The Caterpillar 245B hydraulic excavator/front shovel was introduced in 1988 in the USA and Belgium. It replaced the Caterpillar 245.

[edit] Features

The 245B has a 3406 engine producing 360 flywheel horsepower (FWHP). It comes standard with a larger fuel tank.

The 245B was manufactured in the USA, with a 6MF serial number prefix; and in Belgium, with a 1SJ prefix.

[edit] Modifications

In 1989 Caterpillar added larger center gear bearings in the pump drive on the Belgian unit, beginning with 1SJ00234.

In 1990 a fuel level gauge was added, beginning with 1SJ00449.

Cat introduced 245B Series II in 1990, beginning with 1SJ00713 and 6MF00513. Series II included a new crankshaft and wider connecting rod, thermal wrapped muffler, and oil cooler. At the same time the 6MF unit received dual cooling jets, larger center gear bearings in the pump drive, separate dipstick, and boom lights.

Also in 1990, a Euro-cab was introduced, the heater and defroster were modified, sound level was reduced, the disconnect switch was relocated, and Cat added a polycarbonate skylight, a Bostrom Viking seat, parallel action windshield wipers, sliding rear and cab door windows, and radio and speaker mounts, beginning with 1SJ00745.

In 1992 Cat increased swing speed, beginning with 6MF00800.

Production of 245 Series II ended in 1992; it was replaced by the Caterpillar 245D.

Based on data from the sales database of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, it is estimated that more than 1,700 Caterpillar 245B/245B Series II hydraulic excavators/front shovels have been produced.

Highest Serial #

Belgium
1SJ	00904
USA
6MF	00827
Total = 1,731