Caterpillar TS185
Caterpillarwheel tractor-scrapertowed scraper

Caterpillar TS185

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar TS185 is a pull-type wheel tractor-scraper, not a self-propelled machine. It has no onboard engine, ECM, or hydraulic pump of its own; the bowl, apron, ejector, and lift cylinders are powered entirely by the towing tractor's hydraulics through quick-disconnect couplers. It is matched to large Cat track-type tractors (D8/D9-class) or Challenger and other high-horsepower agricultural tractors in roughly the 298 to 447 kW (400 to 600 hp) range. The TS185 uses a four-wheel walking-beam axle arrangement with dry-disc brakes and radial tires, giving heaped bowl capacity of about 14.5 m3 (19 yd3) and rated load of about 21,050 kg (46,400 lb). Caterpillar brought the design into its lineup in 2009 through the acquisition of E-Ject Systems, and the TS185 has been offered since in two roles: a lead unit (E1R prefix) with a countersunk hitch for solo push-loading, and a trailing unit (E1S prefix) built to pair behind a lead scraper for tandem loading. It shares its platform family with the TS180, TS220, and TS225, and there is no separate predecessor or successor model in Caterpillar's own scraper line.

The TS180/TS185/TS220/TS225 lineup was introduced together and has not been through a generational redesign since; differences across the four models are by wheel count and capacity tier rather than by model year. The two-wheel TS180 and four-wheel TS185 share the same smaller capacity class, while the two-wheel TS220 and four-wheel TS225 share the larger class; the walking-beam suspension and dual rear cylinders that let the operator fine-tune the cutting edge's angle are what set the TS185 apart from the two-wheel TS180 in that same size tier. Because it carries no engine or powertrain, the TS185 stays in service and in the used market largely on the condition of its wear parts: cutting edge and end bits, bowl and ejector steel, walking-beam bushings and pins, hub bearings, and the hitch pin and plate. That makes it a low-complexity, low-cost way to add heavy dirt-moving capacity to a yard that already runs a big track-type or ag tractor, which keeps demand steady for both complete units and structural/wear-part support in mining, land development, and land-forming work.

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 TS185 specifications

Engine

Onboard engineNone. The TS185 is a towed (non-self-propelled) scraper with no onboard engine, ECM, fuel system, or cooling system. It has no drivetrain of its own; the bowl, apron, and ejector hydraulics run off the pulling tractor's hydraulic system through quick-connect hose couplings.
Recommended pulling tractor - single scraperTrack-type tractor in the D8 class, or a rubber-tracked or rubber-tired agricultural tractor rated 298 to 373 kW (400 to 500 hp).
Recommended pulling tractor - tandem scrapers (lead + trail)Track-type tractor in the D9 class, or a rubber-tracked or rubber-tired agricultural tractor rated 373 to 447 kW (500 to 600 hp).
Hydraulic services required from pulling tractor3 services for a single scraper, 6 services for a lead-and-trail tandem pair.

Weights

Empty (shipping) weight11 748 kg (25,900 lb)
Rated load21 050 kg (46,400 lb)
Approximate loaded weight (empty + rated load)About 32 800 kg (72,320 lb)
Weight distribution, empty28% on the hitch/tongue, 72% on the axle
Weight distribution, loaded29% on the hitch/tongue, 71% on the axle
Ground pressureNot published in factory literature

Dimensions

Overall transport length (max)9119 mm (359 in / about 29 ft 11 in)
Transport width, outside bowl (max)3988 mm (157 in)
Width, outside rear tires3835 mm (151 in)
Width, inside of bowl3632 mm (143 in)
Width of cut, to router bits3785 mm (12 ft 5 in)
Overall shipping height2515 mm (99 in / about 8 ft 3 in)
Height, floor to top of ejector1930 mm (76 in)
Sidewall height1219 mm (48 in)
Height, ground to cutting edge (max)687 mm (27 in)
Bowl floor length1219 mm (48 in)
Ground clearance (max)597 mm (23.5 in)
Hitch pin diameter89 mm (3.5 in), retained by eight bolts

