Description

Caterpillar BG-260B 1991 Parts Catalog

Look, I’ve been turning wrenches since before some of you were born. You don’t order a part for a 1991 Barber-Greene BG-260B asphalt paver by guessing the part number. You use the factory Parts Catalog. And this one—Caterpillar BG-260B 1991 Parts Catalog—is the only source I trust for serial number verification and indented assembly lists. All 642 pages of it. Every page comes from the original Caterpillar release, dated 11/7/91. Not a reprint. Not a third-party compilation.

How to Order Parts: The 11-Step Requirement

Page 2 of this Parts Catalog spells out exactly what Caterpillar requires to fill your order correctly. You need your order number, machine type and model, machine serial number, part number, description, quantity, sub-assembly name, shipping method, and billing information. Miss one of these, and your order gets delayed or returned. I’ve seen guys try to order just with a model number. They get the wrong hydraulic cylinder every time. The manual even shows the serial number plate location—there’s an illustration on that page. Don’t skip it.

Assemblies & Kits – Understanding the Indenture System

Parts like the steering cylinder (part 27R25) come as an assembly with a seal kit (27R25C1) indented underneath. The manual uses indentation to show that ordering the assembly number gets you all indented components. If you only need the seal kit, order the separate part number. This system is spelled out on page 1 of the catalog under “ASSEMBLIES & KITS — INDENTURES.” Page 3 also includes a full example page with footnotes and reference key symbols. You ignore those notes at your own expense. I’ve seen a guy order a hopper cylinder because he didn’t read the footnote about serial number breaks. Wasted a week and a half of downtime.

Why You Need the Serial Number Before Ordering

The catalog is serial-number-specific. On page 2, it says: “To insure accuracy and promptness in filling your order, the Serial Number shown on the plate illustrated below, must be given when ordering Parts.” That plate has the model number, machine serial, engine serial, and arrangement number. If you order from the wrong bill of material list, you’ll get parts that don’t fit. The manual lists multiple bill of material numbers (like A-876-0000B and B-876-0000B) with different part callouts. Without your serial number, you’re guessing. End of story.

3 Reasons to Choose Factory OEM Documentation

First, this is the exact same document Caterpillar dealers used in 1991. No aftermarket shortcuts. Second, the part numbers are original—no renumbering to match aftermarket stock. Third, the indentation and footnotes are preserved exactly as Cat released them. You get the same information a dealer parts counter would pull up. If you want to save money on parts, you can look up the OEM number then cross-reference it to aftermarket equivalents, but you start with the right number. Aftermarket parts catalogs often omit the bill of material breaks or combine multiple serial number ranges into one line. That leads to wrong parts. Stick with factory.

Get the Right Part Number, Not a Guess

Every page in this 642-page Parts Catalog is organized by functional group. Need a part for the tractor hydraulics? That section starts with reference numbers, part numbers, quantities, descriptions, and footnotes. The manual also includes a “HOW TO ORDER PARTS” checklist on page 2 that lists 10 items plus shipping instructions. I keep a copy of that page taped to my toolbox. When you call Caterpillar or an aftermarket supplier, you have the part number ready. No back-and-forth. No “I think it’s this one.” Just order.

For other Caterpillar models, consider these OEM catalogs: Caterpillar C15 2006 Parts Catalog – Factory OEM 884 Pages gives you the same level of detail for the C15 engine. Caterpillar Elevated Sprocket Tractors Parts Catalog – 971 Pages covers the D-series tractors with the same indenture system. Caterpillar Undercarriage Parts Catalog – 866 Pages OEM is essential for track components.

FAQ: Common Questions About This Parts Catalog

Does this manual include torque specifications?

No. This is a parts catalog, not a service manual.

Can I use this catalog to order parts for my BG-260B if I don’t have the serial number?

The manual explicitly states on page 2 that the machine serial number must be given when ordering parts. Without it, Caterpillar will not guarantee correct parts. The serial number is on the plate illustrated in the manual. Do not attempt to order by model number alone. Many assemblies vary by serial number range. The manual includes serial number breaks in the bill of material lists. If you skip this step, you risk receiving wrong parts and downtime. Always locate your machine serial number first.

Are aftermarket parts catalogs as good as this OEM one?

Aftermarket catalogs often renumber parts or omit indented assembly listings. This is the original Caterpillar print, scanned from the 1991 release. You get the exact part numbers Caterpillar used on the assembly line. If you order from a third-party list, you might get a superseded part without the correct fitment. Stick with OE.

How do I identify a part in the exploded view?

Each illustration has reference numbers that correspond to the parts list. The manual uses indentation to show which parts are included in an assembly. Find the bill of material number first, then match the reference key symbols. If you don’t see your part, check the footnotes at the bottom of the page. Some assemblies have alternative configurations indicated by footnotes. It’s like reading a map: start at the bill of material, follow the indent levels, and you’ll land on the right part number.

For more background on why factory documentation matters in the automotive and heavy equipment world, see Automotive Industry Overview and Automotive Industry Overview. Those sources confirm that original equipment data is the baseline for parts accuracy.

You’ve been burned by wrong parts before. You don’t have time to chase down a missing seal or a cylinder that doesn’t bolt up. This 1991 Caterpillar BG-260B Parts Catalog gives you the exact information the factory used. No guesswork. No aftermarket omissions. Just the right part number, indented, footnoted, and serial-number-verified. Access the Factory Manual and get your parts order right the first time.