The Caterpillar 215B hydraulic excavator was introduced in 1984 in the USA and Belgium as the replacement for the Caterpillar 215.

[edit] Features

The 215B has a Cat 3304 direct injection, turbocharged engine producing 105 flywheel horsepower (FWHP).

The 215B was manufactured in the USA, with a 2XC or 4JC serial number prefix, and in Belgium, with a 4FC or 9YB prefix.

The 2XC has a modified cab, larger undercarriage, and a redesigned bucket. The 4FC has a 225 heavy-duty short undercarriage and a larger bucket. The 9YB has a track-type undercarriage and a larger bucket.

[edit] Modifications

Production of 4JC ended in 1984; 2XC ended in 1985.

In 1985 Caterpillar modified the line relief valves, beginning with 9YB00953. It increased the hydraulic horsepower, beginning with 4FC00351 and 9YB01037. At the same time the 9YB unit received larger track roller shafts. Cat added new implement pumps, travel motors, and a swing motor, beginning with 9YB01372. An orifice swing cushion was added, beginning with 4FC00456 and 9YB01517.

In 1986 Cat added a sound suppressed cab, beginning with 4FC00638 and 9YB02340.

Production ended in Belgium in 1987.

The 215B was replaced by the Caterpillar 215C.

Based on data from the sales database of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, it is estimated that more than 4,800 Caterpillar 215B hydraulic excavators have been produced.

Highest Serial #

Belgium
4FC	00865
9YB	03415
USA
2XC	00577
4JC	N/A
Total = 4,857