Caterpillarwork toolsnow blower

Caterpillar SR21

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar SR21 is a passive, hydraulically driven two-stage snow blower work tool that mounts to a skid-steer or compact loader rather than operating as a standalone machine. It carries no engine, ECM, hydraulic tank, or fuel system of its own — every function, auger, impeller, chute rotation, and deflector, runs off hydraulic power and controls routed from the host carrier through quick-disconnect couplers. Cat did not publish a standalone operating weight or exact production-year window for the SR21 in surviving factory literature, but it carries a 2159mm (85in) intake width, a 457mm (18in) auger, and a 914mm (36in) cutting height. It was built as the largest unit in a three-model family alongside the smaller SR17 and mid-size SR18, all covered by the same factory manual and identified by their own serial prefixes. Cat offered it in this single width/auger configuration rather than a spread of displacement or engine options, since none of those variables apply to a purely hydraulic attachment.

Across this family, the core two-stage auger-and-impeller layout and hydraulic-only drive stayed constant; what changed generation to generation was mostly hardware detail and naming. Caterpillar's current snow blower lineup uses a different serial-prefix family and adds features like a non-metallic chute liner and corrosion-resistant chute chain, with a same-size-class model occupying the 85in/18in-auger footprint the SR21 once held, plus larger high-flow units above it for bigger carriers. In the used and parts market, the SR21 still matters because plenty of these attachments remain in service on older Cat skid-steer fleets doing municipal and commercial snow work, and because it has no engine to wear out, its resale condition hinges almost entirely on auger and impeller bearing health, gearbox oil condition, and chute/chain wear rather than engine hours. Parts and service knowledge also carry across its SR17/SR18 siblings, since all three share the same factory manual family for gearbox, bearing, and chain components.

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 SR21 specifications

Engine

Power sourceNo onboard engine. This is a passive, hydraulically driven work tool — auger, impeller, chute and deflector are all actuated by the carrier machine's auxiliary hydraulic circuit.
Carrier machineMounts to a skid steer loader, compact track loader, or multi terrain loader with sufficient auxiliary hydraulic flow. It belongs to the same size tier as the frame it replaced in the lineup, so it needs a mid-to-large frame carrier.
Emissions tierNot applicable — no engine or ECM on the tool itself.

Weights

Operating weightNot independently published for this exact unit. The same size-class successor in this family lists roughly 555 kg (1,220 lb) in one factory sheet edition and about 591 kg (1,303 lb) in a later edition — treat as a same-class reference, not a confirmed figure; verify with your dealer.
Shipping weightNot documented in available sources.
Ground pressureNot applicable — mounted work tool, no ground-bearing undercarriage of its own.

Dimensions

Intake / overall width2159 mm (85 in) — confirmed directly for this unit.
Auger diameter457 mm (18 in) — confirmed directly for this unit.
Cutting height914 mm (36 in) — confirmed directly for this unit.
Housing overall widthApprox. 2223 mm (87.5 in) per the same-class successor's factory sheet; not independently confirmed for this exact model.
Overall heightReported as either about 1735 mm (68.3 in) or about 883 mm (35 in) depending on factory-sheet edition for the same-class successor — figures vary by edition/series and are not independently confirmed for this exact unit.
Overall lengthApprox. 1440 mm (56.7 in) per the same-class successor's factory sheet; not independently confirmed for this exact model.
Impeller/fan diameterApprox. 679 mm (27 in) per the same-class successor's factory sheet; not independently confirmed for this exact model.
Impeller/fan widthApprox. 279 mm (11 in) per the same-class successor's factory sheet; not independently confirmed for this exact model.

Performance

Chute rotation180 degrees, letting snow discharge to the front or either side to keep it off the operator.
Maximum throw distanceApprox. 12.2 m (40 ft), per the same-class successor's factory sheet; not independently confirmed for this exact model.
Required hydraulic flowRoughly 68-87 L/min (18-23 gpm) across factory-sheet editions for the same-class successor — varies by edition/series; not independently confirmed for this exact model.
Hydraulic operating pressureApprox. 230 bar (3,340 psi) per the same-class successor's factory sheet; not independently confirmed for this exact model.
GradeabilityNot applicable / not published for this work tool.

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tankNone on the tool — no engine of its own.
Hydraulic systemNo separate onboard reservoir; runs off the carrier machine's hydraulic system and auxiliary flow circuit.
Engine oilNot applicable — no engine.
Cooling systemNot applicable — no engine.

