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The Legacy of the Caterpillar 245 in Mass Excavation
Introduced in the late 1970s, the Caterpillar 245 was one of the largest hydraulic excavators in Caterpillar’s lineup at the time. Designed for mining, quarrying, and large-scale earthmoving, the 245 was built to deliver brute force with hydraulic precision. Its robust undercarriage, high-flow hydraulic system, and modular boom-stick configurations made it a favorite among contractors handling deep trenching, mass excavation, and demolition.
At full configuration, the Caterpillar 245 weighed approximately 150,000 lbs (68,000 kg), depending on the boom type, stick length, bucket size, and counterweight installed. However, when stripped down for transport or rebuild—without the counterweight and stick—the machine’s core weight drops significantly.
Terminology Notes
When the counterweight and stick are removed, the Caterpillar 245’s weight typically falls between 105,000 and 115,000 lbs (47,600–52,200 kg). This includes:
A Story from the Iron Range
In 2010, a mining contractor in Minnesota needed to move a Caterpillar 245 across state lines for a rebuild. The machine was disassembled on-site, with the counterweight lifted using a 100-ton crane and the stick removed via boom cradle. The stripped-down unit was loaded onto a multi-axle lowboy trailer, weighing just under 110,000 lbs. The transport permit required axle spacing and route planning due to bridge weight limits. The mechanic said, “It looked bare—but still felt like a beast.”
Transport and Reassembly Considerations
When preparing a 245 for transport:
Maintenance and Structural Integrity
Even without attachments, the base frame of the 245 must be inspected for:
Final Thoughts
The Caterpillar 245 excavator, even without its counterweight and stick, remains a formidable structure of steel and hydraulics. Its stripped-down weight reflects the core engineering that made it a workhorse in the excavation world. Whether being shipped for overhaul or staged for assembly, understanding its partial weight is essential for logistics, safety, and planning. In heavy equipment, the mass tells the story—and even without its arms, the 245 still commands respect.
Introduced in the late 1970s, the Caterpillar 245 was one of the largest hydraulic excavators in Caterpillar’s lineup at the time. Designed for mining, quarrying, and large-scale earthmoving, the 245 was built to deliver brute force with hydraulic precision. Its robust undercarriage, high-flow hydraulic system, and modular boom-stick configurations made it a favorite among contractors handling deep trenching, mass excavation, and demolition.
At full configuration, the Caterpillar 245 weighed approximately 150,000 lbs (68,000 kg), depending on the boom type, stick length, bucket size, and counterweight installed. However, when stripped down for transport or rebuild—without the counterweight and stick—the machine’s core weight drops significantly.
Terminology Notes
- Counterweight: A removable mass mounted at the rear of the excavator to balance the forward load during digging.
- Stick: The arm section between the boom and bucket, responsible for reach and digging depth.
- Base frame: The central structure including the undercarriage, cab, engine, and hydraulic system.
- Transport weight: The reduced weight of a machine prepared for shipping, often with attachments removed.
When the counterweight and stick are removed, the Caterpillar 245’s weight typically falls between 105,000 and 115,000 lbs (47,600–52,200 kg). This includes:
- Main frame and undercarriage
- Cab and operator station
- Hydraulic pumps and lines
- Engine and cooling system
- Boom (if still attached)
- Track assemblies
A Story from the Iron Range
In 2010, a mining contractor in Minnesota needed to move a Caterpillar 245 across state lines for a rebuild. The machine was disassembled on-site, with the counterweight lifted using a 100-ton crane and the stick removed via boom cradle. The stripped-down unit was loaded onto a multi-axle lowboy trailer, weighing just under 110,000 lbs. The transport permit required axle spacing and route planning due to bridge weight limits. The mechanic said, “It looked bare—but still felt like a beast.”
Transport and Reassembly Considerations
When preparing a 245 for transport:
- Remove counterweight using certified lifting eyes and rigging
- Detach stick and bucket, securing hydraulic lines with caps
- Inspect boom pins and bushings for wear before reassembly
- Drain hydraulic fluid to reduce weight and prevent leaks
- Use cribbing and jack stands to stabilize the frame during disassembly
- Document all removed components for inventory and torque specs
Maintenance and Structural Integrity
Even without attachments, the base frame of the 245 must be inspected for:
- Weld fatigue near boom mounts
- Track tension and roller wear
- Hydraulic pump seals and shaft alignment
- Engine mounts and vibration isolators
- Cab structure and operator controls
Final Thoughts
The Caterpillar 245 excavator, even without its counterweight and stick, remains a formidable structure of steel and hydraulics. Its stripped-down weight reflects the core engineering that made it a workhorse in the excavation world. Whether being shipped for overhaul or staged for assembly, understanding its partial weight is essential for logistics, safety, and planning. In heavy equipment, the mass tells the story—and even without its arms, the 245 still commands respect.