Performance

Depth of cut (max)305 mm (12 in)
Depth of spread (max)711 mm (28 in)
Apron opening1600 mm (63 in)
Cutting edge thickness22 mm (0.87 in), reversible 180 degrees to double edge life
Hitch platform articulationAbout plus or minus 45 degrees of roll, plus or minus 90 degrees of yaw (turning), and plus or minus 27 degrees of pitch (uphill/downhill)
Turning radius90-degree turn supported via an integrated stop block that prevents tongue-to-tractor contact
Front bowl cylinder127 mm (5 in) bore, 508 mm (20 in) stroke
Rear bowl (adjustable cutting-angle) cylinder127 mm (5 in) bore, 203 mm (8 in) stroke
Apron cylinder102 mm (4 in) bore, 965 mm (38 in) stroke
Ejector cylinder127 mm (5 in) bore, 914 mm (36 in) stroke
TiresFour radial tires standard, size 23.5R25; optional 26.5R25 on heavy-duty five-piece rims
BrakesHydraulically actuated dry-disc brakes, two calipers per side on lead and on trail units (same caliper design as the Cat D400E articulated truck)
Travel speed / gradeabilityNot published for the scraper itself; travel speed and drawbar performance are functions of the pulling tractor, not the towed scraper

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tankNot applicable - no onboard engine or fuel system
Engine oilNot applicable - no onboard engine
Cooling systemNot applicable - no onboard engine or cooling system
Hydraulic systemNo dedicated onboard reservoir; bowl, apron, and ejector cylinders are supplied by the pulling tractor's hydraulic system through hose couplings (poppet-style or optional threaded flat-face connectors)
Wheel hubsOil-filled and sealed with Cat Duo-Cone seals; fill capacity not published

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

TS185 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)Not applicableTS185 has no onboard engine. It is a towed scraper pan pulled by a separate Cat track-type tractor or Challenger tractor; no engine fluid service applies to the scraper unit itself.
Cooling systemNot applicableNo onboard engine or radiator on the scraper. Coolant service belongs to the towing tractor, not the TS185 pan.
Fuel tankNot applicableNo onboard fuel system. The scraper carries no engine and no fuel tank.
Transmission / powertrain compartmentNot applicableNo onboard drivetrain or powershift compartment. The scraper is ground-driven and towed; propulsion and gearing belong entirely to the towing tractor.
Final drives / differentialsNot applicableNo final drive or differential assemblies on the scraper pan. Wheels are carried on a walking-beam axle with hub bearings only, not a powered drive axle.
Hydraulic system (bowl lift, apron, ejector, and brake actuation circuits)No onboard reservoir — capacity not published for this implementThe TS185 carries no hydraulic tank or pump of its own. Bowl, apron, ejector, and brake actuation draw hydraulic power from the towing tractor through threaded flat-face quick-disconnect couplers and abrasion-resistant hose runs routed inside the bowl walls. Fluid type and viscosity-by-climate grade follow the towing tractor's own OMM recommendation, not a separate TS185 spec.
Wheel hubs / bearings (four-wheel walking-beam suspension)Not published in available specification sheetsHub bearings are serviced on a scheduled interval; exact fill volume per hub is not listed in publicly available spec sheets. Verify grease or gear-lube grade against the TS185 OMM lubrication chart or with a Cat dealer.
Grease points (chassis pivots, hitch/drawbar, walking-beam axle, cutting-edge and apron linkage)Grease-fitting service — no reservoir volume specifiedServiced with Cat's standard multipurpose extreme-pressure grease line. Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease covers moderate speed, load, and temperature service from -20 to 40 C (-4 to 104 F). Cat Ultra 5 Moly Grease is the step-up choice for heavier load or higher-temperature duty points. Confirm the exact grade called out against the TS185 OMM lubrication chart, since public spec sheets do not publish a model-specific grease grade.

