Cat 315B, 315B L and 315C: engine and chassis configurations

The 315B L name covers two engine installations

Edition 31 of Caterpillar's performance handbook gives the Japanese and French 315B L separate columns. The Japanese entry has the six-cylinder 3046 T. The French entry uses the four-cylinder 3054 TA.

Their flywheel ratings, operating weights and swing-circuit relief settings differ. A four-cylinder claim cannot be paired with the Japanese machine's 3046 T specification.

The same handbook identifies the Japanese 315B separately from both long-undercarriage entries. Its standard shoe is narrower and its overall track length shorter than the Japanese L arrangement. The working-weight footnote includes the bucket, medium stick, fuel and operator, so the bare model name does not establish a transport weight for a differently equipped machine.

Both Japanese B entries list two implement pumps, each rated at the stated maximum flow. The combined flow is not the flow of each pump. Keep that distinction when comparing a line marked “2 ×” with a reference field that has already added the two pumps together.

Source: Original Caterpillar Manual de Rendimiento, edition 31, excavator tables 5-5 and 5-6.

Cab and service features worth identifying on a B L

Caterpillar's archived 315B L description puts the engine-oil filter in the pump compartment for access from ground level. The hydraulic cartridge filter is arranged for replacement without reaching into the oil. Those locations are more useful inspection details than assuming every filter sits beside the engine.

The optional autolubricator does not cover the bucket linkage pins or swing bearing. Its presence therefore does not establish that those points received grease. Check their service record separately.

The seat and consoles slide together. Four viscous mounts isolate the cab, while the front wiper parks on the right pillar. Inspect adjustment, cab mounting and wiper operation as distinct items.

The pre-start monitor checks coolant, engine-oil and hydraulic-oil shortages; it is not a complete mechanical condition assessment.

Source: Caterpillar's archived 315B L product description, cab, lubrication and service features.

Match the older machine's identification format

The SEBU7107-02 manual excerpt identifies its 315B/315B L applicability by machine prefix and engine installation. Its identification note explains the change to a longer product-identification format for newer machines, while older machines retain their earlier format. Component serial numbers remain a separate record.

An older short identifier is not automatically an incomplete modern PIN.

Source: Original SEBU7107-02 excerpt, applicability and product identification.