Caterpillarwork toolgrapple-dem/sort

Caterpillar VRG40

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar VRG40, cataloged as the VRG-40/2, is a hydraulically powered demolition and sorting grapple work tool, not a self-propelled machine. It carries no engine, ECM, or undercarriage of its own; the shell-close and independent 360-degree rotation circuits both draw pressure and flow from the host excavator, typically a 20 to 35 tonne class carrier. It is the largest member of the Verachtert-built VRG-20/2, VRG-25/2, VRG-30/2, VRG-40/2 rotating grapple range that Caterpillar sold under its own work-tool catalog with serial prefix G8S. Shell capacity runs around 0.9 cubic meters (32 cubic feet) with a jaw opening near 2.0 to 2.03 m (79 to 80 in), and operating weight falls in a 1680 to 2250 kg (3700 to 4960 lb) range depending on coupler and mounting configuration. Production dates to the Verachtert era of the mid-1990s through roughly 2010-2012, and the tool was offered with different pin-on and quick-coupler mounting options to fit various carrier brands.

The '/2' in the model name marks the rotating generation of the Verachtert grapple line, adding continuous hydraulic rotation on a slewing rim and pinion drive that is completely independent of the jaw open/close circuit, a step up from earlier fixed-orientation demolition grabs. The VRG-20/2 through VRG-40/2 siblings share one factory manual and a common design language scaled across frame size, so closing force and capacity climb with model number while the maintenance approach stays the same across the family. In the used equipment and parts market the VRG40 still shows up as an affordable way to add heavy sorting and demolition capability to a mid-size excavator fleet. Because it has no engine or electronics to fail, resale condition comes down almost entirely to pin and bushing wear, shell and tooth condition, and whether the rotation drive still tracks control input cleanly, so buyers and parts sourcers should treat those wear points as the real condition indicators rather than hour meters.

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 VRG40 specifications

Engine

None. The VRG40 is a passive hydraulic work tool (rotating demolition and sorting grapple) with no onboard engine or ECM. It runs off the carrier excavator's own hydraulic system.

Weights

Operating weight	1680 kg (3704 lb)
Ground pressure	Not published for this work tool class

Dimensions

Overall height	1875 mm (73.8 in)
Overall width	1370 mm (53.9 in)
Jaw opening width	2030 mm (79.9 in), listed as approx. 2000 mm on some dealer sheets
Grapple capacity	0.9 m3 (31.8 cu ft)
Carrier weight class	Sized for 20 to 35 t excavators
Mounting/suspension	S2 suspension type

Performance

Closing force	60 kN
Required working pressure	320 bar (4641 psi)
Required hydraulic flow	200 l/min (52.8 US gpm)
Rotation	Continuous rotation, driven by carrier hydraulics (rotation drive speed not published for this exact configuration)

Service capacities (summary)

Hydraulic system	No dedicated onboard reservoir. Draws hydraulic power directly from the host excavator circuit; service per carrier's hydraulic fluid spec
Fuel tank / engine oil / cooling system	Not applicable, no engine on this work tool

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

VRG40 fluids & capacities

System	Capacity	Recommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)	Not applicable — VRG-40/2 is a passive demolition/sorting grapple work tool with no engine of its own; it mounts on and is driven by the carrier excavator.	Not applicable (no engine on the tool).
Cooling system	Not applicable — no engine, no radiator, no coolant circuit on the grapple.	Not applicable.
Fuel tank	Not applicable — no fuel system on the tool.	Not applicable.
Transmission / powertrain compartments	Not applicable — the grapple has no drivetrain; jaw motion is purely hydraulic, powered off the host machine's circuit.	Not applicable.
Final drives	Not applicable — no final drives; this is a static-mount grab attachment, not a self-propelled machine.	Not applicable.
Hydraulic system and tank	No dedicated reservoir on the VRG-40/2 itself. The jaw cylinders run off the carrier excavator's hydraulic system, so oil volume and tank capacity are governed by the host machine's own O&M manual, not by the grapple.	Use the hydraulic oil grade specified for the host carrier (Cat HYDO Advanced or equivalent anti-wear hydraulic oil per the carrier's manual, viscosity graded to ambient temperature). The grapple manual does not carry its own hydraulic fluid spec.
Axles / differentials	Not applicable — no axles on the tool.	Not applicable.
Grease (pivot pins and bushings)	Spec-only, no fill volume given in liters; grease is applied at each pivot/bushing point per the lubrication schedule, not measured as a system capacity.	Multipurpose EP (extreme-pressure) lithium-complex grease, NLGI Grade 2, at the jaw pivot pins and bushings — the same class Cat specifies for its demolition/sorting grapple line generally (Cat-branded multipurpose or extreme-application grease). No climate-split viscosity table is documented for this attachment; NLGI Grade 2 covers normal ambient ranges, with a lighter grade only if the dealer manual calls for cold-climate service.