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

SR21 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Drive gearbox (auger/impeller drive train)Not documented for this exact model in public sources — verify sight-glass/fill-plug level with your dealer or the SEBP3542 manualCat literature for this snow-blower work-tool line points to Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil, TO-4 spec) or an equivalent GL-5 gear lubricant for the worm-gear drive case; exact viscosity grade by climate not confirmed for SR21 specifically
Grease points (auger shaft bearings, drive linkage, driveline U-joints)Per standard lubrication interval, not a fill volumeCat Multipurpose Grease (NLGI 2 lithium-complex EP grease) at all zerk fittings; no climate-split viscosity note documented for this model

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

Caterpillar SR21 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Inspect the frame mounting bracket and quick-attach plate for bent plates, cracked welds, or elongated mounting holes before each shift
  • Confirm hydraulic quick-disconnect couplers are fully seated and leak-free before engaging the host carrier
  • Check the auger and impeller for packed snow, ice buildup, or lodged debris before startup
  • Inspect the cutting edge and skid shoes for cracks or excessive wear
  • Verify the discharge chute rotates freely through its full 180-degree arc without binding
Every 50 h
  • Grease the auger bearing and both impeller bearings, removing the right-side impeller motor guard to reach that fitting
  • Apply clean engine oil to the discharge chute chain and the coupler drive chain
  • Check discharge chute chain deflection and adjust if slack exceeds 6.35mm (0.25in)
  • Inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for chafing, weeping, or loose clamps
  • Recheck torque on frame mounting bolts and cutting-edge hardware
Every 250 h
  • Check auger gearbox oil level and condition for water intrusion or metal fines
  • Inspect the auger drive's shear-protection hardware for elongation or shearing and replace as a set if found
  • Examine auger flighting and impeller blades for bent or worn sections that unbalance the rotating assembly
  • Inspect the non-metallic discharge chute liner for wear-through or cracking
  • Re-grease all fittings ahead of schedule given heavy winter duty cycles
Every 500 h
  • Drain and refill the auger gearbox oil
  • Replace the cutting edge and skid shoes once worn past their reversal limit
  • Pull the discharge chute chain to measure stretch and replace it with matching sprockets if elongated
  • Inspect the hydraulic motor mounting and coupler shaft splines for wear
  • Check the impeller housing and auger trough for wear-through from packed snow and grit
Every 1,000 h
  • Remove and inspect auger and impeller bearings and seals for play or contamination, replacing as needed
  • Open the gearbox to inspect gear tooth wear and backlash
  • Inspect the full frame and quick-attach structure for fatigue cracking around bolt holes
  • Replace the chute rotation drive chain and sprockets as a set
  • Verify hydraulic motor output and relief valve response against the host carrier's flow and pressure
Every 2,000 h
  • Rebuild or replace the auger gearbox assembly
  • Replace auger and impeller shaft bearings and seals as a complete set
  • Replace the discharge chute liner, chain, and rotation drive components
  • Strip, inspect, and repaint the frame and housings to restore corrosion protection before returning to service

Servicing the SR21 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The SR21 carries no engine oil, coolant, or ECM to monitor — predictive care centers on the auger gearbox and hydraulic interface. Pull a gearbox oil sample each off-season to check for water intrusion and gear-tooth metal fines before they score bearings. Watch discharge-chute chain deflection and impeller-bearing play as early wear indicators. Because hydraulic power comes entirely from the host carrier, also track that machine's hydraulic fluid condition and flow output, since contaminated host fluid or a weak pump shows up first as sluggish auger and chute response on this attachment.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most SR21 repairs trace to the auger and discharge chute rather than any powerplant. Bent auger flighting or a cracked impeller blade from packed ice or hidden debris throws the rotating assembly out of balance and accelerates bearing wear. Worn or seized coupler and chute chains cause erratic discharge direction; replace both chain and sprockets together. Leaking quick-disconnect couplers or chafed hoses interrupt drive to the auger motor, so inspect fittings each season. A sheared or elongated drive-protection bolt on the auger points to an ice-jam event and warrants a full driveline check.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

