Description

Michigan 280 III Parts Catalog – Factory OEM Parts Breakdown for Tractor Shovel

I’ve been wrenching on heavy equipment for nearly three decades, and if there’s one thing that wastes more time than a seized bolt, it’s ordering the wrong part because you trusted an aftermarket parts lookup. That’s why when you’re working on a Michigan 280 III Parts Catalog, you need the factory book. This isn’t a reprint or a third-party compilation. It’s the genuine OEM 118-page document that came from Michigan, covering every nut, line, and assembly on the 280 III tractor shovel. Skip the guesswork. Use the original.

Engine Controls – G.M. and Cummins Variants

This catalog breaks out the engine controls for both the G.M. and Cummins powerplants. Sections 1A5 through 1A7 cover the control linkages, throttle cables, and governor components. You’ll see the exact illustration numbers—TP2012 for G.M., TS4804 for Cummins—so you can cross-check with the diagrams. The air cleaner systems (1A8–1A11) are also split by engine, with different part numbers for the G.M. assembly (TP2005) versus the Cummins tailpipe setup (TS4792). If you’re looking for the air cleaner housing itself, it’s on the TS1922-P illustration. Don’t mix them up; the Cummins cold-start equipment is unique.

Axles and Drive Assemblies – Front and Rear Steer

Front drive axle assembly starts at section 1A13 with illustration TP2014. The rear steer axle (1B1) uses TP2013. These aren’t generic views—they show every bearing, seal, and gear. The differential and carrier assemblies are separate for front (1B3, TS4819-P) and rear (1B5, TS3773-P). Planet carrier assemblies (1B7) are combined on one illustration (TS460-P), but the parts list differentiates front and rear. If you need the “C” frame and blade assembly (1B8), it’s on TS4657-P. Pay attention to the write-up columns that indicate whether the illustration includes a numbered callout. Some entries say “No” for illustration—that means you need to refer to the adjacent sheet.

Brake Systems – Air, Parking, and Controls

Brakes on a machine this size aren’t optional. The catalog covers the front and rear brake assembly (1B10, TS4607-P), then air line routing for G.M. (1B12) and Cummins (1B14). Brake controls and floorboards (1C1) use TP2010. There’s a dedicated section for the air brake valve Type E.2 (1C4). Parking brake controls (1C5) and assembly (1C6) are separate, with illustration TS4636-P and TS3837-P. If you’re chasing an air leak, the clips and fittings are listed for each engine variant in sections 1C7 and 1C8. The catalog even includes the downstream pressure regulating valve assembly (1D1) on TS4990-P. That’s the kind of detail that saves you from buying a whole valve bank when you only need a seal.

Torque Converter and Hydraulic Systems

The torque converter assembly appears across sections 1C9 to 1C14. Note that 1C9 has the illustration TS4654-P but no write-up—you’ll need to flip to 1C10 for the parts list. Hydraulic systems are broken into lift/pitch/tilt (1E7–1E8) and steering (1E9–1E12). The blade lift cylinder (1D2) uses TS4651-P, the pitch cylinder (1D4) uses TS4650-P, and the tilt cylinder (1D6) uses TS4649-P. Each cylinder has its own part number for seals, rods, and end caps. The steering cylinder (1D8) is on TS2910-P. For the pumps, sections 1F4 and 1F5 cover the lift/pitch/tilt pump, while 1F6 handles the steering pump. If you’re ordering a replacement pump, you need to know which system—this catalog has separate illustrations for each.

Transmission, Controls, and Electrical Wiring

The transmission section (1G4–1G14) is thorough: clutch cover group, input shaft, reverse shaft, idler shaft, second & fourth shaft, first & third shaft, output shaft, splitter clutch, and individual clutch groups. Controls and cables are in section 2A5, with control cover assemblies (2A6–2A7) and hydraulic system for transmission/torque converter (2A8). The electrical wiring is divided by engine—2B2 for G.M., 2B3 for Cummins—and includes circuit diagrams (2B5 for G.M., 2B6 for Cummins). Battery, box, and horns are in 2B7. There’s even a decal and name plate section (2B8) and wheel/tyre data (2B9).

Why the Factory Manual Matters

I’ve seen guys try to use an aftermarket parts catalog for a Michigan 280 III and end up with a piston that doesn’t fit because the cross-reference had the wrong bore size. The OEM parts catalog from AutoRepairManuals is scanned from the original Michigan documentation. No recreated diagrams, no missing pages. You get the exact part numbers and illustration references that the dealer used. Compare that to a generic PDF that claims to cover “all models”—it never works. This catalog gives you the grid numbers, illustration numbers, and write-up columns so you can verify what you’re ordering. For example, the engine accessories section (1D10 for G.M., 1D11 for Cummins) lists items that won’t interchange. Save yourself the return shipping.

If you’re also working on other Michigan equipment, check out the Volvo BM Michigan 125C 1988 Parts Catalog – Factory OEM Parts Manual for the smaller loader. There’s also the Michigan 851 Parts Catalog – 72-Page Factory Parts Manual and the Michigan 85III 1965 Parts Catalog – Factory OEM Parts Breakdown for older models. For a broader view of construction equipment standards, see Automotive Industry Overview and Automotive Industry Overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this parts catalog include torque specifications for assembly?

No. This is a parts catalog, not a service manual. It lists part numbers, descriptions, and illustration references. Torque values appear only if they are part of a parts list callout (e.g., a bolt that must be torqued to a specific value—those are factory specs and are included in the write-up column when applicable). For repair procedures, you need the corresponding service manual.

Can I use this to identify parts for a Cummins-powered 280 III?

Yes. The catalog has separate sections for G.M. and Cummins engine controls, air cleaner connections, fuel lines, and electrical wiring. Each section has its own illustration number and parts list. Make sure you order from the correct engine variant.

Don’t waste a week waiting for the wrong part to show up. Get the genuine factory breakdown for your Michigan 280 III. Access the Factory Manual now and keep your machine running.