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

Caterpillar TS185 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Walk around the scraper before hitching; check bowl, apron, ejector, and draft frame for cracks, bends, or loose fasteners.
  • Inspect the cutting edge and end bits for wear, chipping, or uneven contact across the width of cut.
  • Check the hitch pin, hitch plate bolts, and tongue connection for looseness before towing.
  • Inspect tires for cuts, embedded material, and correct pressure; check wheel-nut torque.
  • Confirm the hydraulic quick-disconnect couplers from the pull tractor are seated, dry, and free of dirt before coupling up.
  • Weekly (50h): grease apron, bowl-lift, and ejector cylinder pivot pins and check the walking-beam pivots for play.
Every 250 h
  • Grease every hitch, drawbar, and tongue pivot point per the lubrication chart.
  • Inspect walking-beam suspension bushings and pivot pins for wear or play.
  • Check dry-disc brake pad wear and actuator linkage adjustment.
  • Inspect the ejector wear strip and support rollers for scoring or uneven wear.
  • Check apron and bowl pivot-pin retaining hardware and retorque as needed.
  • Inspect hydraulic hoses routed through the bowl walls and rear circuit for chafing or abrasion damage.
Every 500 h
  • Repack or inspect wheel hub bearings on both axles; check grease for contamination or heat discoloration.
  • Check the UHMW ejector alignment guides for wear; replace any scored through to metal.
  • Inspect cutting-edge mounting bolts and end-bit hardware and retorque to spec.
  • Check walking-beam equalizer and axle mounting hardware torque.
  • Inspect lift, apron, and ejector cylinder rod ends and pins for wear.
  • Verify the tongue's six-way float movement is free and that stop blocks are intact.
Every 1,000 h
  • Remove and inspect walking-beam pivot bushings and pins; replace any worn beyond limit.
  • Inspect the bolt-on hitch pin and hitch plate for wear; measure pin diameter against the wear limit.
  • Disassemble and inspect dry-disc brake components; replace pads or discs as needed.
  • Inspect bowl floor, walls, and cross-members for cracking or abrasion-related thinning.
  • Check cylinder barrel-to-pin bushings on the lift, apron, and ejector cylinders for wear.
  • Inspect wheel bearing seals and races; replace seals as a preventive measure.
Every 2,000 h
  • Rebuild or replace walking-beam suspension pivot assemblies as a set.
  • Replace the hitch pin and bushings; inspect the hitch plate and frame for elongated bolt holes.
  • Resurface or replace the ejector wear strip and support rollers.
  • Inspect bowl structure welds at high-stress points, including the draft area and walking-beam mounts, for fatigue cracking.
  • Overhaul cylinder seals on the lift, apron, and ejector circuits.
  • Check axle alignment and retorque all structural fasteners to spec.
Every 4,000 h
  • Run a full structural inspection of the bowl, ejector, and draft frame for fatigue cracking at welds.
  • Replace walking-beam bushings, hub bearings, and seals as a complete set regardless of measured wear.
  • Replace the cutting-edge base and end bits once base metal is exposed; inspect the mounting flange for wear.
  • Rebuild all hydraulic cylinders (lift, apron, ejector) with new seals, pins, and bushings.
  • Recondition or replace the complete hitch assembly, including pin, bushings, and hitch plate.

Servicing the TS185 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The TS185 carries no engine or hydraulic reservoir of its own, so there is no onboard oil sample to pull; fluid condition tracks back to the pull tractor's hydraulic system feeding the bowl, apron, and ejector circuits. On the scraper itself, predictive work means trending wear: measure edge wear rate against soil abrasiveness to forecast edge and end-bit changeouts, check walking-beam bushing and pivot-pin play at set intervals, and monitor hub bearing temperature and grease condition after hard shifts to catch a failing bearing before it scores an axle.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most corrective work on the TS185 is wear-part replacement rather than component failure. Cutting edges can be rotated 180 degrees to double service life before swapping; end bits, the UHMW ejector alignment guides, and the ejector wear strip and support rollers wear steadily under abrasive material and get replaced on condition. Walking-beam bushings and pins, dry-disc brake pads, and the bolt-on hitch pin and plate are the other recurring repairs, along with hose replacement where lines run near the bowl edge and take abrasion damage.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

A full rebuild on the TS185 centers on the structure and the walking-beam suspension, not an engine. Expect to reskin worn bowl floor, wall, or ejector steel at the highest-abrasion points, rebuild the walking-beam pivots and bushings as a set, and reseal the lift, apron, and ejector cylinders supplied by the pull tractor's hydraulics. The hitch assembly, including the 89 mm (3.5 in) bolt-on pin and plate, and the wheel hubs and bearings are the other major wear-driven overhaul items on this platform.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

With no engine, the TS185 needs no coolant or fuel-system winterizing; seasonal care is about the chassis and wear surfaces. Switch to a cold-weather grease for walking-beam, hitch, and cylinder pivot points before winter, protect exposed cylinder rods from corrosion during storage layup, and block up the bowl to take load off the suspension when parked long-term. In dry, abrasive ground conditions, check the ejector rollers, wear strip, and UHMW guides more often, since dust and grit accelerate wear on those sliding surfaces.