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

Caterpillar VRG40 maintenance schedule

Service interval	Tasks
Every 10 h	Grease the pinion, swing gear/slewing rim, grab shell bearings, and pushing-rod points with anti-seize graphite grease; apply 3 to 4 pump strokes per point. Rotate the grapple a full 180 degrees and regrease the pinion and swing gear after the rotation. Inspect the hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks or damage; repair or replace before returning the tool to service. Verify every shell pin and coupler pin is locked and fully retained. Walk around the shell, frame, and welds looking for cracks or bent structure. Check and replace any damaged pinch-point or 'hands out' safety decals.
Every 250 h	Measure jaw tip and shell wear-plate thickness against the wear limit and flag anything close to minimum. Check the shell-close cylinder rods for scoring, pitting, or external seal weep. Inspect hydraulic hose routing for chafing against the shell, frame, or host excavator boom. Check pin and bushing clearance at each jaw pivot and log the reading against the last interval. Torque-check the shell and coupler mounting hardware to spec.
Every 500 h	Measure pin and bushing wear at every pivot and compare against the running trend log; replace any pair approaching the wear limit. Check the rotation drive for backlash or lag between control input and shell response. Check the shell-close cylinders for internal leakage by timing hold under load. Pull a hydraulic oil sample from the host excavator and screen for contamination consistent with internal wear. Inspect the slewing rim and pinion teeth for wear, pitting, or chipping.
Every 1,000 h	Remove and inspect the shell-close cylinders; replace rod seals and wear bands as needed. Replace jaw tips and wear plates flagged at prior inspections. Inspect the rotation motor mounting and drive coupling for wear or looseness. Run a full pin-and-bushing wear survey across the whole grapple and schedule replacement of any pair outside tolerance. Check all structural welds visually, or with dye-penetrant, for fatigue cracking.
Every 2,000 h	Rebuild or replace the shell-close cylinders as a set (seals, wear bands, rod inspection). Overhaul the rotation drive as a matched set: slewing rim, pinion, and swing-gear teeth. Replace all pins and bushings showing measurable wear rather than swapping isolated pieces. Repair structural welds using Verachtert-approved procedure only and recoat exposed steel. Re-torque all mounting hardware and verify hydraulic coupler seal condition.
Every 4,000 h	Tear down the frame, shells, cylinders, and rotation drive fully to decide between a major rebuild and retirement. Replace the rotation motor if drive performance has degraded despite prior gear and bearing replacement. Re-certify structural integrity before returning the attachment to demolition service. Repaint and recoat the full unit after a major rebuild to protect against corrosion.

Servicing the VRG40 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The VRG40 carries no engine or reservoir of its own; its shell-close and rotation circuits both draw from the host excavator's hydraulic system. Send host hydraulic oil samples out on the excavator's normal sampling schedule and watch for particulate spikes after heavy demolition work, which point to internal wear in the grapple's cylinders or rotation motor. Log pin and bushing clearance at every PM interval so a wear trend, not a single reading, drives replacement timing before jaw slop or rotation lag develops.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most VRG40 repairs are wear-and-tear, not breakdowns. Reseal the shell-close cylinders when rod seals weep or closing force drops off. Rebuild or replace the rotation motor and pinion/slewing-rim gear set when rotation binds or backlash grows. Swap jaw tips and shell wear plates once cutting edges round over, and replace hydraulic hoses that chafe or crack from abrasive demolition debris. Grease line blockages at the pin and swivel points are a frequent, low-cost fix worth checking before assuming a bearing failure.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

