Caterpillarwork toolshear-demolition/scrap
Caterpillar VHS-60/3
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Caterpillar VHS-60/3 is the third-generation version of the VHS-60 hydraulic demolition and scrap shear, part of Caterpillar's Verachtert-lineage VHS-series attachments. It is a passive, carrier-mounted rotating shear head with no engine, ECM, fuel system, or independent undercarriage of its own; it draws all working power from the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit, typically an excavator in the roughly 18 to 45 tonne class. Operating weight is approximately 6.75 tonnes, with a jaw opening around 845 mm (33.3 in) and jaw depth around 840 mm (33.1 in). The VHS-60 line runs base VHS-60, VHS-60/2, VHS-60/3, and VHS-60/4, sold as a single fixed configuration rather than in interchangeable jaw-set variants.
Across the VHS-60 generations, the carrier class and hydraulic circuit are what change rather than the shear's basic layout. Early VHS-60 and VHS-60/2 units targeted the same 18 to 45 tonne excavator range as the /3, while the later VHS-60/4 moved up to a larger 60 to 90 tonne carrier class alongside refinements to the rotator and hydraulic circuit, aligning it more closely with Caterpillar's own S365C shear tier. In the used and parts market, the VHS-60/3 remains in demand among scrap processors and demolition contractors running mid-size excavators, with wear items such as blades, pins, bushings, and cylinder seals driving most of the aftermarket activity around the model.
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 VHS-60/3 specifications
Engine
| Power source | No onboard engine. Passive hydraulic attachment; runs entirely off the host excavator's hydraulic system (no dedicated power unit, displacement, cylinder count, or emissions tier of its own). |
Weights
| Operating weight | Approx. 6.75 t (6,750 kg / 14,880 lb) |
| Weight note | One attachment-line data sheet lists a heavier figure near 8.6 t for the same family; that number tracks with the larger VHS-70/3 sibling in the same series table, not the 60/3 itself, so 6.75 t is treated as the VHS-60/3 figure. |
Dimensions
| Overall length | Approx. 3,840 mm (151.2 in) |
| Jaw opening | Approx. 845 mm (33.3 in) |
| Jaw depth (throat) | Approx. 840 mm (33.1 in) |
| Width / height | Not published in available spec sheets — confirm with dealer for exact envelope dimensions. |
Performance
| Cutting force (tip) | Approx. 10,395 kN |
| Closing (jaw) force | Approx. 1,060 tonne-force class |
| Jaw opening time | Approx. 4.8 seconds |
| Jaw closing time | Approx. 3.1 seconds |
| Hydraulic oil flow (open/close) | Approx. 530 l/min optimal |
| Max working pressure | Approx. 350 bar |
| Cutting capacity example (girder/I-beam) | Rated to cut a beam profile up to approx. 600 mm section height, 220 mm flange width, 12 mm web thickness, 19 mm flange thickness |
| Carrier weight class | Approx. 18-45 t excavator class (matches Cat 318C/320D/325D through 330D/345D depending on linkage bracket fitted). The larger VHS-60/4 generation moved up to a heavier 60-90 t carrier class — treat that as a distinct generation, not a mounting option of the VHS-60/3. |
Service capacities (summary)
| Hydraulic system | No independent reservoir — draws from and returns to the host excavator's own hydraulic tank; no separate fluid capacity applies to the attachment itself |
| Fluid type | Match host carrier's specified hydraulic fluid (e.g. Cat HYDO or equivalent per carrier OEM spec); no attachment-specific fluid spec published |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
VHS-60/3 fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine crankcase (with filter) | Not applicable | The VHS-60/3 is a hydraulic demolition shear work tool with no engine of its own. It has no crankcase or engine oil service point. |
| Cooling system | Not applicable | No engine, radiator, or coolant circuit on the tool. Cooling is handled by the host excavator only, per that carrier's own OMM. |
| Fuel tank | Not applicable | The shear carries no fuel tank; it is powered entirely by the carrier's hydraulic system. |
| Transmission / powertrain compartments | Not applicable | No powertrain, gearbox, or drive compartment exists on this attachment. |
| Final drives (each) | Not applicable | Not fitted; the tool has no travel drive of its own. |
| Axles / differentials | Not applicable | Not fitted; the tool is a pin-mounted work tool, not a self-propelled machine. |