TS185 attachments & work tools

Cutting edges and router bits

Bolt-on router bits across the full width of cut come in standard, heavy-duty (extra wear material), and level-cut versions; level-cut bits sit lower than the bolt holes for finish/clean-up passes that keep more material ahead of the edge. Width of cut for the four-wheel TS185 bowl runs around 3.8 m (12 ft 5 in), though this varies by hitch/tandem configuration.

Hitch and drawbar coupling

A bolt-on hitch platform sits between the pulling tractor and the scraper tongue, retained by a heavy 89 mm (3.5 in) hitch pin held with eight bolts. Two pins allow roughly plus/minus 45 degrees of side-to-side oscillation, plus/minus 90 degrees of yaw (turning), and plus/minus 27 degrees of pitch, with a stop block limiting turn radius so the tongue cannot contact the tractor's tires or tracks.

Pulling-tractor compatibility

TS185 is a towed (non-self-propelled) scraper matched to larger Cat track-type tractors and Challenger Special Application wheel/rubber-track tractors; other high-horsepower agricultural wheel or rubber-track tractors can also pull it, per Cat literature.

Tandem lead/trailing configuration

TS185 units can be run in pairs using lead and trailing hitch setups. Both positions share a heavy-duty truss and push block for intermittent push-loading between units, and the lead unit's hitch is countersunk so it can still be push-loaded when working alone.

Rear lift cylinders / cutting-edge angle adjustment

Four-wheel models (TS185 and TS225) add a second pair of lift cylinders at the rear of the bowl, letting an operator fine-tune cutting depth and vary the edge angle for different soil conditions; two-wheel siblings (TS180/TS220) do not have this feature.

Center-lift bowl hydraulics

Ejector, apron, and front/rear bowl lift cylinders are grouped in a center-lift arrangement between the tongue and spreader tube, removing the need for external draft arms and saving weight versus older scraper designs.

Hydraulic line routing and guarding

Cat's towed-scraper line describes use of reinforced hydraulic hose and O-ring face-seal fittings to cut leak points, with rear hydraulic circuits run as steel lines inside the bowl walls so no hose is exposed within the bowl itself.

Suspension and running gear

TS185 uses a four-wheel pan with independent walking-beam axles for a smoother ride, less side sway, and easier finish grading versus the two-wheel TS180/TS220; dry-disc brakes are standard across the towed-scraper line.

Pre-ripping (separate machine, not scraper-mounted)

Hard material ahead of a scraper pass is typically pre-ripped by a separate ripper-equipped tractor rather than any tool mounted on the TS185 itself; ripper shank configuration is chosen per job and dealer, and is not part of the scraper's own work-tool lineup.

