Caterpillarwork toolpulverizer

Caterpillar VHP-30

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar VHP-30 is a hydraulic pulverizer work tool, not a self-powered machine: an excavator-mounted demolition attachment built for Caterpillar by Verachtert. It is the smallest unit in the VHP-30/VHP-40/VHP-50 pulverizer family, sized for carriers in roughly the 20 to 30 tonne class, and mounts through a CW30-class coupler bracket. It runs entirely off the host excavator's hydraulic circuit, with no onboard engine, ECM, undercarriage, or transmission of its own. The tool centers on a single hydraulic jaw cylinder driving a fixed and moving jaw, pivot pins and bushings at each hinge, replaceable jaw tips and cutters for breaking and shearing reinforced concrete, and a rotation and indexing system that lets the operator turn the jaw to any working angle. Field units vary mainly by jaw tip style and mounting bracket to match different coupler standards.

Across the VHP-30/40/50 line, the difference between series is size and crushing force scaled to the carrier class, not a change in operating principle: bigger excavator, bigger jaw and cylinder, same passive architecture. That jaw-cylinder-and-pin layout carried forward into Caterpillar's later MP-series multi-processors, which added quick-change interchangeable jaws for pulverizing, shearing, and cutting on one frame. No documented direct successor to the standalone VHP-30 exists; the MP-series covers the same demolition role today but is a separate product line, not a confirmed rebadge. In the used and parts market, VHP-30 units stay in circulation because the wear items that keep one running -- jaw tips, pivot pins, bushings, and cylinder seals -- are simple, commodity-style consumables, letting owners keep an older unit serviceable long after the excavator it originally shipped with is gone.

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 VHP-30 specifications

Engine

Power source	No onboard engine. VHP-30 is a passive hydraulic pulverizer work tool; all crushing force comes from the host excavator's hydraulic system through a dedicated pulverizer circuit.
Displacement / cylinders / emissions tier	Not applicable — this attachment has no engine, so displacement, cylinder count, and emissions-tier figures do not apply.

Weights

Net / operating weight	Approximately 1,698 to 1,700 kg (3,744 to 3,748 lb) for the base excavator-mount unit. Actual weight can shift slightly with the mounting bracket or jaw set ordered.
Shipping weight	Not separately published. As a compact bolt-on excavator work tool, shipping weight is expected to be close to the net operating weight above; confirm with your dealer for freight planning.
Ground pressure	Not applicable — this is an excavator-mounted attachment, not a ground-bearing machine, so no ground pressure figure is published.

Dimensions

Mounting interface	One documented unit lists a CW30-size mounting bracket. Bracket dimensions can vary with the carrier's pin spacing, so confirm the exact bracket against your excavator before ordering.
Transport length / width / height	Not documented in public sources for this specific model. Request the current dealer spec sheet for exact stowed dimensions.
Jaw opening / other class dimensions	Not documented in public sources for the VHP-30 specifically. Verify jaw opening and reach figures with your Cat dealer before purchase.

Performance

Carrier excavator class	The CW30-class mounting bracket points to compatibility with excavators in the lower-to-mid size range used across this pulverizer family, but an exact tonnage range is not separately published for the VHP-30. Confirm carrier compatibility with your dealer.
Cutting / crushing force	Not documented in public sources for the VHP-30 specifically. Request the factory spec sheet for rated crushing force and working pressure.
Gradeability / travel speed	Not applicable — this is a static excavator attachment with no travel drive of its own.

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank, engine oil, cooling system	Not applicable — the VHP-30 has no engine, fuel tank, or cooling system of its own.
Hydraulic system	No separate hydraulic reservoir; the tool runs off the host excavator's hydraulic circuit. Use the hydraulic fluid grade specified for the carrier machine.