| Hydraulic system (tool circuit, no independent tank) | No dedicated reservoir on the tool. Oil flow/pressure for opening and closing is drawn from the carrier's own hydraulic tank; documented operating flow for this shear runs to roughly 530 L/min (140 US gal/min) at up to 350 bar (5,076 psi) maximum working pressure. | Runs on whatever hydraulic oil the host excavator's OMM specifies for its main hydraulic circuit (typically a Cat-spec hydraulic oil such as Cat HYDO Advanced or Cat BIO HYDO Advanced, matched to the carrier's viscosity grade for ambient temperature). No separate fluid or filter change schedule exists for the shear itself beyond the carrier's own hydraulic service intervals; verify compatibility and any tool-specific filtration with your dealer before hookup. |
| Grease (pivot pins and bushings) | No fill capacity; applied via grease gun at each pin/bushing fitting to purge until fresh grease appears. | Standard NLGI 2 multipurpose chassis grease (e.g., Cat Multipurpose Grease or Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease) is the general-purpose spec used across Cat pin-and-bushing work-tool joints of this type. No VHS-60/3-specific grease brand or interval is documented in the sources checked — confirm exact grease spec and regrease interval against the tool's OMM or your dealer. |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar VHS-60/3 maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 50 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
| Every 4,000 h |
|
Servicing the VHS-60/3 beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
The VHS-60/3 carries no engine or ECM, so predictive maintenance centers on the host excavator's hydraulic system and the shear's wear components. Sample the carrier's hydraulic oil regularly, since cylinder seal wear at the shear introduces contamination that shows up in fluid analysis before a leak is visible. Track open and close cycle counts to time blade rotation and pin and bushing checks. Inspect the rotator drive for abnormal heat or noise, an early sign of bearing or gear wear.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Most VHS-60/3 repairs trace to the hydraulic circuit and the jaw itself, not to any onboard powertrain. Hose and fitting failures from flexing and debris abrasion are the most common field fix. Cylinder seal leaks show up as slow jaw drift and call for seal kit replacement rather than a full cylinder swap. Chipped or rolled blade edges can often be field-ground once, then require full blade replacement. Rotator backlash beyond spec points to gear or bearing wear needing shop-level correction.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
Overhaul work on the VHS-60/3 concentrates on the main pivot pins and bushings, the jaw structure, and the rotator drive. Elongated pin bores and worn bushings are the most frequent rebuild trigger, since they drive play into the jaw and uneven blade contact. Inspect the frame around the jaw root and pivot bosses for fatigue cracking under dye penetrant before returning the unit to service. A full rebuild also replaces cylinder seal kits and re-checks rotator bearing preload and gear backlash.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
Cold weather thickens the host carrier's hydraulic oil, slowing the VHS-60/3's open and close cycle and increasing load on hoses and seals at startup; allow a warm-up cycle before full-force work. Grease points need a cold-weather-rated grease so pins and bushings stay lubricated at low temperatures. Demolition sites generate heavy dust and fine debris that work into pin bores and rotator seals faster than typical excavation duty, so shorten grease and seal-inspection intervals in dusty, dry-demolition environments. Coat idle blade edges to prevent surface rust.
VHS-60/3 attachments & work tools
Jaw/configuration options
The VHS-60/3 ships as a single hydraulic scrap/demolition shear head with an integral 360-degree rotator, not a base machine with swappable attachments. No separate interchangeable jaw-set catalog (e.g. pulverizer or concrete-crusher jaw swap) is documented for this specific model; it is sold and serviced as one fixed shear-head configuration.
Carrier weight-class compatibility
Mounting brackets for the VHS-60/3 are catalogued against roughly 18 to 45 tonne excavators, spanning Cat 318C/320D/325D through 330D/345D depending on which linkage bracket is fitted. This is lighter than the later VHS-60/4 generation (about 60 to 90 tonne class), so carrier-class figures vary by generation/series and should not be merged.
Coupler/mounting system
The shear bolts to the excavator stick through a dedicated bracket keyed to the carrier's stick linkage type (documented variants include B-CB, CB-DB, and TB linkage patterns matching specific Cat excavator ranges). Between the bracket and the shear head sits a hydraulically driven rotator giving full 360-degree clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation so the jaw can be indexed without repositioning the carrier.
