Caterpillarwork toolgrapple-dem/sort

Caterpillar VRG50

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Cat VRG50 is a passive hydraulic demolition and sorting grapple work tool, not a powered machine - it carries no engine, no ECM and no fault codes. It sits at the top of Cat's VRG-series grapple line, built on Verachtert-lineage design, above the smaller VRG-20/2, VRG-25/2, VRG-30/2 and VRG-40/2 siblings. It mounts to Cat hydraulic excavators, crawler and wheel, in roughly the 30 to 50 tonne class, and runs entirely off the carrier's auxiliary hydraulic circuit for jaw clamp force and continuous rotation. Net weight runs about 2,580 to 2,900 kg (5,690 to 6,390 lb) depending on the mounting bracket and coupler fitted, with a grab capacity around 1 cubic meter. It carries serial prefix CWS00001-up in Cat's parts records, though that range is thinly documented and should be treated as tentative. It ships with different bracket and coupler configurations to match various carrier pin centers and quick-coupler systems.

Unlike Cat's powered machine lines, the VRG50 has no documented lettered or generational split - the VRG family scales by frame size rather than by an engine or hydraulic-system revision, so there is no distinct earlier-vs-later VRG50 story in the record. What has changed is Cat's broader demolition-and-sorting grapple lineup, which now also runs its own G-series grapples alongside the Verachtert-badged VRG line, though no source ties the two ranges together as a formal replacement. In the used and parts market, the VRG50 matters because it is a heavy-wear attachment paired with premium carriers on scrap, recycling and demolition sites. Value tracks jaw and rotation-swivel condition, pin-bore wear and structural integrity rather than emissions or engine hours, so a well-greased, crack-free unit holds value long after the host excavator has been through several undercarriage or engine rebuilds.

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 VRG50 specifications

Engine

Power source	None on board. The VRG50 is a passive hydraulic demolition and sorting grapple work tool — it draws hydraulic pressure and flow from the host excavator's own auxiliary circuit and carries no engine, ECM, or fault-code system.
Rotation drive	Hydraulic gerotor motor and control manifold turn the grapple head; powered entirely from carrier hydraulics, no independent power unit.

Weights

Operating (attachment) weight	About 2,580 to 2,900 kg (5,690 to 6,395 lb), varies by configuration, mounting bracket, and production year — commonly listed near 2,800 kg (6,175 lb)
Shipping weight	Not published separately from operating weight for this work tool
Ground pressure	Not applicable — passive attachment, no undercarriage

Dimensions

Overall height (transport)	Not documented for this exact model — a commonly repeated ~1,875 mm figure matches a smaller sibling in the family and could not be independently confirmed for the VRG50; verify with your dealer.
Length / width	Not documented in available factory or dealer literature for this exact configuration — verify with your dealer
Mounting	Bolt-on bracket to excavator stick, sized to fit large hydraulic excavators; multiple bracket part numbers exist across carrier linkage types

Performance

Grab capacity	About 1.0 m³ rated per SAE J742B
Closing force at cutting edges	Not documented for this exact model — a closing-force figure surfaced only from an unreachable secondary source and could not be independently confirmed; verify with your dealer.
Carrier excavator class	About 30 to 50 tonnes
Rotation	Full 360-degree continuous hydraulic rotation via gerotor motor and swivel group
Hydraulic operating pressure / flow	Not documented in available public literature for this exact model — verify with your dealer

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank	Not applicable — no engine
Hydraulic system	No dedicated onboard reservoir; runs on carrier excavator's hydraulic oil supply
Engine oil	Not applicable — no engine
Cooling system	Not applicable — no engine

