Description

Thomas 173 HLS II 1996 Parts Catalog – Factory OEM Manual

If you have ever ordered a part for a Thomas 173 HLS II 1996 Parts Catalog using an aftermarket cross-reference and got the wrong bushing, seal, or hydraulic fitting, you know the pain. I have seen shops lose a full day because a clutch pack arrived with the wrong spline count. That kind of mistake costs billable hours and puts the machine down longer than it should. This is the original Thomas publication 042425, covering serial numbers LK000930 to LK001899. It is a 121-page bound Parts Catalog, not a reprint or a generic adaptation. Every part number comes straight from the factory floor – no third-party interpretation, no guesswork. If you are maintaining a 173 HLS II loader, this manual saves you from making parts calls based on a blurry photocopy.

Let me show you exactly what is inside and why you want this on your bench instead of a stack of printouts from the internet.

Fuel System and Mainframe Coverage

The manual opens with the mainframe section. Section A-1 covers the Fuel System – that means the tank, lines, strainer, and mounting hardware. The page 1.1 gives you the exact part numbers for the fuel cap, pickup tube, and any grommets. If you are replacing a cracked fuel line on a 173 HLS II, you can verify the routing and the correct hose ID without pulling the tank. I have seen guys order the wrong fuel sender because they relied on a generic illustration. This catalog shows the factory breakdown: every nut, washer, and bracket listed with its OEM reference.

Hydraulic System: Boom, Bucket, and Auxiliary Circuits

Section 4 of the manual covers the hydraulic system in eight sub-sections. You get the boom lift circuit (B-9), bucket tilt circuit (B-10), auxiliary hydraulic circuit (B-11), and the auxiliary gear pump (B-12). The boom valve, control valve locks, oil cooler and filter, lift cylinder, tilt cylinder, and self-level valve are all broken out with individual exploded views. When a self-level valve starts drifting, you need to know which seal kit or spool assembly to order. The part numbers here are the ones Thomas used at the factory – not an aftermarket “equivalent” that might have a different port size. If you have ever installed a rebuilt cylinder that leaked because the seal pack was close but not exact, you will appreciate having the correct revision.

3 Reasons to Choose OEM Documentation Over Aftermarket

First, the part numbers are verified against the actual production run of the 173 HLS II. Aftermarket catalogs may combine multiple generations into one listing, which leads to ordering the wrong pilot valve or drive chain. Second, the manual includes the serial number break points – LK000930 to LK001899 – so you know your machine is in range. Third, the diagrams are drawn from the original engineering prints, not scanned and redrawn by a third party. That matters when you are trying to identify a small bracket or a special fastener. I do not trust aftermarket documentation on principle; this is the real thing.

Electrical Schematics: Factory Wiring Diagrams

Section 6 contains four electrical schematics: one for the ROPS side to LK000929 (earlier machines), one for the engine side to LK000929, then the same two for machines from LK000930 onward. If your 173 HLS II has an intermittent electrical fault – say the horn stops working or the lights cut out – these diagrams let you trace the circuit with the correct wire colors and connector locations. The manual predates CAN bus networks, so you are looking at straightforward relay and switch wiring. For reference on how modern CAN bus systems differ, see CAN Bus Network, but for this machine the factory schematic is all you need.

Transmission, Axle, and Drive Chains

Final Drive Transmission section 3 details the transmission housing (B-4), axle assembly (B-5), sprocket and drive chains (B-6), and parking brake (B-7). If you are replacing a chain or adjusting the parking brake cable, the part numbers for the sprocket and chain are listed with pitch and link count. The axle assembly includes bearings, seals, and the differential case. Ordering a seal from an aftermarket supplier that looks right but measures a few thousandths off can cause a leak within a few hours of operation. This catalog gives you the dimensions and the factory part number so you get the right seal the first time.

Related Manuals You Might Need

• Thomas T-233 HD, T-203 HD, T-183 HD, T-173 Parts Catalog – OEM Parts Manual
• Thomas T245 HDK Skid Steer Loader Parts Manual
• THOMAS 245 HDS Parts Manual (SN LM000650-LM001299)

For a broader understanding of how the engine in your 173 HLS II fits into the world of powerplants, you can reference Internal Combustion Engine on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions about This Parts Catalog

Does this manual cover the fuel system?

Yes, section A-1 covers the fuel system in detail on page 1.1, including tank, lines, cap, and strainer.

What serial numbers does this parts catalog cover?

It covers Thomas 173 HLS II machines with serial numbers LK000930 through LK001899. If your loader falls outside that range, you need a different revision.

Is this a reprint or a scan of the original?

This is the original OEM publication from Thomas, not a reprint or a third-party copy. You get the factory diagrams and part numbers as released in 1996.

Can I use this manual to order parts for a 2025 rebuild?

Absolutely. The 173 HLS II was produced in the mid-1990s, and many parts remain available through OEM channels. Having the original part numbers ensures you order the correct components for your specific serial number range. Always verify availability with your dealer, but the part numbers in this catalog are the ones they will ask for.

A good parts manual is a time machine. It lets you see exactly what left the factory so you can put it back together the same way. When you have a bucket tilt cylinder leaking or a hydraulic hose that blew, you need the right part number fast. This Thomas 173 HLS II 1996 Parts Catalog puts that information in your hands with no fluff, no reprints, no guesswork. Stop chasing parts through online forums and get the factory data. Access the Factory Manual and keep your loader running.