Hydraulic-kit/flow/pressure requirements
Documented working pressure for the jaw open/close circuit is about 350 bar, with a separate rotation circuit at about 140 bar; typical cycle times are roughly 4.8 seconds to open and 3.1 seconds to close. Carriers need a dedicated demolition-tool hydraulic circuit sized to these two pressure ranges rather than a single shared auxiliary line.
Factory configuration/weight notes
Factory-configured weight for this model is about 6.75 tonnes (approximately 6,750 kg) with a rated closing force in the roughly 1000-1060 tonne class; overall height is about 4.15 m with a body depth near 1.9 m. No model-specific factory option list (e.g. separate piercing-tip or guard-plate kit) is documented for the VHS-60/3 beyond this base configuration; treat any blade/tip accessory claims as unconfirmed for this exact model.
All VHS-60/3 assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar VHS-60/3. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Frame And Body
226-0714 Housing Gp-Shear
| 10***40 | Plug | 1 |
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 4 |
240-5915 Housing Gp-Shear
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 14 |
| 16***12 | Clip; (Slot) | 2 |
325-6440 Housing Gp-Shear
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 1 |
| 18***03 | Hose As | 1 |
| 19***85 | Hose As | 1 |
317-6006 Housing Gp-Shear
| 16***16 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***21 | Adapter As | 1 |
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 2 |
310-2108 Housing Gp-Shear
| 09***05 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M16x2x100-mm) | 8 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 12 |
| 16***12 | Clip; (Slot) | 2 |
318-6212 Housing Gp-Shear
| 16***16 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***21 | Adapter As | 1 |
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 2 |
327-5370 Housing Gp-Shear
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 1 |
| 16***24 | Hose As | 1 |
| 17***64 | Hose As | 1 |
Hydraulic System
318-0062 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 14***51 | Elbow Group | 1 |
| 16***54 | Seal | 1 |
228-8613 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear
| 14***06 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x140-mm) | 5 |
| 20***25 | Valve Group-Speed Control | 1 |
| 22***13 | Cylinder & Lines Group-Shear | 2 |
321-3765 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 14***51 | Elbow Group | 1 |
| 16***54 | Seal | 1 |
240-5497 Cylinder & Lines Gp-Shear
| 14***06 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x140-mm) | 5 |
| 20***25 | Valve Group-Speed Control | 1 |
| 24***97 | Cylinder & Lines Group-Shear | 2 |
317-5991 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 14***06 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x140-mm) | 5 |
| 20***25 | Valve Group-Speed Control | 1 |
| 31***91 | Cylinder & Valve Group | 1 |
321-2531 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 16***16 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***21 | Adapter As | 1 |
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 2 |
327-5371 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 1 |
| 16***16 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***23 | Plug As | 4 |
317-8054 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 1 |
| 18***15 | Hose As | 1 |
| 18***16 | Hose As | 1 |
240-5496 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 14***06 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x140-mm) | 5 |
| 20***25 | Valve Group-Speed Control | 1 |
| 24***96 | Cylinder & Valve Group | 1 |
318-0061 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 1 |
| 09***06 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M16x2x80-mm) | 24 |
| 16***71 | Bushing | 2 |
227-3768 Cylinder & Valve Gp
| 14***16 | Connector Group | 2 |
| 14***51 | Elbow Group | 1 |
| 16***54 | Seal | 1 |
321-2534 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 1 |
| 14***84 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x110-mm) | 22 |
| 16***55 | Bushing | 2 |
321-2532 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
| 16***54 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x150-mm) | 29 |
| 20***98 | Lock | 1 |
317-5993 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
317-5992 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
| 16***16 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***21 | Adapter As | 1 |
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 2 |
327-5372 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 1 |
| 16***87 | Bushing | 2 |
| 17***50 | Pin-Spring | 1 |
240-5484 Cylinder Gp-Shear
| 10***16 | Hose As | 2 |
| 1P***04 | Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia) | 4 |
| 1P***67 | Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id) | 4 |
317-6404 Cylinder Gp-Shear
| 09***70 | Bolt-Socket Hd; (M12 X 1.75 X 45) | 16 |
| 1P***04 | Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia) | 4 |
| 1P***67 | Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id) | 8 |
327-5373 Cylinder Gp-Shear
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 4 |
| 20***08 | Hose As | 2 |
| 25***89 | Hose As | 1 |
317-6403 Cylinder Gp-Shear
| 16***46 | Bar-Clamp | 2 |
| 16***90 | Clip; (Slot) | 2 |
| 16***91 | Clip; (Tab) | 2 |
227-4144 Cylinder Gp-Shear
| 09***48 | Nipple, Grease | 1 |
| 16***54 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x150-mm) | 29 |
270-7425 Fitting Gp-Hydraulic
| 14***59 | Hose As | 2 |