A full SR21 overhaul centers on the auger gearbox, impeller shaft, and chute rotation assembly. Open the gearbox to check gear backlash and tooth wear before it strips under repeated ice-jam shock loads. Replace auger and impeller bearings and seals as matched sets rather than individually, since uneven wear reintroduces vibration. Inspect the frame and quick-attach mounting plate for stress cracking around bolt holes, a common fatigue point on units run hard on municipal routes. Rebuild the chute liner and rotation drive together to restore free 180-degree swing.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Because the SR21 has no engine or fuel system, seasonal prep is entirely mechanical and corrosion-focused. Before storage, pressure-wash packed snow and road-salt residue from the auger housing and chute, then coat exposed metal and cylinder rods with rust-preventive oil and grease every fitting. Keep the hydraulic quick-disconnect couplers mated during storage to keep moisture and dirt out of the circuit. Check monthly for corrosion if stored longer than a year. Before the first storm each season, cycle the chute and auger fully and recheck chain tension and gearbox oil condition.

SR21 attachments & work tools

Machine type and role

The SR21 is itself a two-stage snow blower work tool, not a host machine. It mounts to a skid steer loader (or compatible compact loader carrier) rather than accepting its own attachments; compatibility here refers to which carriers and hydraulic setups it needs.

Carrier compatibility

Built for skid steer loader carriers of its era, in line with the wider Cat two-stage snow blower family that spans skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, and compact wheel loaders. Exact period-correct carrier model list is not documented for this legacy unit; confirm quick-attach frame size and hydraulic package with a dealer before pairing to a specific loader.

Coupler/mounting system

Uses a universal skid-steer quick-attach mounting plate, matching the wedge/pin-style frame common to Cat skid steer work tools. Auger and impeller drive lines connect through the carrier's auxiliary hydraulic quick couplers.

Hydraulic arrangement

Runs off the carrier's auxiliary hydraulic circuit, which powers separate auger and impeller/fan motors through an internal flow divider. Exact flow and pressure specs for this specific unit are not documented; comparable current two-stage units in this size class run standard-flow circuits in the roughly 20-plus L/min (GPM) class at a few hundred bar, but this varies by configuration and should be confirmed against the carrier's aux-hydraulic rating.

Size class / capacity

Intake/auger width is about 2159mm (85 in), auger diameter about 457mm (18 in), and cutting/intake height about 914mm (36 in), placing it at the larger end of its legacy lineup alongside its same-era siblings. That width roughly matches the size class of today's largest Cat two-stage skid-steer-mount blowers, but no documented successor lineage ties the SR21 directly to a current model - treat any size comparison as class-level, not a confirmed replacement mapping.

Guarding / overload protection

Drivetrain protection follows the family's standard shear-bolt (shear-pin) arrangement, which lets the auger/impeller gearbox release under an overload rather than transmitting shock load back into the carrier. Adjustable skid shoes set ground clearance for the cutting edge, and a bolt-on reversible cutting edge is standard servicing practice across this product family.

Discharge / chute configuration

Discharge chute rotates on a chain-and-sprocket drive (mechanical cable-free rotation) typical of this Cat product line, with a non-metallic chute liner to resist snow buildup and freeze-up. Side drift cutters help the auger penetrate deep or dense snowbanks before it reaches the impeller.