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

VRG50 fluids & capacities

System	Capacity	Recommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)	Not applicable	No engine on this attachment. VRG50 is an AR-Hydraulic Demolition and Sorting Grapple (serial prefix CWS00001-UP), powered entirely by the host excavator's hydraulic system.
Cooling system	Not applicable	No cooling system. Passive work tool with no onboard powerplant.
Fuel tank	Not applicable	No fuel tank. The grapple has no independent engine.
Transmission / drive compartment	Not applicable	No transmission. Jaw rotation and clamp function run off the carrier's hydraulic circuit through the tool's rotation motor.
Final drives	Not applicable	Not present on this attachment type.
Hydraulic system and tank	No dedicated reservoir; shares host machine's hydraulic system, capacity per carrier model	Use the hydraulic oil already specified for the host excavator (typically Cat HYDO, Cat TDTO, or Cat Bio HEES depending on carrier and climate). No separate hydraulic fluid or tank ships with the grapple itself.
Axles / differentials	Not applicable	Not present on this attachment type.
Grease points (rotation bearing, jaw pins and bushings)	No fill capacity specified; grease at each pin and bushing point until purge, per the service interval in the maintenance chart	Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease or Cat Extreme Application Grease (NLGI 2 multipurpose EP grease) for pivot pins, jaw bushings and the rotation bearing. In cold climates a lower-consistency NLGI 1 winter-grade multipurpose grease is used at the same points for easier gun feed.

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

Caterpillar VRG50 maintenance schedule

Service interval	Tasks
Every 10 h	Grease every jaw pivot, pin and rotation bearing fitting before each shift. Walk around and check all hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks, chafing or bulging. Inspect jaw tips and cutting edges for cracks or chips before use. Check mounting bracket and coupler pins for looseness or abnormal play. Verify rotation and jaw clamp move smoothly through full range with no binding.
Every 50 h	Re-grease the rotation bearing and swivel joint and check for grease purge at the seals. Check mounting bolt torque on the bracket and coupler. Inspect welds on the jaw frame and mounting ears for early cracking. Check hose routing and clamps for wear points rubbing against the frame. Confirm the rotation valve responds evenly in both directions with no hesitation.
Every 250 h	Measure pin and bushing clearance at the jaw pivots and cylinder clevis points. Inspect the rotation swivel for oil or grease leakage at the seals. Check the jaw cylinder rod and seals for scoring or weeping. Torque-check all structural mounting bolts to spec. Check condition of the carrier's hydraulic oil feeding the grapple circuit.
Every 500 h	Replace worn jaw tips or cutting edges once they pass the service wear limit. Inspect the rotation motor and gearbox for abnormal noise, heat or leakage. Check the swivel valve manifold for internal leak-down or rotation drift under load. Inspect structural welds for fatigue cracking with dye check or close visual review. Replace any hoses showing surface cracking, chafe or soft spots.
Every 1,000 h	Replace high-wear pin and bushing sets at the jaw pivot and rotation joint. Rebuild or replace the rotation swivel seal kit if leakage or drift persists. Inspect and reseal the jaw clamp cylinder if rod seals are weeping. Run a full structural inspection of the jaw frame and mounting bracket under load. Check rotation bearing gear teeth for wear and re-pack with fresh grease.
Every 2,000 h	Overhaul the rotation drive: inspect motor and gearbox internals or send out for rebuild. Replace all major pin and bushing wear sets across the attachment. Rebuild the jaw clamp cylinder, including piston and rod seal replacement. Fully recondition the rotation swivel assembly, including bearing race inspection. Repair and reinforce any cracked structural welds and repaint once verified crack-free.
Every 4,000 h	Perform a complete teardown overhaul of the rotation swivel and jaw assembly. Replace the full hydraulic hose set on a time basis regardless of remaining hours, since rubber ages independent of use. Evaluate the jaw frame and mounting bracket for cumulative fatigue and repair or retire per inspection findings. Rebuild or replace the rotation motor/gearbox as a unit if wear exceeds repair limits.

Servicing the VRG50 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The VRG50 has no engine or ECM, so predictive care centers on the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit and the grapple's own wear points. Sample carrier hydraulic oil for particle count and moisture since it powers the jaw clamp and rotation motor. Check rotation bearing grease for water intrusion or metal fines, an early sign of bearing wear. Track rotation speed and jaw clamp response against baseline readings, and inspect hoses visually or ultrasonically for bulging or chafe before they burst.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Common VRG50 repairs run through the jaw and rotation swivel. Worn jaw tips and cutting edges get rebuilt or replaced once wear exceeds service limits. Pin and bushing sets at the jaw pivot and cylinder clevis need replacement once clearance opens up. Chafed or leaking hoses and fittings on the rotation valve block get swapped as a set. Rotation swivel seal kits get replaced when drift or grease weep shows at the swivel joint, and weld cracks on the jaw frame or mounting ears from repeated demolition impact get gouged and rewelded.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Overhaul work on the VRG50 centers on the rotation drive: the motor and gearbox get opened for inspection or rebuilt after sustained heavy-cycle demolition duty. The swivel valve manifold gets resealed at overhaul, and every pin and bushing across the jaw and rotation joint gets replaced as a set rather than piecemeal. Jaw clamp cylinders get reseal or rebuild. The mounting bracket and jaw frame get inspected for fatigue cracking and reinforced or rewelded before the attachment goes back into production service.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