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

VHP-30 fluids & capacities

System	Capacity	Recommended fluid
Engine crankcase / cooling system / fuel tank	Not applicable	VHP-30 is a passive hydraulic pulverizer work tool (jaw-type demolition attachment) with no onboard engine, so there is no crankcase, cooling system, or fuel tank in its fluid chart.
Transmission / powertrain / final drives / axles	Not applicable	No transmission, final drive, or axle compartments exist on this attachment; it has no drivetrain of its own.
Hydraulic system (tool circuit)	No dedicated reservoir on the tool itself; volume varies by host carrier	The pulverizer's jaw cylinder is powered by the host excavator's own hydraulic system through auxiliary lines, so oil type and capacity follow the carrier's OMM (typically Cat HYDO Advanced 10 or the hydraulic oil grade specified for that excavator, with viscosity chosen for ambient temperature per the carrier's chart). The VHP-30 tool manual itself does not list a separate hydraulic fluid capacity.
Grease (pivot pins, jaw bushings, rotation bearing)	Spec only — no fill volume; lubricated via grease fittings at scheduled intervals	Standard multipurpose EP lithium-complex grease (Cat Multipurpose Grease, NLGI 2) is the baseline spec used across Cat's demolition and pulverizer work-tool line; for cold-climate operation an arctic-grade grease (Cat Arctic Platinum Grease) is substituted. Exact grease callout on the VHP-30 lube chart itself could not be pulled from the OMM text directly — confirm the specific grade against the tool's lube decal or dealer parts documentation before servicing.

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

Caterpillar VHP-30 maintenance schedule

Service interval	Tasks
Every 50 h	Visually inspect jaw tips and cutters for cracks, chips, or excessive rounding before each shift Check pivot pins and bushings at every hinge point for visible play, leakage, or migration Inspect hydraulic hoses, fittings, and the jaw cylinder rod for leaks, abrasion, or exposed wire braid Grease every pivot point and pin boss per the lube chart, wiping fittings clean first Clear concrete debris and rebar fragments from the jaw throat and rotation housing Check coupler lock pins and bracket fasteners for tightness before mounting on the carrier
Every 250 h	Torque-check all jaw frame and coupler bracket mounting bolts Measure jaw tip wear against service limits and rotate or replace tips as needed Inspect the rotation and indexing system for leaks and abnormal rotational play Wipe and inspect the jaw cylinder rod surface for scoring or seal weeping Confirm grease is reaching every zerk, no blocked or dry fittings
Every 500 h	Measure pin and bushing wear clearances at each hinge, replace any pair exceeding service limit Inspect the jaw cylinder mounting pins and pin bores for elongation Check hydraulic hose routing and clamps for chafing against the jaw frame Inspect the rotation bearing for wear and end play Re-torque structural fasteners on the jaw frame and cylinder mounts
Every 1,000 h	Drift-test the jaw cylinder for internal leakage and reseal if drift exceeds spec Run a full pin and bushing wear survey across the jaw linkage, replace worn sets Inspect the coupler bracket wear plates and lock pins, replace if worn Check hydraulic hose assemblies for age-related hardening or cracking, replace as needed Inspect jaw frame welds around pin bosses for surface cracking
Every 2,000 h	Tear down the jaw assembly fully: pins, bushings, cylinder, and tips Rebuild the rotation and indexing system, replace bearing and seals Replace all main jaw pivot pins and bushings as a matched set rather than mixing worn with new Pull the jaw cylinder, pressure-test, and fit a new seal kit Replace or recondition jaw tips and cutter plates
Every 4,000 h	Dye-penetrant inspect the jaw frame and housing for fatigue cracking Replace the cylinder assembly if the barrel or rod shows scoring beyond honing limits Rebuild or replace the rotation motor and indexing valve Replace coupler bracket wear components and lock pins as a set Strip, inspect, and repaint the frame after full disassembly

Servicing the VHP-30 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

With no engine of its own, VHP-30 predictive care runs through the host excavator's hydraulic system. Sample and lab-test the carrier's hydraulic oil on a regular interval, since contamination or degraded fluid attacks the jaw cylinder seals and rotation motor first. Track jaw tip wear as a trend by measuring cutting-edge loss at each service interval, and log pin and bushing clearance readings over time so replacement gets scheduled before play turns into pin breakage or a damaged bracket bore.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most VHP-30 downtime traces to worn jaw tips, elongated pin bores, or a weeping cylinder rod seal from repeated contact with rebar and demolition debris. Typical corrective work: swap cracked or dull jaw tips and cutters, press out and replace worn pivot pins and bushings before the housing bore itself wallows out, reseal the jaw cylinder when rod seepage shows, and clear blocked grease zerks that starve pivot points. A sticking rotation system usually means a worn indexing bearing or a pinched hose, not a carrier hydraulic fault.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