All SR21 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar SR21. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Electrical System
212-4564 Wiring Gp-Work Tool -Deflector Control
03***49Nut-Self Lock; (No.10.Unc)1
15***53Film-Information; (Read Omm)1
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
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261-4419 Wiring Gp-Work Tool
10***67Washer-Hard; (7.2x25x2-mm Thk)2
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)3
11***15Relay As; (12-Volt)(Junction Box)2
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227-5499 Wiring Gp-Work Tool -Electric Power
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
10***06Receptacle Kit; (Includes Wedge And Receptacle Assem.)1
11***99Gasket; (Air Conditioner Control)1
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263-2115 Wiring Gp-Work Tool
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
10***06Receptacle Kit; (Includes Wedge And Receptacle Assem.)1
11***99Gasket; (Air Conditioner Control)1
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Frame And Body
214-7117 Deflector Gp-Snowblower -67-In
03***55Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X)6
13***85Rivet-Pop7
1D***72Bolt-Carriage; (1/2-13x5.5-In)6
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215-1857 Deflector Gp-Snowblower -73-In, 85-In
03***55Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X)6
09***43Pin-Cotter1
13***85Rivet-Pop7
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212-4572 Frame Gp-Snowblower -73-In
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard12
21***72Frame Group-Snowblower; -73-In1
21***22Support Group-Work Tool2
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212-4578 Frame Gp-Snowblower -85-In
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard13
21***78Frame Group-Snowblower; -85-In1
21***75Frame As1
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212-4566 Frame Gp-Snowblower -67-In
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard10
21***66Frame Group-Snowblower; -67-In1
21***82Impeller As1
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213-7222 Support Gp-Work Tool
21***22Support Group-Work Tool1
28***93Tube As1
28***97Pad As; (Stabilizer)1
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Hydraulic System
283-9595 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
28***95Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
4K***77Nut-Self Locking1
7J***04Seal-O-Ring (Id=7.65mm)2
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213-7190 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
21***90Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
21***16Kit-Seal1
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261-4425 Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower -85-In
21***90Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
26***25Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower; -85-In1
26***32Lines Group-Connecting; -85-In1
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261-4422 Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower -73-In
21***90Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
26***22Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower; -73-In1
26***31Lines Group-Connecting; -73-In1
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212-4573 Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower -73-In
21***73Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower; -73-In1
21***76Manifold Group-Control1
21***90Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
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212-4579 Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower -85-In
21***79Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower; -85-In1
21***90Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
21***81Lines Group-Connecting; -85-In1
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212-4567 Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower -67-In
21***67Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower; -67-In1
21***76Manifold Group-Control1
21***90Cylinder Group-Hydraulic1
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214-3515 Lines Gp-Connecting -73-In
10***03Plate-Cover1
14***15Connector As4
14***16Connector Group1
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214-9362 Lines Gp-Connecting -67-Inch
10***03Plate-Cover1
14***15Connector As4
14***16Connector Group1
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261-4432 Lines Gp-Connecting -85-In
10***03Plate-Cover1
14***48Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)1
14***49Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Female)1
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261-4431 Lines Gp-Connecting -73-In
10***03Plate-Cover1
14***48Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)1
14***49Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Female)1
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215-2881 Lines Gp-Connecting -85-In
03***55Locknut; (5/16-18-Thd)(Marked X)2
19***25Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Female)1
19***26Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)1
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212-4576 Manifold Gp-Control
21***76Manifold Group-Control1
21***18Valve-Solenoid4
21***19Solenoid4
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227-5484 Manifold Gp-Control
10***08Kit-Seal; (Solenoid Valve, Quick Steer)1
19***27Kit-Seal; (Pressure Reducing Valve)1
19***95Valve Group-Solenoid; (Swing/Extension)2
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261-4435 Manifold Gp-Control
19***95Valve Group-Solenoid; (Swing/Extension)2
22***87Coil4
