Machine models

Cat 424D to 442D: control layouts, stick wear and transport

D-Series backhoe and loader controls need separate identification

Caterpillar's Asia-Pacific training material describes mechanical controls on the 424D and 428D, and pilot controls for both implements on the 432D and 442D. It also distinguishes single-tilt loader arrangements from parallel lift. A machine being a D-Series backhoe does not identify its valve actuation or front linkage.

The 438D is particularly easy to misidentify in an attachment enquiry: the presentation lists a parallel-lift loader and an all-wheel-steer option, but mechanical implement controls. The adjacent 442D has pilot loader and backhoe controls. Do not transfer a clamshell-control diagnosis between them solely because their published engine outputs match.

The regional presentation also gives narrow-frame options for the 424D and 428D. Include the frame, loader linkage, control arrangement and serial plate in photographs sent with a parts request. The earlier C-Series entries remain separate in the specification tables; this D-Series equipment description does not establish their fitted controls.

Source: Caterpillar Asia-Pacific D-Series training, model-lineup and control slides.

Check stick wear and transport locks before accepting the digging envelope

The original D-Series operation manual treats extendable-stick pad wear as a maintenance item. Excess movement calls for inspection and shimming or replacement. It warns against excessive silicone lubricant because retained dirt can abrade the pads; routine heavy greasing is not its instruction for those sliding surfaces.

The manual requires the extendable-stick transport pin for roading, then its removal for digging. Its transport section also separates the boom lock from the swing lock pin. A seller demonstrating extension without showing how the machine locks for travel has not demonstrated the complete arrangement.

Ride control must be off when using the bucket to raise the front tires, and the manual states that it cannot operate simultaneously with the material-handling lock valves described there. Inspect the fitted valve and ride-control package before interpreting arm movement during a demonstration. Keep the machine secured and use its complete operating instructions for the actual checks.

Source: Caterpillar SEBU7821-08, January2021, ride control, transport and extendable-stick pads.

Entries in this reference
Listing-entry count
9

Short answer

Cat 424D to 442D: control layouts, stick wear and transport: backhoe loaders.

Selected configuration figures
Configuration	Documented field and quantity
424D	Net Power 74 hp Operating Weight 4wd 16,539 lb
426C	Net Power 85 hp Operating Weight 2wd 15,550 lb
428C	Net Power 78 hp Operating Weight 2wd 13,889 lb
428D	Net Power 80 hp Operating Weight 4wd 17,059 lb
430D IT	Net Power 94 hp Operating Weight 4wd 16,215 lb
432D	Net Power 85 hp Operating Weight 4wd 17,216 lb
438C	Net Power 85 hp Operating Weight 4wd 16,667 lb
438D	Net Power 94 hp Operating Weight 4wd 17,082 lb
442D	Net Power 94 hp Operating Weight 4wd 17,082 lb

424D to 442D specification matrix — Listing labels reported by the source
Publisher name	Source guide	Listing-entry count	Labels named by the source
Cat	424D to 442D	9	424D, 426C, 428C, 428D, 430D IT, 432D, and 3 more

Backhoe
Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Load Height - Std	12.18 ft	12.52 ft	12.48 ft	12.18 ft	12.61 ft	12.18 ft	12.09 ft	12.18 ft	12.18 ft
Dig Depth - Std	15.93 ft	15.49 ft	15.64 ft	15.93 ft	15.22 ft	15.93 ft	15.99 ft	15.93 ft	15.93 ft
Reach At Load Height - Std	5.72 ft	5.62 ft	5.38 ft	5.72 ft	5.99 ft	5.72 ft	5.45 ft	5.72 ft	5.72 ft
Dig Depth - Ext	19.34 ft	19.7 ft	19.17 ft	19.34 ft	19.95 ft	19.34 ft	19.44 ft	19.34 ft	19.34 ft
Reach At Load Height - Ext	9.02 ft	8.92 ft	8.47 ft	9.02 ft	10.1 ft	9.02 ft	8.52 ft	9.02 ft	9.02 ft
Load Height - Ext	14.03 ft	16.16 ft	14.62 ft	14.03 ft	15.03 ft	14.03 ft	14.26 ft	14.03 ft	14.03 ft

Specification	424D	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Reach From Swivel - Std	18.5 ft	18.31 ft	18.5 ft	23.17 ft	18.5 ft	18.74 ft	18.5 ft	18.5 ft
Reach From Swivel - Ext	21.87 ft	21.74 ft	21.87 ft	27.54 ft	21.87 ft	22.17 ft	21.87 ft	21.87 ft

Specification	424D	428D	430D IT	432D	438D	442D
Bucket Dig Force - Std	11,720 lb	12,840 lb	14,732 lb	14,710 lb	14,710 lb	14,710 lb
Bucket Dig Force - Ext	11,610 lb	12,730 lb	14,602 lb	14,580 lb	14,580 lb	14,580 lb