A full VHP-30 overhaul centers on the jaw assembly. Strip the jaw to bare frame, replace every pivot pin and bushing as a matched set rather than mixing new with worn, pull and reseal or replace the main jaw cylinder, and check the frame welds and pin bosses for fatigue cracking under dye penetrant. Rebuild the rotation and indexing system, including bearing and seals, and fit new jaw tips before the tool goes back into service.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

In cold climates, grease every pivot point with a low-temperature, extreme-pressure grease rated for sub-zero service so pins do not gall on startup, and check hydraulic hoses for stiffening or cracking since cold makes rubber brittle at the jaw's high-flex points. In hot or dusty environments, clean grit from around the pins and jaw throat more often to limit abrasive wear, and inspect cylinder rod wipers and seals more closely, since heat accelerates seal degradation.

VHP-30 attachments & work tools

Work tool family

VHP-30 is the smallest of a three-model Cat hydraulic pulverizer line (VHP-30, VHP-40, VHP-50) built on Verachtert lineage, the same lineage as the Cat VHC crusher series. It is a jaw-type demolition tool for crushing concrete and separating embedded rebar, carried on the excavator stick in place of a bucket.

Carrier compatibility

Sized for medium excavators in roughly the 20 to 30 metric ton class, matching Cat 320, 322, 323 and 325-class carriers; VHP-40 and VHP-50 step up to larger 30-45 ton class carriers. Exact carrier fit depends on stick/boom hydraulic capacity and counterweight, so confirm against the specific excavator configuration.

Coupler / mounting system

Mounted pin-on to the excavator stick or through a sized quick coupler matched to the tool's weight class. Documented siblings use CW-class couplers scaled to size (larger VHP-50 units are shown with a CW45-class coupler); VHP-30 would use the next size down, though its exact coupler class is not confirmed in available documentation.

Hydraulic kit / arrangement

Requires a dedicated auxiliary hydraulic circuit to open and close the jaw, with family working pressure around 350 bar (5,075 psi) and flow requirements that scale with size, roughly 150-200 l/min (40-53 gpm) for the smaller units. Some units in the line are offered with an optional hydraulically powered rotation feature (X-suffix variants), which needs an additional rotation auxiliary line beyond the base single-function jaw circuit.

Jaw and tooth options

Fitted with a primary crushing jaw set carrying replaceable teeth or cutting tips and bolt-on wear plates on the jaw faces and housing. Worn tips and plates are field-replaceable to extend service life without replacing the full jaw assembly.

Guarding and construction

The hydraulic cylinder is enclosed within the tool's frame/housing rather than exposed, shielding it from falling debris during demolition work. High-wear areas (jaw faces, housing edges) use abrasion-resistant steel plating.

Factory configuration range

The VHP series spans fixed (non-rotating) jaw units through hydraulically rotating variants, sized from the VHP-30 at the small end up to the VHP-50 at the large end, covering roughly a 20 to 45 ton carrier range across the family. Choice of model within the family is driven by carrier size and desired jaw opening/crushing force, which scale up from VHP-30 to VHP-50.

All VHP-30 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar VHP-30. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Frame And Body

340-2436 Housing Gp-Pulverizer

34***36	Housing Group-Pulverizer	1
34***45	Plate As	1
34***55	Bar	1
34***57	Bar	7

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321-0878 Housing Gp-Pulverizer

32***78	Housing Group-Pulverizer	1
32***83	Plate	1
32***84	Plate	2
32***15	Bar	2

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334-6101 Housing Gp-Pulverizer

33***01	Housing Group-Pulverizer	1
33***11	Plate	1
33***12	Bar	8
33***13	Plate	1

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Hydraulic System

187-2996 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear

09***48	Nipple, Grease	1
14***84	Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x110-mm)	22
16***16	Seal	1
16***55	Bushing	2

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222-8828 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear

09***48	Nipple, Grease	1
12***11	Hose As	1
16***16	Seal	1
16***87	Bushing	2

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222-8830 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear

09***48	Nipple, Grease	1
09***06	Bolt-Socket Head; (M16x2x80-mm)	24
16***16	Seal	1
16***71	Bushing	2

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340-2439 Cylinder & Valve Gp

14***51	Elbow Group	1
14***52	Elbow As.	2
15***18	Lockwasher	2
16***54	Seal	1

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321-1277 Cylinder & Valve Gp

14***51	Elbow Group	1
14***92	Elbow; (-12 Orfs/-12 Orfs Swivel)	2
15***46	Seal	1
15***18	Lockwasher	2

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334-6110 Cylinder & Valve Gp

14***51	Elbow Group	1
14***92	Elbow; (-12 Orfs/-12 Orfs Swivel)	2
15***46	Seal	1
15***18	Lockwasher	2

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357-9482 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***03	Seal - Rectangular (31.86mm Id)	2
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
35***82	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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357-9490 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***03	Seal - Rectangular (31.86mm Id)	2
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
35***90	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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354-7379 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
23***81	Hose As	2
35***79	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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354-6672 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
35***72	Lines Group-Connecting	1
35***74	Hose As	2

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357-9493 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***03	Seal - Rectangular (31.86mm Id)	2
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
35***93	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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234-5669 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
23***69	Lines Group-Connecting	1
24***71	Hose As	2

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354-6671 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
35***71	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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357-9484 Lines Gp-Connecting

1P***03	Seal - Rectangular (31.86mm Id)	2
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4
35***84	Lines Group-Connecting	1

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170-3229 Valve Gp-Speed Control

17***29	Valve Group-Speed Control	1
17***30	Plug	6
17***31	Valve	1
17***32	Plug-Screw	2

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Service Equipment And Supplies

340-2434 Kit-Maintenance

16***18	Shim; (1-mm Thk)	1
16***19	Shim; (1.5-mm Thk)	1
16***92	Wrench	1
17***03	Wrench-T-Handle	1

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334-6100 Kit-Maintenance

16***86	Shim; (1-mm Thk)	1
16***88	Shim; (1.5-mm Thk)	1
17***03	Wrench-T-Handle	1
17***04	Wrench	1

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321-0877 Kit-Maintenance

16***18	Shim; (1-mm Thk)	1
16***19	Shim; (1.5-mm Thk)	1
17***03	Wrench-T-Handle	1
17***38	Wrench	1

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200-2885 Lock Gp-Shear

20***85	Lock Group-Shear	1
20***86	Plate-Lock	2
8T***32	Nut (M16 X 2 Thd); (M16x2.00 Thd)	2
8T***75	Bolt; (M16x2x90-mm)	1

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200-2959 Lock Gp-Shear

20***14	Plate-Lock	2
20***59	Lock Group-Shear	1
8T***32	Nut (M16 X 2 Thd); (M16x2.00 Thd)	2
8T***75	Bolt; (M16x2x90-mm)	1

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200-2960 Lock Gp-Shear

20***16	Plate-Lock	2
20***60	Lock Group-Shear	1
8T***32	Nut (M16 X 2 Thd); (M16x2.00 Thd)	2
8T***75	Bolt; (M16x2x90-mm)	1

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321-0876 Plate & Film Gp

11***73	Seal; (0.5cm) (X2)	0
15***96	Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location)	5
24***76	Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm)	1
30***53	Cover As	2

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334-6099 Plate & Film Gp

11***73	Seal; (0.5cm) (X2)	0
15***96	Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location)	5
24***76	Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm)	1
30***53	Cover As	2

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340-2432 Plate & Film Gp

11***73	Seal; (0.5cm) (X2)	0
15***96	Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location)	5
24***76	Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm)	1
31***21	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back, Hand), Name-Plate (Reserve Tank Led)	2

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Work Tool Arrangement

339-0410 Pulverizer Ar-Hydraulic

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
32***75	Pulverizer Group-Hydraulic	1
32***76	Plate & Film Group	1
32***77	Kit-Maintenance	1

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340-2430 Pulverizer Ar-Hydraulic