22***05Valve Group-Relief; (Secondary)1
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213-7192 Motor Gp-Gerotor
17***46Kit-Seal1
21***92Motor Group-Gerotor1
22***72Key1
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212-4587 Motor Gp-Gerotor -Deflector
1B***14Key-Woodruff1
1G***32Kit-Seal1
21***87Motor Group-Gerotor; -Deflector1
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216-0794 Motor Gp-Gerotor -Auger, 85-In
17***46Kit-Seal1
21***94Motor Group-Gerotor; -Auger, 85-In1
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213-7191 Motor Gp-Gerotor -Auger, 73-In
17***46Kit-Seal1
21***91Motor Group-Gerotor; -Auger, 73-In1
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216-0795 Motor Gp-Gerotor
17***46Kit-Seal1
21***95Motor Group-Gerotor1
22***72Key1
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227-5496 Motor Gp-Gerotor
17***46Kit-Seal1
22***96Motor Group-Gerotor1
3J***54Packing,Preformed Part Of Kit P/N 5r***271
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212-4589 Motor Gp-Gerotor
17***46Kit-Seal1
21***89Motor Group-Gerotor1
22***72Key1
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212-4588 Motor Gp-Gerotor -Auger, 67-In
17***46Kit-Seal1
21***88Motor Group-Gerotor; -Auger, 67-In1
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7x-4286 Motor Gp-Gerotor
09***38Plug1
5E***56Seal4
5E***59Seal1
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227-5510 Motor Gp-Gerotor
17***46Kit-Seal1
22***10Motor Group-Gerotor1
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Service Equipment And Supplies
212-4574 Plate & Film Gp -73-Inch
12***56Film; (Warning) (No Step) (On Top Of Hood Behind Cab On Each Side) (On Each Fender Flare)1
15***15Plate-Identification1
15***16Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Read Omm)(Auger Debris)2
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261-4423 Plate & Film Gp
12***56Film; (Warning) (No Step) (On Top Of Hood Behind Cab On Each Side) (On Each Fender Flare)1
15***62Film-Information; (Tie-Down Location)2
22***45Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
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261-4426 Plate & Film Gp
12***56Film; (Warning) (No Step) (On Top Of Hood Behind Cab On Each Side) (On Each Fender Flare)1
15***62Film-Information; (Tie-Down Location)2
22***45Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)2
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212-4568 Plate & Film Gp -67-In
12***56Film; (Warning) (No Step) (On Top Of Hood Behind Cab On Each Side) (On Each Fender Flare)1
15***16Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Read Omm)(Auger Debris)2
15***17Film-Warning; (Entanglement Hazard, Stay Back)(Auger)2
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212-4580 Plate & Film Gp -85-In
12***56Film; (Warning) (No Step) (On Top Of Hood Behind Cab On Each Side) (On Each Fender Flare)1
15***16Film-Warning; (Flying Debris, Read Omm)(Auger Debris)2
15***17Film-Warning; (Entanglement Hazard, Stay Back)(Auger)2
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Work Tool Arrangement
261-4421 Snowblower Ar -85-In
21***78Frame Group-Snowblower; -85-In1
26***19Wiring Group-Work Tool1
26***21Snowblower Ar; -85-In1
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212-4542 Snowblower Ar -73-In
21***42Snowblower Ar; -73-In1
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
21***71Drive Group-Snowblower; -73-In1
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212-4543 Snowblower Ar -85-In
21***43Snowblower Ar; -85-In1
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
21***78Frame Group-Snowblower; -85-In1
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212-4541 Snowblower Ar -67-In
21***41Snowblower Ar; -67-In1
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
21***65Drive Group-Snowblower; -67-In1
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227-5500 Snowblower Ar -67-In
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
21***65Drive Group-Snowblower; -67-In1
21***66Frame Group-Snowblower; -67-In1
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261-4420 Snowblower Ar -73-In
21***72Frame Group-Snowblower; -73-In1
26***19Wiring Group-Work Tool1
26***20Snowblower Ar; -73-In1
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227-5502 Snowblower Ar -85-In
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
21***78Frame Group-Snowblower; -85-In1
21***79Hydraulic Ar-Snowblower; -85-In1
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227-5501 Snowblower Ar -73-In
21***64Wiring Group-Work Tool; -Deflector Control1
21***71Drive Group-Snowblower; -73-In1
21***72Frame Group-Snowblower; -73-In1
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Work Tools
261-4424 Drive Gp-Snowblower -73-In, 85-In
02***87Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint)1
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard18
21***44Sprocket Group; (16-Teeth, Impeller)1
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212-4571 Drive Gp-Snowblower -73-In
02***87Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint)4
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard18
21***44Sprocket Group; (16-Teeth, Impeller)1
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212-4565 Drive Gp-Snowblower -67-In
02***87Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint)4
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard18
21***44Sprocket Group; (16-Teeth, Impeller)1
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216-2293 Drive Gp-Snowblower -85-In
02***87Fitting-Grease; (Universal Joint)4
1K***72Locknut Horn To Guard18
21***44Sprocket Group; (16-Teeth, Impeller)1
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SR21 serial number reference