In cold climates, switch grease at the jaw pins, bushings and rotation bearing from NLGI 2 to an NLGI 1 grease so it still flows at low temperatures. Check hose material for stiffening or cracking in freezing weather before it fails mid-cycle. On abrasive demolition and concrete-crushing sites, shorten the grease interval and clear grit from fittings before each shift. In wet, wash-down or high-humidity duty, prioritize the rotation swivel seal, since water ingress there is a leading cause of early bearing wear.

VRG50 attachments & work tools

Host excavator compatibility

VRG50 is the largest shell in the Cat/Verachtert VRG demolition and sorting grapple lineage that runs VRG-20/2 through VRG-40/2 below it, and it mounts on hydraulic excavators, crawler or wheeled, in roughly the 30 to 50 tonne class. One listing caps the fitment at 30-45t, so treat the top end as varying by carrier hydraulics and coupler fitted rather than a fixed ceiling.

Coupler and hinge mounting

Factory catalog data shows more than twenty distinct mounting-bracket groups offered for this shell, confirming it ships with carrier-specific brackets rather than one fixed mount. Used-market units are seen fitted with a Verachtert CW55-class head plate (also sold as the Cat CW-55 quick coupler, rated for roughly 50-tonne-class carriers) as well as with a plain drilled pin-on hinge pattern for carriers without a quick-coupler; match the bracket to the host stick and coupler class before ordering.

Hydraulic rotation and clamp circuit

Requires a dedicated auxiliary hydraulic work-tool circuit from the carrier. Continuous 360-degree hydraulic rotation is driven through its own gerotor motor, control manifold and swivel group, kept independent of the jaw open/close circuit so the shell can be indexed without cycling the jaws. Connections use quick-disconnect fittings for fast tool changes; exact flow and pressure targets depend on the carrier's own valve and pump setup.

Jaw/shell capacity and reach

Reported net weight runs from about 2,665 to 2,800 kg depending on bracket/coupler fitted, with shell capacity around 1 cubic meter. Jaw opening figures vary widely by source and shell profile, from about 1.5 m up to roughly 2.05 m maximum spread, so treat the opening spec as configuration-dependent and confirm against the specific shell ordered.

Jaw construction and guarding options

The shell uses bolt-on, replaceable cutting-edge groups for wear management rather than an integral hardened edge, and separate left/right sideboard guard groups bolt to the housing as a factory option to extend shell depth and shield the jaw sides during demolition work. These are swapped as worn or damaged rather than reworking the whole housing.

Family and serial-prefix note

Cat documents this shell under the same GRAPPLE-DEM/SORT work-tool family as the smaller VRG-20/2, VRG-25/2, VRG-30/2 and VRG-40/2 siblings, but VRG50 carries its own serial prefix in the Cat parts catalog structure, distinct from the smaller shells. Do not carry capacity, weight, or hydraulic figures across siblings; each size in the family has its own confirmed numbers.

All VRG50 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar VRG50. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Frame And Body

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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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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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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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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174-7842 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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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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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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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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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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177-5019 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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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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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

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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179-2087 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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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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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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204-4264 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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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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Work Tool Arrangement

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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193-7179 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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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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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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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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179-2083 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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Work Tools

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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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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169-5308 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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175-0338 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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169-5312 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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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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169-4974 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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169-4981 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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169-5311 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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169-4978 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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174-7845 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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VRG50 serial number reference

The PIN plate is riveted or bolted to the grapple frame near the rotator mount or one of the main structural plates, not on a cab since this is a passive attachment. Read the first 3 characters as the serial prefix (identifies the specific work-tool arrangement/series) and the digits after as the sequence number in that range (e.g. CWS00001 is the first unit built in that range, -UP means that range is still open-ended in the parts book). Cross-check the full PIN against the host machine's own dealer records since work-tool PINs are tracked separately from the excavator PIN.