A full VRG40 overhaul centers on the pin-and-bushing sets at every jaw pivot and cylinder rod eye, plus the rotation drive: slewing rim, pinion, and swing-gear teeth wear as a set and should be measured and replaced together, not piecemeal. Cylinders get new rod seals, wear bands, and a rod inspection for scoring. Structural cracks in the shell or frame require welding per Verachtert-approved procedure only; unapproved repair welds void the structural warranty on this attachment.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

In cold weather, switch the daily pin, swing-gear, and pushing-rod grease points to a low-temperature graphite grease so it still pumps through the fittings, and confirm the host excavator's hydraulic oil viscosity grade suits the ambient range since the grapple has no oil reservoir of its own. In dusty demolition or scrap-yard environments, clean grit from grease nipples before each shift, inspect hose routing for abrasion against debris, and flush pin joints more often than the standard interval.

VRG40 attachments & work tools

Host excavator compatibility

VRG-40/2 is the largest shell in the Cat VRG-20/2, VRG-25/2, VRG-30/2 & VRG-40/2 demolition and sorting grapple family and mounts on hydraulic excavators, crawler or wheeled, in roughly the 20 to 35 tonne operating-weight class. Across the full four-model VRG/2 lineup Cat quotes a broader 22,000 to 99,200 lb carrier range, with the 40-class shell sitting at the top of that span.

Coupler and hinge mounting

Offered with more than one hinge/bracket option rather than a single fixed mount: dedicated pin-type hinge brackets (Verachtert quick-coupling pin bracket) and CW40-class pin-grabber quick couplers both appear on factory-built units. Exact bracket pattern must match the host excavator's stick and coupler class, so confirm hinge type with the dealer before ordering.

Hydraulic rotation and open/close circuit

Requires a dedicated hydraulic work-tool circuit; the continuous rotation (swivel) function runs independent of the jaw open/close function so the shell can be indexed without cycling the jaws. Reported working flow and pressure for the 40-class shell run around 200 L/min at up to roughly 320 bar, but flow/pressure targets vary by carrier valve setup and configuration.

Jaw/shell capacity and reach

Shell capacity is about 0.9 cubic meters with a maximum jaw spread near 2.0 to 2.1 m and a closed shell width around 1.35 to 1.4 m; reported unit weight (with hinge/coupler installed) varies from roughly 1,680 to 2,250 kg depending on the coupler fitted. Treat exact weight and opening figures as configuration-dependent rather than a single fixed spec.

Jaw construction and wear guarding

Jaws use reinforced, hardened wear edges intended for repeat impact and abrasive demolition/sorting duty, with wear components designed to be replaced rather than the whole shell reworked. 360-degree continuous hydraulic rotation lets the operator reposition material without swinging or repositioning the carrier.

Family and serial-prefix note

Cat documents VRG-40/2 under a shared work-tool manual covering VRG-20/2, VRG-25/2, VRG-30/2 and VRG-40/2; VRG-40/2 carries its own serial prefix distinct from its siblings (VRG-20/2 uses a different prefix, VRG-30/2 another). Do not carry hydraulic, capacity, or coupler specs across siblings — each size in the family has its own confirmed figures.

All VRG40 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar VRG40. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Frame And Body

193-5362 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***18	Lockwasher	13

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174-9093 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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174-7842 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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193-5353 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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174-1657 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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193-5358 Housing Gp-Grapple

09***48	Nipple, Grease	8
12***81	Bolt-Socket Head; (M10x1.5x55-mm)	2
14***78	Lockwasher	4
15***38	Tee As	1

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187-4371 Sideboard Gp-Grapple

15***22	Lockwasher	12
17***40	Screw-Flat Head; (M24x3x90mm)	12
18***69	Plate As-Rh	2
18***71	Sideboard Group-Grapple	1

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187-4372 Sideboard Gp-Grapple