All TS185 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar TS185. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Braking System
331-2681 Brake Gp-Hyd Caliper Service
15***36Brake Group-Service2
33***81Brake Group-Hydraulic Caliper Service1
3J***07Seal Valve Assembly To; Seal- Tube Assembly To Logic Valve2
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334-2689 Brake Gp-Hyd Caliper Service
14***46Kit-Seal1
14***48Cover1
14***58Seal3
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157-8236 Brake Gp-Service
10***06Hose As1
13***33Hose As2
14***36Adapter; (Straight) (-6 Orb X -6 Orfs)2
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331-2659 Lines Gp-Brake -Lead
10***06Hose As1
13***16Hose As1
14***67Elbow Group; (Each Includes)3
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341-3272 Lines Gp-Brake -Trailing
33***52Lines Group-Ejector; -Lead1
33***53Lines Group-Apron; -Lead1
33***54Lines Group-Hydraulic; -Lead1
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Frame And Body
331-2627 Axle Gp-Oscillating
33***27Axle Group-Oscillating1
33***28Housing As-Oscillating Axle; -Rh1
33***29Housing As-Oscillating Axle; -Lh1
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331-2706 Block Gp-Push -Trailing
32***90Block As-Push1
32***72Cap4
33***96Pin2
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331-2695 Block Gp-Push -Lead
32***65Block As-Push1
32***09Clamp1
32***16Support Group-Lines1
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320-4697 Hitch Gp
10***64Bearing3
1A***63Bolt, Hex, Hd., 3/4"-10 N.C. X 2 1/2"6
2J***37Pin1
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320-4531 Hitch Gp-Towing
32***31Hitch Group-Towing1
32***92Pin1
33***33Clamp1
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331-2717 Hitch Gp-Towing -Trailing
03***82Bolt-12 Point Head; (5/8-11x2.5-In)8
18***00Canister-Storage1
32***61Block1
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341-3271 Hitch Gp-Towing
32***32Drawbar As1
32***58Plate As1
32***92Pin1
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330-8539 Hitch Gp-Towing -Lead
03***82Bolt-12 Point Head; (5/8-11x2.5-In)8
18***00Canister-Storage1
32***30Tongue As1
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331-2629 Housing As-Oscillating Axle -Lh
09***45Seal2
33***40Shaft-Axle1
33***42Cover1
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331-2628 Housing As-Oscillating Axle -Rh
09***45Seal2
33***40Shaft-Axle1
33***42Cover1
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331-2658 Lines Gp-Lubrication -Lead
16***97Connector As4
33***58Lines Group-Lubrication; -Lead1
33***47Hose As2
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320-4416 Support Gp-Lines
32***16Support Group-Lines1
34***77Mount As1
34***78Arm As1
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341-3288 Support Gp-Lines
34***77Mount As1
34***87Washer-Thrust1
34***88Support Group-Lines1
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345-0461 Support Gp-Lines
15***36Brake Group-Service4
34***61Support Group-Lines1
3J***07Seal Valve Assembly To; Seal- Tube Assembly To Logic Valve4
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Hydraulic System
320-4548 Control Ar-Hydraulic -Trailing
2D***48Ring-Retaining2
32***48Control Ar-Hydraulic; -Trailing1
33***98Pin1
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320-4542 Control Ar-Hydraulic -Lead
32***42Control Ar-Hydraulic; -Lead1
33***56Cylinder Group-Apron1
33***58Lines Group-Lubrication; -Lead1
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331-2712 Cylinder & Mtg Gp-Ejector
2H***06Setscrew-Socket; (1/2-13x1-In)2
32***27Plate6
32***95Pin2
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331-2656 Cylinder Gp-Apron
32***27Plate8
33***56Cylinder Group-Apron1
33***33Washer; (60.33x101.6x6.35-mm Thk)4
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331-2715 Cylinder Gp-Bowl
32***27Plate4
32***98Pin4
33***38Washer; (60.33x101.6x4.76-mm Thk)8
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334-2714 Cylinder Gp-Bowl
14***27Connector Group12
15***71Cap-Dust12
33***44Coupler12
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338-5682 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Trailing
14***15Connector As4
14***60Elbow Group4
14***76Elbow As2
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338-5014 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Trailing
2M***80Seal--To Connector Pump Outlet1
33***45Connector1
33***92Coupler-Quick6
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338-5020 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Trailing