| 27***25 | Fitting Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 5P***77 | Flange-Half | 4 |
270-4349 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***20 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M6x1x75-mm) | 4 |
| 27***49 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 7Y***19 | Seal-O-Ring (Id=12.37mm) | 2 |
244-6796 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 21***73 | Hose As | 2 |
| 24***96 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 5P***77 | Flange-Half | 4 |
270-3926 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 24***96 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 27***26 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 27***85 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
258-9890 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***45 | Connector As | 2 |
| 24***08 | Hose As | 2 |
| 25***90 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
273-7602 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 17***73 | Motor Group-Gerotor | 1 |
| 17***76 | Ring-Mounting | 1 |
| 17***77 | Gear-Drive; (15-Teeth) | 1 |
270-4347 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 1P***04 | Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia) | 3 |
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 1 |
| 1P***67 | Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id) | 2 |
270-7585 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***20 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M6x1x75-mm) | 4 |
| 17***73 | Motor Group-Gerotor | 1 |
| 17***77 | Gear-Drive; (15-Teeth) | 1 |
270-7586 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 17***21 | Kit-Housing | 1 |
| 17***22 | Shaft-Output | 1 |
| 17***25 | Key-Square | 1 |
270-3925 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***68 | Hose As | 2 |
| 14***45 | Connector As | 2 |
| 27***25 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
221-0856 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 14***68 | Hose As | 2 |
| 14***45 | Connector As | 2 |
| 22***56 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
302-8171 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 09***73 | Bolt; (Socket Head) (M12x1.75x60mm) | 8 |
| 12***28 | Adaptor - Includes:- | 4 |
| 12***24 | Seal-O-Ring; (12.37mm Id) | 4 |
221-0857 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 22***57 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 27***24 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 27***25 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
270-4348 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 1P***04 | Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia) | 2 |
| 1P***05 | Seal (Check Valve Outlet) | 2 |
| 27***48 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
270-3924 Lines Gp-Connecting
| 27***24 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 27***47 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
| 27***48 | Lines Group-Connecting | 1 |
170-2174 Manifold Gp-Control
| 09***73 | Bolt; (Socket Head) (M12x1.75x60mm) | 16 |
| 12***28 | Adaptor - Includes:- | 4 |
| 12***24 | Seal-O-Ring; (12.37mm Id) | 4 |
318-8396 Motor & Manifold Gp-Rotator
| 08***72 | Seal-O-Ring | 1 |
| 14***28 | Connector Assem. | 2 |
| 14***35 | Connect Group; (Each Includes) | 4 |
170-2173 Motor Gp-Gerotor
| 08***72 | Seal-O-Ring | 1 |
| 14***28 | Connector Assem. | 2 |
| 14***35 | Connect Group; (Each Includes) | 4 |
216-7650 Motor Gp-Gerotor
| 16***43 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***57 | Plug As | 4 |
| 17***14 | Stator | 1 |
266-7382 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic
| 13***54 | Plug As | 3 |
| 20***87 | Slack Adjuster Group | 1 |
| 20***88 | Valve Group-Control | 1 |
243-1695 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic
| 14***09 | Plug As-Sto | 2 |
| 17***42 | Rotor | 1 |
| 17***43 | Ring | 1 |
314-9134 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic
| 17***30 | Plug | 6 |
| 17***31 | Valve | 1 |
| 17***32 | Plug-Screw | 2 |
323-8109 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic
| 09***01 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M8x1.25x40-mm) | 4 |
| 17***55 | Seal-O-Ring | 2 |
| 20***74 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M16x2x55-mm) | 8 |
265-6468 Swivel Gp
| 14***86 | Fitting As | 2 |
| 15***44 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***77 | Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male) | 4 |
318-8397 Swivel Gp
| 14***86 | Fitting As | 2 |
| 15***44 | Seal | 1 |
| 17***77 | Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male) | 4 |
208-8451 Valve Gp-Control
| 16***15 | Ring-Adjustment | 1 |
| 20***51 | Valve Group-Control | 1 |
| 31***60 | Pipe | 1 |
208-5125 Valve Gp-Speed Control
| 20***41 | Washer; (21x63.5x22-mm Thk) | 2 |
| 20***25 | Valve Group-Speed Control | 1 |
| 24***86 | Wrench; (Lock, 140) | 1 |
170-3229 Valve Gp-Speed Control
| 17***29 | Valve Group-Speed Control | 1 |
| 20***41 | Washer; (21x63.5x22-mm Thk) | 2 |
| 24***85 | Ring | 1 |
Service Equipment And Supplies
240-5914 Kit-Maintenance
| 16***93 | Ring-Adjustment | 1 |
| 24***14 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 31***60 | Pipe | 1 |
327-5368 Kit-Maintenance
| 15***96 | Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location) | 3 |
| 19***28 | Plate-Identification | 2 |
| 22***69 | Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm) | 2 |
327-8983 Kit-Maintenance
| 13***55 | Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm) | 2 |