15***22	Lockwasher	12
17***40	Screw-Flat Head; (M24x3x90mm)	12
18***70	Plate As-Rh	2
18***72	Sideboard Group-Grapple	1

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Hydraulic System

174-1679 Cylinder Gp-Hydraulic

09***48	Nipple, Grease	2
12***09	Bearing	2
17***79	Cylinder Group-Hydraulic	1
17***68	Cylinder As	1

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177-5129 Lines Gp-Connecting

12***40	Fitting As-Hydraulic; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	2
17***29	Lines Group-Connecting	1
17***45	Hose As	2
6V***98	Seal-O-Ring -Line From Gear Pump Output	4

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177-5021 Lines Gp-Connecting

12***40	Fitting As-Hydraulic; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	2
17***21	Lines Group-Connecting	1
17***22	Hose As	2
6V***98	Seal-O-Ring -Line From Gear Pump Output	4

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177-5046 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
17***46	Lines Group-Connecting	1
5K***90	Seal-To Hydraulic Cooler Inlet Port	2
6V***48	Reducer Assembly	2

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177-5024 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
17***24	Lines Group-Connecting	1
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	1
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	2

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177-5019 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***19	Lines Group-Connecting	1
17***20	Hose As	2
7K***81	Strap-Pressure & Return Hoses To	4

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177-5023 Lines Gp-Connecting

17***20	Hose As	2
17***23	Lines Group-Connecting	1
1P***04	Seal - Rectangular (45mm Dia)	2
1P***67	Flange-Half (43.31 mm Id)	4

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170-2174 Manifold Gp-Control

14***20	Bolt-Socket Head; (M6x1x75-mm)	4
17***74	Manifold Group-Control	1
7Y***19	Seal-O-Ring (Id=12.37mm)	2

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170-2172 Motor & Manifold Gp-Rotator

17***72	Motor & Manifold Group-Rotator	1
17***73	Motor Group-Gerotor	1
17***74	Manifold Group-Control	1
17***76	Ring-Mounting	1

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170-2173 Motor Gp-Gerotor

17***73	Motor Group-Gerotor	1
17***21	Kit-Housing	1
17***22	Shaft-Output	1
17***25	Key-Square	1

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169-6060 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic

03***43	Seal-O-Ring	1
08***09	Spacer; (16.6x32x8.5-mm Thk)	34
12***28	Adaptor - Includes:-	2
15***94	Adapter As	6

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171-7526 Rotator Gp-Hydraulic

03***43	Seal-O-Ring	1
09***48	Nipple, Grease	1
14***70	Elbow, 90°,-8 Orb Swiv. /-8 Orfs	2
15***94	Adapter As	6

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170-3045 Swivel Gp

16***43	Seal	1
17***45	Swivel Group	1
17***41	Stator	1
17***42	Rotor	1

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Service Equipment And Supplies

204-4259 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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204-4261 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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204-4264 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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179-2088 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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179-2086 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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179-2087 Plate & Film Gp

14***36	Film-Warning; (Flying Debris)	2
14***69	Film-Warning; (Alert)	2
14***70	Film-Warning; (Read Omm)	2
15***35	Film-Warning; (Crush Hazard, Stay Back)	2

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Work Tool Arrangement

193-7175 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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179-2084 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4
17***34	Kit-Maintenance	1

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193-7177 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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179-2085 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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179-2083 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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193-7179 Grapple Ar-Hydraulic

14***08	Fitting	2
14***86	Fitting As	2
15***44	Seal	1
17***77	Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)	4

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Work Tools

169-5312 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***12	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***54	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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169-4971 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***71	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***91	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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179-1646 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***45	Bracket As	1
17***46	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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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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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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169-4978 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***78	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***97	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	1

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175-0338 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***38	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
17***46	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
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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169-4981 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***81	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***99	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	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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254-4039 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***39	Bracket Group-Mounting	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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169-4976 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***76	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***96	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***53	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 40)	1

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169-4968 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***68	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
23***05	Bracket As	1
7Y***10	Washer-Special; (17x65x6-mm Thk)	2