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
34***30	Pulverizer Ar-Hydraulic	1
34***32	Plate & Film Group	1
34***33	Pulverizer Group-Hydraulic	1

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336-8904 Pulverizer Ar-Hydraulic

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
33***98	Pulverizer Group-Hydraulic	1
33***99	Plate & Film Group	1
33***00	Kit-Maintenance	1

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Work Tools

169-4969 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***69	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***89	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	2

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255-0001 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
20***71	Washer; (26x90x8-mm Thk)	2
25***01	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
25***02	Bracket As	1

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169-4975 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***75	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***94	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14

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253-7830 Bracket Gp-Mounting

09***49	Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk)	2
13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
20***59	Plate-Serial Number	1

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201-9466 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
20***66	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
20***31	Bracket As	1

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193-4497 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
19***97	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
20***66	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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276-7982 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
27***82	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
27***83	Bracket As	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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231-0474 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
15***19	Lockwasher	8
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
22***87	Cover	1

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169-4967 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***67	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***86	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
5P***76	Washer Guard To Support Assembly And Guard Assembly	2

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169-4970 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***70	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***90	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7Y***10	Washer-Special; (17x65x6-mm Thk)	2

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248-7980 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
15***21	Lockwasher	2
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
20***59	Plate-Serial Number	1

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169-5308 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***08	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***45	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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254-4463 Bracket Gp-Mounting

09***49	Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk)	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
20***71	Washer; (26x90x8-mm Thk)	1
25***63	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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254-4039 Bracket Gp-Mounting

09***49	Washer; (22x60x6-mm Thk)	1
13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
20***71	Washer; (26x90x8-mm Thk)	1

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169-4974 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***74	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***93	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	2

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169-5311 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***11	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***16	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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179-1647 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***19	Bracket As	1
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***47	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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299-0293 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
29***93	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
29***94	Bracket As	1

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226-4127 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***19	Lockwasher	8
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
22***19	Bracket As	1
22***20	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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179-1645 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***18	Bracket As	1
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***45	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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169-5307 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***07	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***47	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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169-4971 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***71	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***91	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14

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234-9927 Bracket Gp-Mounting

13***55	Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm)	2
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
23***27	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
34***39	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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321-0875 Pulverizer Gp-Hydraulic

11***73	Seal; (0.5cm) (X2)	0
14***98	Screw-Flat Head; (M20x2.5x90-mm)	3
15***21	Lockwasher	4
15***22	Lockwasher	4

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334-6098 Pulverizer Gp-Hydraulic

11***73	Seal; (0.5cm) (X2)	0
14***98	Screw-Flat Head; (M20x2.5x90-mm)	3
15***21	Lockwasher	4
15***22	Lockwasher	4

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340-2433 Pulverizer Gp-Hydraulic

11***73	Seal; (0.5cm) (X2)	0
14***15	Screw-Flat Head; (M20x2.5x100-mm)	3
15***21	Lockwasher	4
15***22	Lockwasher	5

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VHP-30 serial number reference

The PIN plate for the VHP-30 pulverizer is riveted or bolted to the tool housing/frame, usually near the mounting bracket or on a side plate close to the pivot pin, not on the host excavator. Read the first three characters of the PIN stamped on that plate as the prefix; it identifies which model in the VHP pulverizer family you have, since VHP-30, VHP-40, and VHP-50 each carry their own prefix despite sharing one service manual. The digits that follow are the build sequence number within that series.

Prefix	Identifies	Notes
W3C	VHP-30 Hydraulic Pulverizer	Cat parts-catalog listing for the VHP-30 pulverizer's own ID plate assembly is keyed to S/N W3C1-UP, distinct from its VHP-40 and VHP-50 siblings even though all three share one service-manual publication. Treat as the VHP-30-specific starting prefix; confirm exact effectivity with your dealer since only the starting point (not an end range) is documented.

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar VHP-30 use?

None. The VHP-30 is a passive hydraulic attachment with no onboard engine or ECM. It draws all its hydraulic power from the host excavator, typically a carrier in the 20 to 30 tonne class, through a CW30-class coupler bracket.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar VHP-30?

