09-11-2025, 11:45 AM
The Role of Serial Numbers in Equipment History
Serial numbers are more than just identification tags—they are the key to unlocking a machine’s origin, configuration, and service potential. For Caterpillar skid steer loaders, the serial number provides access to the As Shipped Product record, which includes build date, installed components, and factory options. This information is essential for buyers, mechanics, and fleet managers who want to verify authenticity, plan maintenance, or assess resale value.
Terminology annotation:
- As Shipped Product record: A factory-generated list detailing the components and options installed on a machine at the time of manufacture.
- Build date: The date the machine was completed and serialized at the factory.
- Group part number (AR): An assembly reference used to identify major component groups such as hydraulic systems or cab structures.
Case Study of a CAT 246D Loader
A Caterpillar 246D skid steer loader with serial number BYF00864 was built on April 21, 2014. By referencing this number, the following factory-installed components were identified:
Why Service Records Are Harder to Access
Unlike factory build data, service records are maintained by individual dealers or service shops. Unless the machine was serviced exclusively by one dealer and the records were centralized, it’s unlikely that full service history can be retrieved without direct contact. Some dealers may provide limited history if the machine was registered under a known customer account.
Recommendations:
- Product Link: Caterpillar’s telematics system that tracks machine usage, location, and service intervals.
- VisionLink: A web-based platform that aggregates data from Product Link for fleet management.
Verifying Options and Configuration
The As Shipped record also helps confirm whether a machine has specific features such as high-flow hydraulics, auxiliary electrical connectors, or enhanced cab insulation. This is especially useful when buying used equipment, where visual inspection may not reveal internal upgrades.
Tips for verification:
One buyer in Ohio purchased a used CAT 246D and wanted to confirm whether it had the optional roading kit. By referencing the serial number, he discovered the machine had been shipped with the conversion group, including lighting and reflectors for on-road travel. This allowed him to register the loader for limited road use under local farm equipment laws.
Another technician in Texas used the As Shipped record to identify the exact seat suspension model, which had failed after 2,000 hours. Ordering the correct part saved time and ensured compatibility with the cab mounting points.
Conclusion
Retrieving information from a CAT skid steer loader’s serial number provides valuable insight into its build configuration, installed options, and potential service needs. While service records may require dealer cooperation, the As Shipped Product record offers a reliable foundation for maintenance planning and resale evaluation. For buyers and operators alike, understanding what lies behind the serial number is a smart step toward informed ownership and efficient operation.
Serial numbers are more than just identification tags—they are the key to unlocking a machine’s origin, configuration, and service potential. For Caterpillar skid steer loaders, the serial number provides access to the As Shipped Product record, which includes build date, installed components, and factory options. This information is essential for buyers, mechanics, and fleet managers who want to verify authenticity, plan maintenance, or assess resale value.
Terminology annotation:
- As Shipped Product record: A factory-generated list detailing the components and options installed on a machine at the time of manufacture.
- Build date: The date the machine was completed and serialized at the factory.
- Group part number (AR): An assembly reference used to identify major component groups such as hydraulic systems or cab structures.
Case Study of a CAT 246D Loader
A Caterpillar 246D skid steer loader with serial number BYF00864 was built on April 21, 2014. By referencing this number, the following factory-installed components were identified:
- Enclosed ROPS cab with quick coupler and suspension seat
- Hydraulic control assembly and battery wiring group
- Instrument panel and roading conversion kit
- Heater group for jacket water and standard radio package
- Seat belt group and tire assembly
- Engine model 8EA3272 rated at 74 hp
Why Service Records Are Harder to Access
Unlike factory build data, service records are maintained by individual dealers or service shops. Unless the machine was serviced exclusively by one dealer and the records were centralized, it’s unlikely that full service history can be retrieved without direct contact. Some dealers may provide limited history if the machine was registered under a known customer account.
Recommendations:
- Contact the original selling dealer using the serial number
- Check for dealer stickers or service tags on the machine
- Request maintenance logs from previous owners if available
- Use CAT’s Product Link or VisionLink systems if installed
- Product Link: Caterpillar’s telematics system that tracks machine usage, location, and service intervals.
- VisionLink: A web-based platform that aggregates data from Product Link for fleet management.
Verifying Options and Configuration
The As Shipped record also helps confirm whether a machine has specific features such as high-flow hydraulics, auxiliary electrical connectors, or enhanced cab insulation. This is especially useful when buying used equipment, where visual inspection may not reveal internal upgrades.
Tips for verification:
- Match part numbers to current CAT parts catalog
- Inspect hydraulic couplers and control switches for high-flow indicators
- Check cab layout for optional panels and wiring harnesses
- Use diagnostic tools to confirm software-enabled features
One buyer in Ohio purchased a used CAT 246D and wanted to confirm whether it had the optional roading kit. By referencing the serial number, he discovered the machine had been shipped with the conversion group, including lighting and reflectors for on-road travel. This allowed him to register the loader for limited road use under local farm equipment laws.
Another technician in Texas used the As Shipped record to identify the exact seat suspension model, which had failed after 2,000 hours. Ordering the correct part saved time and ensured compatibility with the cab mounting points.
Conclusion
Retrieving information from a CAT skid steer loader’s serial number provides valuable insight into its build configuration, installed options, and potential service needs. While service records may require dealer cooperation, the As Shipped Product record offers a reliable foundation for maintenance planning and resale evaluation. For buyers and operators alike, understanding what lies behind the serial number is a smart step toward informed ownership and efficient operation.