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190-5435 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
19***35	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
19***36	Bracket As	1
8T***67	Washer-Hard; (26x44x4-mm Thk)	14

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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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179-1654 Bracket Gp-Mounting

15***18	Lockwasher	8
16***15	Bracket As	1
16***97	Plate-Cover	1
17***54	Bracket Group-Mounting	1

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169-4980 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***80	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
16***98	Bracket As	1
16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
7X***52	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 30)	2

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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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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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175-0341 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***41	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
17***48	Bracket As	1
7X***52	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 30)	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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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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169-4970 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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175-0342 Bracket Gp-Mounting

16***82	Bolt-Socket Head; (M24x3x70-mm)	14
17***42	Bracket Group-Mounting	1
17***49	Bracket As	1
7X***52	Bolt-Plt; (M16 X 2.0 X 30)	2

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174-9098 Edge Gp-Cutting

17***98	Edge Group-Cutting	1
18***49	Edge-Cutting	2
2J***06	Nut Front Support To Frame; Nut-Front Support To Frame	18
5J***71	Bolt-Plow; (3/4-10x2.75-In)	18

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174-5567 Edge Gp-Cutting

17***67	Edge Group-Cutting	1
2J***06	Nut Front Support To Frame; Nut-Front Support To Frame	14
5J***73	Bolt 2.06cm(.8125in.)Long	14
7T***91	Sole	2

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174-7845 Edge Gp-Cutting

17***45	Edge Group-Cutting	1
18***48	Edge-Cutting	2
2J***05	Nut Rim To Adapter And Adapter To Wheel	24
2J***06	Nut Front Support To Frame; Nut-Front Support To Frame	18

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193-7178 Grapple Gp

17***26	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
19***58	Housing Group-Grapple	1
19***78	Grapple Group	1

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193-7176 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
19***62	Housing Group-Grapple	1
19***76	Grapple Group	1

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179-3477 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
17***57	Housing Group-Grapple	1
17***77	Grapple Group	1

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179-3479 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
17***42	Housing Group-Grapple	1
17***79	Grapple Group	1

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179-3481 Grapple Gp

17***26	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
17***93	Housing Group-Grapple	1
17***81	Grapple Group	1

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193-7174 Grapple Gp

16***60	Rotator Group-Hydraulic	1
19***53	Housing Group-Grapple	1
19***74	Grapple Group	1

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VRG40 serial number reference

The serial/PIN plate is riveted to the grapple frame or one of the shell side plates, usually near the mounting bracket that pivots onto the coupler, not on a cab or engine since this is a passive hydraulic work tool. Read the first three characters as the prefix, which identifies the model/build series; the digits after that are the sequential unit number. Units built after Q1 2001 carry the full 17-character Cat PIN, with this same 3-letter-plus-digits serial embedded as the last 8 characters.

Prefix	Identifies	Notes
G8S	VRG-40/2 (second-generation, rotating, D/R shell configs)	Serial prefix for the VRG-40/2 Demolition & Sorting Grapple, part of the shared VRG-20/2 through VRG-40/2 parts/service manual series. Source is a parts-catalog aggregator search snippet; the underlying page itself did not load directly. Confirm with your dealer before ordering. Do not confuse with CZC (VRG-20/2) or FEG (VRG-30/2) - those belong to sibling grapples, not the VRG-40/2.

Frequently asked questions

What powers the Caterpillar VRG40, and what does it need from the host excavator?

The VRG40 has no engine or ECM of its own. It is a fully hydraulic attachment: both the shell-close function and the independent rotation drive run off the host excavator's hydraulic pump through the auxiliary work-tool circuit. Required pressure and flow depend on the size class and coupler hookup, so match the tool to the excavator's auxiliary hydraulic specification, and confirm the exact setting with your dealer or the excavator's own operation and maintenance manual before hookup.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar VRG40?

Operating weight runs roughly 1680 to 2250 kg (3700 to 4960 lb), varying with the coupler and mounting hardware fitted. Confirm the exact weight for a given unit against its model plate, since coupler choice is the main swing factor.

What replaced the Caterpillar VRG40?