Prefix	Identifies	Notes
CWS	VRG50 Demolition and Sorting Grapple, base/only documented series (CWS00001-UP)	Passive hydraulic rotating grapple attachment, Verachtert-built, sold under the Cat VRG line. No engine or ECM on the tool itself; runs off the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulics. Part of the wider Verachtert VRG demolition/sorting grapple lineage (VRG-20 through VRG-50 class). Single-source across searches - confirm with dealer before using in a catalog listing.

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Cat VRG50 use?

None. The VRG50 is a passive hydraulic attachment with no engine, ECM or fault codes. It draws all its power from the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuit, which supplies jaw clamp force and drives the continuous rotation motor.

What is the operating weight of the Cat VRG50?

Net weight runs about 2,580 to 2,900 kg (5,690 to 6,390 lb) depending on the mounting bracket and coupler fitted. It's sized for carriers in roughly the 30 to 50 tonne excavator class - exact weight varies by configuration.

What replaced the Cat VRG50?

No official direct successor is documented for this specific model. Cat's current demolition-and-sorting grapple lineup includes its own G-series grapples, but no source ties them to the VRG50 as a formal replacement - verify current availability with your Cat dealer.

What VRG50 owners discuss

Does the VRG50 have its own engine, pump, or onboard electronics?

No. The VRG50 is a passive hydraulic attachment with no engine, pump, or ECM of its own. It runs entirely off the host excavator's auxiliary hydraulic circuits, typically one circuit for jaw open/close and a second for the rotation head. If a function acts up, the fault almost always traces back to the carrier's aux valve, wiring, or flow/pressure setting rather than to anything inside the tool itself.

What wears fastest on this class of demolition/sorting grapple?

Pivot pins and bushings at the jaw hinges and top mounting pivot wear first, showing up as visible side play or a knocking sound when the jaws open and close. The rotation bearing (slew ring) is next, and jaw tip and cutting-edge material wears from repeated grabbing of broken concrete and rebar. Dust seals on each side of a bushing keep grit and moisture out; once a seal fails, the bushing and pin under it wear out much faster than the rest of the tool.

What rotation or swivel quirks come up on this type of grapple head?

Jerky, stalled, or one-direction-only rotation is usually caused by debris or a blocked orifice inside the valve bank or rotator body restricting oil flow, not an internal motor failure. Weeping or a slow leak at the hydraulic swivel (the joint between the rotating head and the fixed mount) is a common age-related symptom as its internal seals harden over time. Because rotation and jaw functions run on separate flow paths in a good design, a problem in one circuit does not necessarily mean the other is affected.

Why do owners see leaks around the hose routing rather than the cylinders themselves?

Hoses for the rotate and open/close circuits have to travel through the same pivoting joints as the tool, so they get pinched or chafed at the hinge points if not routed and clamped correctly. A hose that separates internally can restrict flow enough to look like a stuck valve or weak cylinder, so a leak or slow function complaint should start with a check of hose routing and hose keepers before the cylinder or motor gets pulled apart.

How often does this type of grapple need greasing, and does it matter?

Consensus across this class of attachment is to grease all pivot points and the rotation bearing at least once per shift, more often in heavy dust or demolition debris. Skipping grease intervals is the single biggest driver of early bushing and pin wear, since dry pins let grit into the joint and accelerate wear well beyond normal service life.

What should you check when buying a used VRG50?

Rock the jaws and the rotation head by hand to feel for play at the pivot pins, bushings, and slew bearing, and look for elongated pin holes or shims already added to take up wear. Check cylinder rods for pitting or scoring and the hydraulic swivel for weeping. Inspect jaw tip and edge wear against the shape of a new tip. Confirm the data plate and serial prefix match the parts book for that specific configuration, since Verachtert-lineage grapples in this family are built in different pressure/flow tiers and specs can vary by production run and by which carrier weight class the tool was set up for. Have your dealer verify the carrier's aux relief valve pressure is set to match the tool's rated pressure before putting it into service, since running it too high can blow rotator seals or crack castings and running it too low weakens the grip.

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

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