15***28Plug-Dust6
23***83Connector1
23***84Connector As6
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338-5013 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
14***27Connector Group6
15***71Cap-Dust6
33***44Coupler6
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338-5208 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
14***27Connector Group6
33***95Connector-Quick6
33***98Coupler-Quick1
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338-5021 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
14***27Connector Group12
33***95Connector-Quick12
33***98Coupler-Quick1
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338-5209 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Trailing
23***83Connector1
23***84Connector As6
33***96Coupler-Quick1
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338-5015 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
14***27Connector Group12
15***27Cap-Dust12
15***90Fitting As12
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338-5019 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
14***27Connector Group6
15***27Cap-Dust6
15***90Fitting As6
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338-5210 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
33***97Connector-Quick12
33***98Cap-Dust12
33***10Fitting Group-Quick Disconnect; -Lead1
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338-5681 Fitting Gp-Quick Disconnect -Lead
33***97Connector-Quick6
33***98Cap-Dust6
33***81Fitting Group-Quick Disconnect; -Lead1
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334-2691 Lines Gp-Apron -Trailing
11***53Hose As2
14***27Connector Group4
14***47Elbow; (-12 Orb/Orfs)4
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331-2653 Lines Gp-Apron -Lead
14***15Connector As4
14***60Elbow Group4
14***76Elbow As2
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334-2693 Lines Gp-Bowl Cylinder -Trailing
14***27Connector Group3
14***47Elbow; (-12 Orb/Orfs)2
14***60Elbow Group2
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334-2684 Lines Gp-Bowl Cylinder -Lead
14***15Connector As4
14***22Adapter; (-10orb/-12orfs)2
15***37Elbow As2
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334-2688 Lines Gp-Bowl Cylinder -Lead
14***27Connector Group4
14***47Elbow; (-12 Orb/Orfs)4
14***76Elbow As2
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331-2652 Lines Gp-Ejector -Lead
14***27Connector Group2
14***47Elbow; (-12 Orb/Orfs)2
14***60Elbow Group2
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334-2690 Lines Gp-Ejector -Trailing
33***90Lines Group-Ejector; -Trailing1
34***58Plate1
34***63Clevis2
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331-2654 Lines Gp-Hydraulic -Lead
33***54Lines Group-Hydraulic; -Lead1
34***58Plate1
34***63Clevis2
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334-2692 Lines Gp-Hydraulic -Trailing
10***10Hose Assem.1
14***47Elbow; (-12 Orb/Orfs)4
14***55Union As24
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334-2685 Lines Gp-Rear Attachment -Lead
16***19Plug As1
2M***80Seal--To Connector Pump Outlet1
33***85Lines Group-Rear Attachment; -Lead1
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341-3267 Manifold Gp-Hydraulic -Lh, Lead
32***14Apron As1
34***59Trunnion2
34***67Manifold Group-Hydraulic; -Lh, Lead1
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337-8286 Manifold Gp-Hydraulic -Rh, Lead
16***19Plug As1
2M***80Seal--To Connector Pump Outlet1
33***86Manifold Group-Hydraulic; -Rh, Lead1
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337-8282 Manifold Gp-Hydraulic -Lh, Trailing
14***09Plug As-Sto2
16***19Plug As1
2M***80Seal--To Connector Pump Outlet1
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337-8283 Manifold Gp-Hydraulic -Rh, Trailing
16***19Plug As1
2M***80Seal--To Connector Pump Outlet1
33***83Manifold Group-Hydraulic; -Rh, Trailing1
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Implements
331-2647 Apron Gp
32***93Plate2
32***95Plate1
32***07Bowl As1
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331-2718 Bowl Gp-Scraper -Trailing
32***34Ejector As1
33***18Bowl Group-Scraper; -Trailing1
33***42Block1
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331-2711 Bowl Gp-Scraper -Lead
32***93Plate2
32***95Plate1
32***25Guard-Hood1
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331-2710 Ejector Gp
32***30Frame As-Lift1
32***72Cap2
33***97Pin1
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331-2708 Link Gp-Stabilizer -Lead
32***94Roller Group-Ejector Carrier2
33***08Link Group-Stabilizer; -Lead1