Dimensions and weight
Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Transport Length	18.9 ft	23.82 ft	18.9 ft	18.9 ft	24.07 ft	18.9 ft	18.84 ft	18.9 ft	18.9 ft
Transport Width	7.87 ft	7.72 ft	7.87 ft	7.87 ft	7.72 ft	7.87 ft	7.87 ft	7.87 ft	7.87 ft
Transport Height	12.28 ft	11.06 ft	12.28 ft	12.28 ft	12.37 ft	12.28 ft	12.36 ft	12.28 ft	12.28 ft
Wheelbase	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft	6.89 ft
Ground Clearance	1.05 ft	0.96 ft	1.05 ft	1.05 ft	0.98 ft	1.05 ft	1.1 ft	1.05 ft	1.05 ft
Height To Top Of Suspended Cab	9.52 ft	9.09 ft	9.52 ft	9.52 ft	9.09 ft	9.52 ft	9.52 ft	9.52 ft	9.52 ft

Loader
Specification	424D	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Clearance At Max Dump Height	8.64 ft	8.44 ft	8.58 ft	8.45 ft	8.58 ft	8.72 ft	8.58 ft	8.58 ft

Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Reach At Max Dump Height	2.61 ft	2.66 ft	2.7 ft	2.51 ft	2.64 ft	2.51 ft	2.56 ft	2.51 ft	2.51 ft
Dig Depth	3.08 in	4.14 in	5.32 in	3.04 in	5.32 in	3.04 in	1.58 in	3.04 in	3.04 in
Bucket Capacity	1.26 yd3	1.26 yd3	1.31 yd3	1.26 yd3	1.31 yd3	1.31 yd3	1.31 yd3	1.31 yd3	1.31 yd3
Bucket Width	89.06 in	89.06 in	94.34 in	89.06 in	94.73 in	94.34 in	94.34 in	94.34 in	94.34 in

Specification	424D	426C	428D	430D IT	432D	438D	442D
Lift Capacity At Full Height	9,262 lb	6,230 lb	7,646 lb	6,389 lb	7,646 lb	7,469 lb	7,469 lb

Specification	424D	426C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Bucket Breakout Force	8,880 lb	10,180 lb	11,465 lb	10,274 lb	11,285 lb	11,330 lb	11,285 lb	11,285 lb

Engine
Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Number Of Cylinders	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Net Power	74 hp	85 hp	78 hp	80 hp	94 hp	85 hp	85 hp	94 hp	94 hp
Gross Power	77 hp	88 hp	75 hp	83 hp	98 hp	88 hp	89 hp	98 hp	98 hp
Power Measured @	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm	2,200 rpm
Displacement	256.3 cu in	243 cu in	244.1 cu in	244.1 cu in	244.1 cu in	244.1 cu in	244.1 cu in	244.1 cu in	244.1 cu in

Specification	424D	426C	428D	430D IT	432D	438D	442D
Engine Model	3054B	3054 DIT	3054T	3054T	3054T	3054T	3054T

Specification	428C	438C
Net Torque Rise	15.2 %	24.1 %
Aspiration	Natural	Turbocharged

Operational
Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Fuel Capacity	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal	33.9 gal
Tire Size Front - 2wd / 4wd	12.5/80x18,10PR / 12.5/80x18,10PR	11L-16, 12 PR, F3	11 x 16 / 10.5 x 20	12.5/80x18,10PR	11Lx16,12PR / 12.5/80x18,10PR	12.5/80x18,10PR	335/80 x R18	12.5/80x18,10PR	12.5/80x18,10PR
Rear Tires Size 2wd/4wd	16.9x28,10PR / 16.9x28,10PR	16.9-24, 10 PR, R4	16.9 x 28	16.9x28,10PR	12.5/80x18,10PR / 19.5x24,10PR	16.9x28,10PR	16.9 x R28	16.9x28,10PR	16.9x28,10PR

Specification	424D	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Operating Weight 4wd	16,539 lb	17,059 lb	16,215 lb	17,216 lb	16,667 lb	17,082 lb	17,082 lb

Specification	424D	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Turning Radius	17.6 ft	26.6 ft	17.6 ft	17.8 ft	17.6 ft	26.6 ft	17.8 ft	17.8 ft

Specification	426C	428C
Operating Weight 2wd	15,550 lb	13,889 lb

Specification	428C
Max Weight	21,385 lb

Specification	428C	438C
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	20.9 gal	20.9 gal
Oil System Fluid Capacity	2 gal	2 gal
Cooling System Fluid Capacity	5 gal	5.8 gal
Transmission Fluid Capacity	4 gal	4.8 gal
Rear Axle Fluid Capacity	6.4 gal	6.4 gal
Operating Voltage	12 V	12 V
Alternator Supplied Amperage	52 amps	52 amps