| 23***60 | Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location) | 4 |
| 24***76 | Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm) | 2 |
226-0718 Kit-Maintenance
| 19***01 | Adjusting Ring | 1 |
| 22***18 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 32***80 | Template | 1 |
325-6438 Kit-Maintenance
| 15***96 | Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location) | 3 |
| 19***28 | Plate-Identification | 2 |
| 22***69 | Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm) | 2 |
317-8059 Kit-Maintenance
| 31***59 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 8T***32 | Nut (M16 X 2 Thd); (M16x2.00 Thd) | 2 |
| 8T***75 | Bolt; (M16x2x90-mm) | 1 |
327-8979 Kit-Maintenance
| 13***55 | Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm) | 2 |
| 23***60 | Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location) | 4 |
| 24***76 | Film-Warning; (Do Not Operate, Read Omm) | 2 |
200-2962 Lock Gp-Shear
| 13***55 | Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm) | 2 |
| 20***62 | Lock Group-Shear | 1 |
| 23***60 | Film-Notice; (Lift Eye Location) | 4 |
334-0120 Plate & Film Gp
| 33***20 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
334-0119 Plate & Film Gp
| 33***19 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
269-4647 Plate & Film Gp
| 26***47 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
334-0118 Plate & Film Gp
| 33***18 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
251-3560 Plate & Film Gp
| 25***60 | Plate & Film Group | 1 |
Work Tool Arrangement
334-0115 Shear Ar-Hydraulic
| 31***11 | Shear Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 32***83 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 33***15 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
269-4646 Shear Ar-Hydraulic
| 24***12 | Shear Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 24***14 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 26***46 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
334-0116 Shear Ar-Hydraulic
| 31***90 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 31***59 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 33***16 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
317-5990 Shear Ar-Hydraulic
| 31***08 | Housing Group-Shear, Flexible Hose | 1 |
| 31***34 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 31***90 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
334-0117 Shear Ar-Hydraulic
| 31***27 | Shear Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 32***79 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 33***17 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
251-3559 Shear Ar-Hydraulic
| 22***13 | Shear Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 22***18 | Kit-Maintenance | 1 |
| 25***59 | Shear Ar-Hydraulic | 1 |
Work Tools
246-9991 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 13***55 | Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm) | 2 |
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 20***59 | Plate-Serial Number | 1 |
257-1041 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 25***41 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 25***47 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
282-0532 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 10***96 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 13***55 | Setscrew; (M4x0.7x8-mm) | 2 |
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 16 |
257-0099 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 6 |
| 17***33 | Cover | 1 |
| 25***99 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
271-0111 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 16***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm) | 42 |
| 27***11 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 27***79 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
254-5862 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 14***90 | Bearing-Sleeve; (140.26mm Od) | 2 |
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 16 |
| 17***61 | Cover | 2 |
199-1258 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 13***17 | Bearing-Sleeve; (116.23mm Od) | 2 |
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 16 |
| 17***61 | Cover | 2 |
179-1648 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 6 |
| 17***46 | Bracket As | 1 |
| 17***33 | Cover | 1 |
247-0536 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 6 |
| 17***33 | Cover | 1 |
| 24***36 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
363-7700 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 14***78 | Lockwasher | 3 |
| 17***93 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x80-mm) | 3 |
| 22***49 | Plate-Wear | 1 |
257-0101 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 25***01 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 25***02 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
270-1912 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 16***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm) | 44 |
| 27***12 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 27***13 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
282-2863 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 22***62 | Shim; (1-mm Thk) | 4 |
| 22***63 | Shim; (1-mm Thk) | 4 |
| 22***64 | Shim; (1.5-mm Thk) | 4 |
222-8513 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 14***90 | Bearing-Sleeve; (140.26mm Od) | 2 |
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 16 |
| 17***61 | Cover | 2 |