6V***82Nut-Full (3/4-10 Thd)2
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331-2707 Link Gp-Stabilizer -Trailing
32***09Frame As-Lift1
32***72Cap2
33***97Pin1
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334-2732 Roller & Mtg Gp-Ejctr Carrier
19***12Seal-O-Ring1
22***76Housing-Bearing1
22***78Wheel1
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320-4394 Roller Gp-Ejector Carrier
1J***07Bolt 6.99cm (2.75 In.) Long15
2J***06Nut Front Support To Frame; Nut-Front Support To Frame14
2J***07Nut-Full; (1-8 X38.1 Thd)15
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Machine Arrangement
320-3872 General Ar-Scraper -Trailing
32***72General Ar-Scraper; -Trailing1
32***80Scraper Ar; -Trailing1
32***41Wheel & Brake Ar; -Trailing1
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320-3871 General Ar-Scraper -Lead
32***71General Ar-Scraper; -Lead1
32***79Scraper Ar; -Lead1
32***15Wheel & Brake Ar; -Lead1
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320-3880 Scraper Ar -Trailing
32***80Scraper Ar; -Trailing1
33***27Axle Group-Oscillating1
33***82Support Group-Axle1
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320-3879 Scraper Ar -Lead
32***79Scraper Ar; -Lead1
33***39Hitch Group-Towing; -Lead1
33***27Axle Group-Oscillating1
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Power Train
328-7590 Rim Gp-Demountable
32***89Rim As1
32***90Rim Group-Demountable1
4F***25Flange2
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340-6273 Rim Gp-Demountable
2D***43Seal-O-Ring1
2D***07Stud1
2D***08Grommmet1
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340-6275 Rim Gp-Demountable
2D***43Seal-O-Ring1
2D***11Valve Group-Tire1
32***90Rim Group-Demountable1
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328-7588 Rim Gp-Demountable
1J***87Flange2
32***87Rim As1
32***88Rim Group-Demountable1
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331-2682 Support Gp-Axle
32***32Axle As-Rear1
33***72Clamp4
33***82Support Group-Axle1
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346-6432 Tire & Rim Ar
34***73Rim Group-Demountable4
34***14Mounting Group-Rim4
34***78Tire; (23.5-R25)4
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340-6276 Tire & Rim Ar
12***83Tire; (26.5-R25)4
34***75Rim Group-Demountable4
34***76Tire & Rim Ar1
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340-6274 Tire & Rim Ar
12***25Tire; (23.5-R25)4
34***73Rim Group-Demountable4
34***74Tire & Rim Ar1
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346-6433 Tire & Rim Ar
34***75Rim Group-Demountable4
34***14Mounting Group-Rim4
34***79Tire; (26.5-R25)4
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320-4541 Wheel & Brake Ar -Trailing
32***41Wheel & Brake Ar; -Trailing1
33***49Wheel Group; -Rh2
33***50Wheel Group; -Lh2
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320-4515 Wheel & Brake Ar -Lead
32***15Wheel & Brake Ar; -Lead1
33***49Wheel Group; -Rh2
33***50Wheel Group; -Lh2
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331-2649 Wheel Gp -Rh
14***09Plug As-Sto1
18***75Bolt-Socket Head; (3/4-10 Thd)16
26***77Stud-Wheel24
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331-2650 Wheel Gp -Lh
14***09Plug As-Sto1
18***75Bolt-Socket Head; (3/4-10 Thd)16
26***77Stud-Wheel24
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Service Equipment And Supplies
335-1807 Film Gp
19***86Film; (Safety) (To Right And Left Of Fuel Tank)2
19***74Film-Stripe; (Yellow, Reflective)(Fender)6
22***54Film-Warning; (Universal, Read Omm, Intl)1
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320-3865 Plate & Film Gp -Trailing
19***86Film; (Safety) (To Right And Left Of Fuel Tank)2
19***74Film-Stripe; (Yellow, Reflective)(Fender)6
22***05Film; (Warning) (Universal) (On Lh Post Inside Cab)1
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320-3864 Plate & Film Gp -Lead
19***86Film; (Safety) (To Right And Left Of Fuel Tank)2
19***74Film-Stripe; (Yellow, Reflective)(Fender)6
22***54Film-Warning; (Universal, Read Omm, Intl)1
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331-5256 Plate & Film Gp -Lead
19***86Film; (Safety) (To Right And Left Of Fuel Tank)2
19***74Film-Stripe; (Yellow, Reflective)(Fender)6
22***05Film; (Warning) (Universal) (On Lh Post Inside Cab)1
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331-5257 Plate & Film Gp -Trailing
Work Tools
330-8537 Edge Gp-Bit & Cutting
33***37Edge Group-Bit & Cutting1
33***92Film-Identification; (Caterpillar)1
33***94Film-Identification; (Cat)1
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TS185 serial number reference