Specification	438C
Front Axle Fluid Capacity	2 gal

Transmission and speeds
Specification	424D	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Transmission Type	power shuttle	Power Shuttle	power shuttle	power shuttle	power shuttle	Power Shuttle	power shuttle	power shuttle

Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Number Of Forward Gears	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Number Of Reverse Gears	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Max Speed - Forward	19.8 mph	20.4 mph	19.8 mph	19.8 mph	21 mph	19.8 mph	19.6 mph	19.8 mph	19.8 mph
Max Speed Reverse	19.8 mph	20.4 mph	19.8 mph	19.8 mph	21 mph	19.8 mph	19.6 mph	19.8 mph	19.8 mph

Hydraulic
Specification	424D	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Pump Type	LSPC, closed center	Piston	LSPC, closed center	LSPC, closed center	LSPC, closed center	Piston	LSPC, closed center	LSPC, closed center
Relief Valve Pressure	3,002 psi	3,002 psi	3,307 psi	3,300 psi	3,307 psi	3,000 psi	3,307 psi	3,307 psi

Specification	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Pump Flow Capacity	36.8 gpm	43.1 gpm	43.1 gpm	43.1 gpm	43.1 gpm	43.1 gpm	42.8 gpm	43.1 gpm	43.1 gpm

Variants — Source comparison annotation
Source guide	Differing-field count reported
424D to 442D	48

Ratios
Figure	424D	426C	428C	428D	430D IT	432D	438C	438D	442D
Engine horsepower per 1,000 lb of weight	4.5	5.5	5.6	4.7	5.8	4.9	5.1	5.5	5.5
Pump flow per engine horsepower	0.50 gpm	0.51 gpm	0.55 gpm	0.54 gpm	0.46 gpm	0.51 gpm	0.50 gpm	0.46 gpm	0.46 gpm
Fuel tank per engine horsepower	0.46 gal	0.40 gal	0.43 gal	0.42 gal	0.36 gal	0.40 gal	0.40 gal	0.36 gal	0.36 gal

424D to 442D: owner reports

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar 428 backhoe loaders (428C, 428D); heavyequipmentforums.com.

Cat: Injector lines, steering assist and sideshift seals.

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar 430 backhoe loaders (430, 430D); heavyequipmentforums.com.

Cat: Bucket control, a cracked reservoir and fuel tank pressure.

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar 432 backhoe loaders (432D, 432E); heavyequipmentforums.com.

Cat: Gears that drop out warm, and a front clamshell that will not work.

424D to 442D: forum references — Forum-title search
Forum index	Equipment class queried	Names in the search	Matching titles
Heavy Equipment Forums	backhoe loader	Cat and the 424D, 426C, 428C, 428D	45

Topics named by those titles
Title topic	Titles
hydraulics	7
transmission and drive	3
fuel system	2

Topic in the title	Threads	Share of matching threads
hydraulics	7	16%
transmission and drive	3	7%
fuel system	2	4%

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CAT 432d Front Clamshell Problem (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-05-23)

Used market for the 424D to 442D — Dated first-page listing snapshot
Observation date	Listing source	Equipment search	Listings
2026-09-24	MachineryTrader	Cat backhoe loader	11

Model	Listed	Model years	Lowest asking	Highest asking	Median asking	Median hours
424D	2	2003 to 2005	None shown	None shown	None shown	None shown
426C	2	1999 to 2001	$33,900	$48,880	$41,390	None shown
428C	2	1996 to 2000	$19,799	$19,799	$19,799	None shown
430D IT	2	2005	$42,000	$54,900	$48,450	2,820
432D	2	2003 to 2005	$31,313	$44,977	$38,145	None shown
438C	1	1999	$16,510	$16,510	$16,510	None shown

424D to 442D: recall reference — Dated CPSC search
Search date	Database	Names queried	Search result
2026-09-24	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission	Cat together with the backhoe loader 424D, 426C, 428C, 428D	No matching recall in this search

Sources for this page
Evidence class	Document, classification and recorded date
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 424D — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 426C — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 428C — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 428D — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 430D IT — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 432D — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 438C — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 438D — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 442D — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads	Forum threads: Heavy Equipment Forums thread index for Cat 424D to 442D — Heavy Equipment Forums. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads	Forum threads: Forum threads read for the Caterpillar 428 backhoe loaders (428C, 428D) — Heavyequipmentforums. Observed 2026-09-24.
Used-market listings	Used-market listings: MachineryTrader listings for Cat 424D — MachineryTrader. Observed 2026-09-24.
Federal agency data	Federal agency data: Recall database search for Cat — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Observed 2026-09-24.