There is no documented direct successor tying the VRG-40/2 to a specific later Cat model. Caterpillar's current G-series demolition and sorting grapples cover similar excavator size classes, but no source confirms an official replacement relationship to the VRG family. Treat the VRG40 as an end-of-line Verachtert-era tool and check with a Cat dealer for the current equivalent by carrier weight class if you need a direct like-for-like recommendation.

What VRG40 owners discuss

Why does the grapple rotate slowly, jerk, or only turn one way?

Most rotation complaints trace back to the excavator's auxiliary hydraulic supply, not a bad grapple. Low aux flow or pressure from the carrier shows up as sluggish or one-direction rotation, and a plain on/off aux circuit (vs a proportional one) makes rotation step or jerk at slow speed instead of turning smoothly. Check carrier flow/pressure and valve settings first. If rotation was smooth before and has gotten jerky or weak under load, suspect internal wear in the rotation drive or debris in the hydraulic circuit rather than the control type - have your dealer verify before opening the rotator housing.

Is oil weeping at the swivel/rotator housing normal wear or a failure?

A small amount of seepage at the rotator housing over time is a known wear pattern as the internal seals and packing age, especially on grapples worked hard in continuous rotation. Steady weeping that grows, or a drop in rotation holding torque under load, points to worn internal seals needing a reseal or rebuild of the drive. This is an internal hydraulic component, so have your dealer verify before pulling the rotator apart.

Do the jaw pivot pins and bushings wear out fast on this type of grapple?

Yes. Pivot pins and bushings on a sorting/demolition grapple take constant load-cycling against broken and abrasive material, so they wear faster than most other pin joints on the machine. Daily greasing of every pivot point is standard practice among operators. Expect to feel play in the pin-bushing joint (rock each shell by hand) well before the jaw tips themselves show heavy wear - bushing play is a routine wear item on a working grapple, not a sign something is broken.

What causes cylinder seal leaks on a grapple like this?

Contaminated hydraulic oil and worn rod wipers are the usual causes, more often than a defective cylinder. The wiper keeps dust and demolition debris off the rod; once it ages or the rod gets nicked from swinging into rebar or debris, grit tracks past the wiper and chews up the rod seal. A grapple left sitting outdoors for a season commonly shows some seepage when it goes back to work. Replace wipers and rod seals as a set once weeping starts rather than waiting for full blow-by, and have your dealer verify the rod surface isn't scored before reseal.

Are the hydraulic hoses on the grapple more exposed to damage than on other attachments?

Yes, hoses and fittings running down the stick and across the grapple body are the most exposed part of the tool since it works close against wreckage and debris that can pull, crush, or crimp a line. Common practice is routing hoses behind a wear guard and doing a visual check every shift rather than waiting for a leak to show up. Catching a chafed or kinked hose early is cheaper and safer than a line failing mid-cycle.

Will a VRG40 grapple mount and run on any excavator in its rated weight class?

Physical fit and hydraulic fit are two separate checks. This grapple is built for the 20 to 35 t (roughly 22 to 38 US ton) excavator class, but the mounting ears and pin spacing must match the specific coupler and stick on your carrier - pin dimensions differ between machine brands even at similar operating weight. Separately, the carrier's auxiliary circuit needs enough flow and pressure for both the jaw cylinders and the rotator; an undersized aux circuit will bolt up fine but rotate sluggishly or close the jaws with less force than rated. Confirm both fit and hydraulic specs against your carrier before buying or swapping it onto a different machine.

What should you check when buying a used VRG40 grapple?

Cycle the jaws fully open and closed several times and watch for smooth, even, synchronized shell movement with no hesitation. Grab each shell and check pivot pins and bushings for play. Inspect both cylinders for rod scoring, dents, or seeping seals. Run rotation continuously in both directions through a full turn and listen for clunking, stalling, or uneven speed. Check the rotator/swivel housing for oil residue at the seal line. Look at jaw tips and wear plates for remaining material, since these are consumable and wear down with use. Finally, verify the mounting ear spacing and hydraulic flow/pressure requirements match your excavator before committing to a purchase, and ask for any known working-hours or service history on the unit.

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

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