The Caterpillar 815B compactor was introduced in 1981 as the replacement for the Caterpillar 815. It was manufactured in the USA only.

[edit] Features

The 815B has a 3306 direct injection turbocharged engine producing 210 flywheel horsepower (FWHP). It has a powershift transmission and comes standard with compactor wheels.

The 815B was given a 17Z serial number prefix.

[edit] Modifications

In 1988 Caterpillar increased horsepower to 216 FWHP, beginning with 17Z00945.

In 1993 the cleaner finger tips were cleaned to reduce parasitic looses in wet clay material, beginning with 17Z01534.

In 1994 Cat replaced R-12 freon-based refrigerant to R-134A, beginning with 17Z01614.

In 1995 the material on the fingertips was changed to improve wearability, beginning with 17Z01799.

Production of 815B ended in 1995; it was replaced by the Caterpillar 815F.

Based on data from the sales database of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, it is estimated that more than 3,200 Caterpillar 815 compactors have been produced.

Highest Serial #

USA
17Z	01832
Total = 1,832