The PIN/serial plate on Cat snow blower attachments is riveted to the main frame or gearbox housing, usually near the mount plate or on the side of the moldboard/auger housing - check the carrier-facing side since the plate can be hidden when the attachment is mounted. Read the first 3 letters as the prefix (identifies model/series) and the digits after as the sequential unit number; there is no engine serial to cross-check since this is a passive hydraulic attachment.

PrefixIdentifies
SBCSR21 snow blower, base/only documented series

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar SR21 use?

None. The SR21 is a passive work tool with no engine, ECM, or fuel system of its own. It runs entirely on hydraulic power supplied by the host skid-steer or compact loader through auxiliary quick-disconnect couplers, so the relevant engine is whatever carrier it is mounted to, not the attachment itself.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar SR21?

Cat did not publish a standalone operating weight for the SR21 in surviving factory literature. Its 2159mm (85in) intake width and 457mm (18in) auger match today's similarly sized model in Cat's current lineup, which lists roughly 590kg (1,300 lb), so treat that as a ballpark estimate and confirm the actual weight on your specific unit before matching it to a carrier's lift capacity.

What replaced the Caterpillar SR21?

Caterpillar never issued a direct one-for-one replacement part number for the SR21. It was the largest unit in a legacy three-model snow blower family built to one factory manual, alongside the smaller SR17 and SR18. Cat's current snow blower lineup carries the same 85in/18in-auger size class forward under a newer model family, alongside larger high-flow units for bigger carriers — a size-class successor line rather than a literal model replacement.

What SR21 owners discuss

What do owners say about matching carrier hydraulic flow to the SR21 two-stage blower?
Consensus is simple: match the carrier's rated auger-circuit flow to the tool's flow window, don't just bolt it on and go. Underfeeding the circuit starves the impeller, drops rotor speed, and cuts throw distance to almost nothing in heavy wet snow. Overfeeding it (running a high-flow carrier a standard-flow tool wasn't sized for) shows up as premature shear-bolt failures and an auger motor that runs hot. Skid steers and compact loaders in this size class generally feed an auger circuit in roughly the 76-132 L/min (20-35 GPM) range depending on carrier and hose routing - treat that as a starting point only and confirm the actual flow rating stamped on your specific carrier and the tool's flow plate before first use.
How do shear bolts on the auger drive typically fail, and what's the right way to handle it?
Same pattern reported across this whole class of two-stage hydraulic blower: the shear bolt is meant to sacrifice itself before the load reaches the gearbox or auger shaft, usually from a buried curb, frozen chunk, or gravel caught in the flighting. A common trap - park the unit wet, let it refreeze overnight, and the auger locks solid enough to shear the bolt on the next start-up before the operator even hits an obstruction. Field practice is to keep spares in the cab and replace with the exact grade specified for the tool, never a harder hardware-store substitute; a stronger bolt just moves the failure downstream into the gearbox or shaft, which is a far more expensive repair. Have your dealer verify the correct shear-bolt grade and torque for your unit before stocking spares.
What chute-rotation and chute-liner wear patterns are common on this class of skid-steer snow blower?
Chute rotation on tools this size is either a hydraulic motor or a manual crank depending on how the unit was configured when built. Where a hydraulic motor is fitted, the recurring complaint is a stripped motor gear or drive coupling from holding the control against the mechanical stop instead of releasing at the end of travel. Separately, chute liners take the brunt of an abrasive snow/ice/sand mix thrown at speed and thin out or hole through at the discharge point well before the rest of the housing shows wear - a seasonal visual check of the liner is standard practice, and a thin or holed liner should be replaced before it lets debris cut into the chute wall itself.
What auger gearbox maintenance issues come up most in the field?
The gearbox is filled with gear oil, and neglect here is the number-one cause of early bearing and seal failure on the auger shaft. Field method: tip the unit to fill through the level/fill plug so the case purges air properly, then set it back down and let any excess drain before reinstalling the plug - filling flat and level can leave the box underfilled. Oil that comes out milky or discolored on a level check points to a seal already letting water in, and it's treated as an early-warning sign rather than something to top off and ignore.
How does the impeller housing and skid/wear-shoe area typically wear on units like the SR21?
Because the auger and impeller are running constantly against packed or icy snow, wear is concentrated at the impeller housing throat and at the ground-contact skid shoes rather than anywhere resembling undercarriage wear on a tracked machine. Reports across this class describe reduced throw distance as the first symptom of a partially worn or iced-over impeller housing, and operators are advised to clear any buildup immediately rather than run the unit through it, since packed ice against the housing accelerates wear on the impeller blades and housing wall alike. Worn or bent auger flighting shows the same symptom - progressively shorter throw distance and more clogging in wet snow - even when the gearbox and motor are otherwise healthy.
What should a buyer check before purchasing a used Cat SR21?
Confirm base dimensions against the tool's data plate first - this unit is generally sized around 2159 mm (85 in) overall width with a 457 mm (18 in) auger diameter and roughly 914 mm (36 in) cutting height, so a mismatch on the plate is a red flag for a mixed-parts unit. Beyond that, run the checklist common to this attachment class: pull the auger gearbox level plug and check for milky or metal-flecked oil, inspect the chute liner for thin spots or holes, confirm the chute rotation function (motor or crank) moves smoothly through its full range without binding at the stops, check flighting and impeller blades for bends or heavy edge wear, and verify a spare shear bolt of the correct grade is on hand rather than an incorrect substitute already installed. Because this is an older, low-production tool, expect thin documentation and confirm hydraulic flow compatibility with your specific carrier before buying - have your dealer verify flow rating and any mounting-plate/coupler compatibility for your carrier before you commit.

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

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