272-4879 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 8 |
| 19***96 | Cover | 1 |
| 27***79 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
282-2864 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 22***63 | Shim; (1-mm Thk) | 4 |
| 22***64 | Shim; (1.5-mm Thk) | 4 |
| 22***67 | Edge-Cutting | 2 |
193-9094 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 16 |
| 17***61 | Cover | 2 |
| 19***94 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
257-4110 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 16***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm) | 46 |
| 25***09 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 25***10 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
269-7527 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 8 |
| 19***96 | Cover | 1 |
| 26***27 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
257-0102 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 6 |
| 17***33 | Cover | 1 |
| 25***02 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
257-0098 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 25***98 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 25***99 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
257-1047 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 6 |
| 17***33 | Cover | 1 |
| 25***47 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
257-4109 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***28 | Bearing-Sleeve | 2 |
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 16 |
| 17***61 | Cover | 2 |
175-0339 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 17***39 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 17***48 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
362-8489 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 3 |
| 23***74 | Bushing | 10 |
| 25***68 | Plate-Wear | 1 |
269-7525 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 16***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm) | 44 |
| 26***25 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 26***27 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
222-8508 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 22***08 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 22***13 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
254-5861 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 16***82 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm) | 46 |
| 25***61 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 25***62 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
270-1913 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 15***18 | Lockwasher | 8 |
| 19***96 | Cover | 1 |
| 27***13 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
199-1259 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 19***58 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 19***59 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
180-1286 Bracket Gp-Mounting
| 17***90 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M20x2.5x70-mm) | 36 |
| 18***86 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
| 19***94 | Bracket Group-Mounting | 1 |
227-3769 Edge Gp-Cutting
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 3 |
| 22***69 | Edge Group-Cutting | 1 |
| 23***74 | Bushing | 10 |
322-1929 Edge Gp-Cutting
| 31***34 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 31***12 | Housing Group-Shear | 1 |
| 32***29 | Edge Group-Cutting | 1 |
240-6810 Edge Gp-Cutting
| 22***14 | Housing Group-Shear | 1 |
| 24***10 | Edge Group-Cutting | 1 |
| 26***82 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
315-0192 Edge Gp-Cutting
| 24***15 | Housing Group-Shear | 1 |
| 24***95 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 31***92 | Edge Group-Cutting | 1 |
317-8040 Edge Gp-Cutting
| 31***06 | Housing Group-Shear | 1 |
| 31***40 | Edge Group-Cutting | 1 |
| 32***09 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
226-0713 Shear Gp-Hydraulic
| 22***13 | Shear Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 26***82 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 32***40 | Housing Group-Shear | 1 |
327-5369 Shear Gp-Hydraulic
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 17***15 | Bushing | 2 |
240-5912 Shear Gp-Hydraulic
| 24***12 | Shear Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 24***95 | Rotator Group-Hydraulic | 1 |
| 32***70 | Housing Group-Shear | 1 |
325-6439 Shear Gp-Hydraulic
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 4 |
| 16***41 | Bushing | 2 |
318-6211 Shear Gp-Hydraulic
| 09***05 | Bolt-Socket Head; (M16x2x100-mm) | 8 |
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 28 |
317-8027 Shear Gp-Hydraulic
| 15***19 | Lockwasher | 2 |
| 15***21 | Lockwasher | 30 |
| 16***12 | Clip; (Slot) | 2 |
VHS-60/3 serial number reference
The PIN plate sits on the shear frame near the mounting bracket/pivot end of the tool, stamped or riveted metal tag. Read it as an 8-character PIN: a 3-character prefix identifying the specific work-tool arrangement and configuration, followed by a 5-digit sequence number for that individual unit.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| M1E1 | VHS-60/3 | Tied to the 318C/320D/325D carrier-linkage combination (B-CB bracket type) for this shear. |
| M1F1 | VHS-60/3 | Tied to the 320D/325D/330D carrier-linkage combination (CB-DB bracket type) for this shear. |
| M1J1 | VHS-60/3 | Tied to the 330D/345D carrier-linkage combination (TB bracket type) for this shear. |
Frequently asked questions
What powers the Caterpillar VHS-60/3?