Roughly 1,698 to 1,700 kg (3,745 to 3,748 lb) net weight, depending on source and jaw configuration.

What replaced the Caterpillar VHP-30?

No direct successor is documented. Caterpillar's later MP-series multi-processors, which use interchangeable pulverizer, shear, and cutter jaws on one frame, cover the same demolition role today, but they are a separate product line rather than a confirmed rebadge of the VHP-30. Treat the VHP-30 as its own discontinued line when sourcing parts.

What VHP-30 owners discuss

How much can the jaw tips wear before they need replacing?

Owners watch cutting-edge condition and tooth height rather than a fixed hour interval. Once the hardened edge rounds off or tooth height drops noticeably, bite and cutting speed fall off first — that's the trigger to swap, not a set schedule. Bolted or pinned tips can often be flipped or turned for a second edge before they're scrapped. Tips are the fastest-wearing item on the tool, so check them daily on abrasive rebar and concrete work.

What's the routine for the jaw pivot pin and bushings, and what does wear look like?

Grease the jaw pivot and cylinder pins every shift, more often in dusty demolition work, and pull pins for a visual check weekly. Play or a clunk in the jaw open/close motion, or grease weeping from the pin bore, points to worn bushings rather than the pin — bushings are the sacrificial part, designed to wear before the pin or the housing bore does. Left unaddressed, the bore elongates and the fix moves from a simple bushing swap to a weld-and-rebore repair. Have your dealer verify pin-to-bushing clearance against factory tolerance before putting the tool back into heavy service.

What hydraulic hose and cylinder behavior is normal, and what isn't?

Hose and fitting failure is the most commonly reported hydraulic issue on this class of tool, especially where hose routes pass close to the jaw pivot and get pinched or abraded through the crushing cycle. A light oil film on the crushing cylinder rod during the return stroke is normal seal weep; a steady drip is not. Recheck fitting torque after the first hours on a freshly mounted tool, since hoses settle in. Hose or fitting failure under pressure is a safety hazard — have your dealer verify hose condition and routing before extended use.

Are there any known quirks with the tool's rotation function?

Rotation on this type of tool is typically free-spinning hydraulic drive rather than a geared, locked index, so it can drift or walk slightly off position when left parked under load instead of holding a fixed heading. A rotor that won't turn at all is more often a blocked case-drain line or a rotation-circuit relief set too low than a failed motor. After storage, cycle rotation through its full travel before full-pressure work to clear any settled contamination out of the motor.

Does the excavator's hydraulic circuit need to be matched to the tool?

Yes. Auxiliary flow and relief-valve pressure on the carrier need to sit within the tool's rated window — running excess flow or pressure through a circuit not set up for the tool is the most cited cause of premature cylinder and hose failure on hydraulic pulverizers as a class. Carriers with adjustable auxiliary flow (a proportional pedal or thumb wheel) let the operator dial flow back for this tool rather than running the circuit wide open. Have your dealer verify the excavator's auxiliary relief setting matches the tool's rated pressure before first use.

The tool has no engine or onboard electronics — so what's behind reports of 'electrical' problems?

Correct, this is a purely passive, host-powered attachment: no engine, ECM, sensors, or wiring live on the tool itself. Anything described as an electrical fault traces back to the carrier's auxiliary hydraulic solenoid, proportional control valve, or the hydraulic quick-connect at the coupler, not the pulverizer. If the jaw won't actuate, check the carrier's attachment control settings and hose connections before suspecting the tool.

What should I check before buying a used VHP-30?

Start with jaw-tip edge condition and remaining tooth height — cheap to quote, expensive to ignore if worn out. Work the jaw open and closed (by hand or a slow cycle) and watch and listen for play at the pivot and cylinder pins; movement there means bushing wear. Look for oil staining around the crushing cylinder rod and at hose fittings, and check hose routing near the jaw pivot for chafe marks. Cycle the rotation function through full travel and watch for drift, hesitation, or noise. Check the coupler and mounting bracket pin holes for elongation — a sloppy mounting fit transmits shock load straight into the carrier's arm. Have your dealer verify pin and bushing clearances and hydraulic circuit compatibility with your carrier before purchase.

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

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