The PIN plate sits on the left side of the scraper gooseneck/drawbar, near where the draft arm pins to the frame. Read the first three characters as the prefix; on this model the prefix alone tells you lead (E1R) vs trailing (E1S), not model year.

PrefixIdentifies
E1RLead scraper configuration
E1STrailing scraper configuration

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar TS185 have?

None. The TS185 is a towed scraper with no onboard engine or ECM. Its bowl, apron, and ejector cylinders run on hydraulics supplied by the towing tractor through quick-disconnect couplers, typically a Cat track-type tractor in the D8/D9 class or a Challenger or other high-horsepower agricultural tractor in roughly the 298 to 447 kW (400 to 600 hp) range.

What is the operating weight of the TS185?

Empty weight is documented at approximately 11,748 kg (25,900 lb). Rated load capacity is about 21,050 kg (46,400 lb), with a heaped bowl capacity of about 14.5 m3 (19 yd3). Exact figures vary slightly by configuration (lead E1R versus trailing E1S) and equipped options, so confirm against the plate for your specific unit.

What replaced the Caterpillar TS185?

Nothing has replaced it. The TS185 is part of Caterpillar's still-current towed-scraper lineup, alongside the TS180, TS220, and TS225, introduced together in 2009. These are sibling models differentiated by wheel count and capacity tier, not a generational succession, and no follow-on model has superseded the TS185.

What TS185 owners discuss

What should I expect from the TS185's hydraulics since it has no engine of its own?
The TS185 has no engine or onboard pump. Every function - bowl raise/lower, apron, ejector, and edge angle - runs off the pulling tractor's hydraulic system through quick-disconnect couplers. Cycle speed and cylinder response track whatever flow and pressure the tractor supplies, so the scraper feels quick behind a big Challenger tractor and noticeably slower behind a smaller track-type tractor. The most common hookup headache is mismatched coupler fittings between a track-type tractor and a Challenger wheel tractor - keep the correct adapter set on hand for whichever prime mover is pulling that day.
What undercarriage wear pattern shows up first on these scrapers?
The four-wheel walking-beam axle is the wear item owners watch closest. It equalizes load side to side and smooths the ride over rough haul roads, but the beam pivot bushings and wheel hub bearings take the brunt of that flex. Skipped grease intervals on the beam pivots show up as play in the beam and uneven tire wear once the axle stops tracking square. Wheel bearings should be checked for play and repacked on the same schedule as the tractor's own wheel-end service, sooner in wet or abrasive soil.
How fast does the cutting edge wear, and what's the deal with the rear cylinders?
The cutting edge is the highest-wear part on the machine and the quickest tell for how hard a given TS185 has been run. The rear edge-angle cylinders let the operator tilt the cutting edge to bite harder in tough ground or float lighter in loose material - it's the feature Cat built into the four-wheel scrapers to fine-tune cutting depth. Running the edge angled aggressively in rocky or gravel soil burns through it fast; backing the angle off once material loosens up and replacing the edge before it wears into the bowl floor keeps repair costs down.
What wears out on the hitch and drawbar connection over time?
The hitch takes constant articulation - roll, yaw, and pitch - as the scraper follows the tractor over uneven ground, and that motion works the hitch pin and bushing loose over years of service. A hitch with noticeable slop transmits shock loads into the tractor drawbar and can affect tracking at speed on haul roads. Because a worn or failed hitch connection is a load-separation hazard, have your dealer verify hitch pin, bushing, and drawbar wear against factory tolerances before returning the scraper to service.
How does push-loading work when running scrapers in tandem?
Many TS185s work in lead-and-trail pairs to load faster in tough cutting conditions. The lead scraper carries a push block at the front so the trailing unit can push it through the cut while its own bowl fills, then the pair swaps roles depending on the job. The push block and hook wear fastest on machines run tandem full time, and a worn push block lets the pushing tractor wander side to side instead of loading straight - inspect that hardware separately from the standard hitch.
What's the most common hydraulic complaint owners report?
Because the scraper's cylinders hook and unhook from the tractor every time it changes prime movers, the quick-disconnect couplers and hose ends see more wear than a circuit that's plumbed once and left alone. Weeping or leaking couplers are the most common hydraulic complaint, usually traced to dirt introduced at hookup or a coupler face that never fully seated. Wipe couplers clean before connecting and confirm each one seats before applying pressure to keep contamination and leaks down.
What should I check before buying a used TS185?
Walk the bowl floor, walls, ejector, and apron first - the abrasion-resistant steel wears unevenly, and heavy pitting or thin spots near the cutting edge tell you how hard the machine worked. Check the walking-beam pivots and wheel bearings for play, look at the tires for even wear (uneven wear points to a tracking or beam problem), and cycle the bowl, apron, ejector, and rear edge-angle cylinders through a full stroke to check for leaks, scoring, or slow response. Inspect the hitch pin and bushing for slop, and check the push block and hook if the scraper was run tandem. Towed-scraper history is often thin on paper, and there's no engine or ECM to pull hours from, so weigh wear evidence over any hour claims from the seller.

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

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