Nothing onboard. The VHS-60/3 has no engine, ECM, or fuel system of its own; it is a passive attachment that runs entirely off the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit, using roughly up to 530 l/min of flow at pressures up to 350 bar.
What is the VHS-60/3's operating weight?
The VHS-60/3 weighs approximately 6.75 tonnes as an attachment, sized for excavator carriers in the roughly 18 to 45 tonne class.
What replaced the VHS-60/3?
Within Caterpillar's own VHS-60 lineage, the /3 is followed by the VHS-60/4, which moved to a larger carrier class and refined rotator and hydraulic components. No separate model name has been confirmed as a direct replacement for the /3 designation beyond that generational step.
What VHS-60/3 owners discuss
Does the rotator hold its position on its own, or does it need to be held?
On rigid-mount, gerotor-style shear rotators, the head isn't a parking brake by design. Swing it off the shear's center of gravity and it will keep turning on its own weight until it hits a stop or the ground — that's normal, not a fault. What is a problem is drift under pressure: jaws creeping open, or the head rotating on its own between cycles, usually points to worn seals in the rotator motor or a load-holding/counterbalance valve that's no longer sealing, not a bent cylinder rod. Have your dealer verify the rotator and load-holding valve before assuming a rebuild is needed.
What wear pattern shows up on the jaw blades first?
Cutting edges round over and start to curve inward at the tip before the rest of the edge shows much wear, since cutting force concentrates there on rebar and light steel. Owners running these on mixed demo debris flip or rotate the blades before they're fully dull to spread the wear evenly, since the blades are reversible and interchangeable by design. Chipping instead of even rounding usually means the shear hit something it wasn't built for — heavy plate or cast material — rather than normal wear.
What's the pin and bushing wear pattern people report on this class of shear?
Same as any high-cycle demo attachment: the jaw pivot pins that see the most shock loading wear first, and it shows up as knocking or extra play in the jaw action before it shows anywhere else. Skipping daily greasing is the biggest cause of premature wear reported by owners, since a shear cycles far more per hour than a bucket and the grease channels can get worked dry fast on a busy demo job.
What hose and seal problems come up in the field?
Hoses running to the rotator and cylinder tips fail first — they flex with every rotation cycle and eventually chafe through or crack at the fitting. Swapping to swiveling fittings at the piston end instead of fixed elbows is a common fix once the original hoses start failing repeatedly. On the rotator itself, watch for a leak at the seal between the housing halves — if the seal sleeve or shaft surface has worn a visible groove, a new seal won't reseat properly and it keeps weeping no matter how many times it's replaced.
What do I need to match on the carrier before running a shear like this?
The excavator's auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure have to fall within the shear's rated range — running it on a circuit that's under- or over-powered is the most common compatibility complaint, either starving the cutting force or overworking the seals. Beyond hydraulics, the stick or boom mounting bracket has to match, and the carrier needs to sit within the shear's rated operating weight class — these shears are heavy relative to a bucket, and hanging one on an undersized carrier hurts reach and stability before anything else breaks.
Are there hydraulic line routing complaints specific to this style of shear?
Kinked or flattened hoses and pinched routing near the rotator are a recurring complaint — anything that restricts flow shows up as sluggish jaw closing or a rotator that hesitates instead of turning smoothly. Debris working loose inside old hoses and blocking flow is another common cause of intermittent sluggishness that gets mistaken for a valve problem. Routing hoses so they don't rub against the shear body or jaw links on full rotation avoids most of this.
What should I check before buying a used one of these shears?
Check the blade edges for even, honest wear versus chips or a mismatched set — mismatched wear usually means it was run hard without rotating the blades. Cycle the jaws and check for play or knocking at the pivot pins, then rotate the head through its full range looking for smooth motion without hesitation or seepage at the rotator seal. Inspect hoses for chafing, especially near the tips, and check the mounting bracket and ears for cracked welds or elongated pin bores from running on an undersized or oversized carrier. Ask for maintenance or greasing records if available — a shear with gaps in its history usually shows it first in the pins. Have your dealer verify hydraulic and structural condition before you commit to a purchase.
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
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