about 32,400-46,200 lb) show up depending on ballast and configuration, so treat any single weight figure as configuration-dependent rather than a fixed spec. Maximum weight per wheel is generally cited around 3000 kg (6600 lb) on standard configurations, with heavier AW variants supporting more. Always confirm ballast state and tire count/size when comparing weight figures between two machines - the same base machine can look very different on paper.
What should I check before buying a used PS-300?
Start with the tires: measure tread depth on all wheels and check pressure balance across each axle set, since an out-of-balance or badly worn set signals deferred maintenance or a bearing/king pin problem. Watch the machine track in a straight line for any wheel wobble or unusual scuffing. Check the articulation/steering joint for slop, and confirm the pins and bushings have been greased on schedule - excessive front-to-back flex at the joint is a sign of overwear. Pull the engine oil dipstick and smell/look for fuel dilution, a sign of a weeping injection pump seal. Run the transmission through all ranges and both directions, feeling for delayed engagement or slip. Verify ballast configuration matches what the seller claims, since it changes both weight and resale comparisons. Because articulation-joint integrity and steering response are safety-critical on a machine this heavy, have your dealer verify pin, bushing, and steering-cylinder condition before you put it back to work.

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

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