Japan Cat Excavator Parts?

Tractor_Joe · Nov 4, 2003

Recently purchased a 1995 Cat 312 Excavator that was made in Japan. I didn't think to much of it because my last two Cat dozers were made in Japan and never had a problem with parts and service through the local Cat dealer. However, they tell me that I'm not able to buy a owner's manual, parts manual or service manual, not to mention any parts for this machine that would probably fit. They say this machine was built for Japan (although everything on it is in english) and is not supposed to be here (United States). I'm aware of grey market tractors and potential challanges of owning one and should have done better homework before purchasing. But now that I'm here, is there any way/place to get parts for this machine?

Any information/advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advnace!

Joel

Darren · Nov 4, 2003

Cat has a lot of equipment manufactured overseas. Apparently it's OK if Cat imports and sells them, but if someone else imports a so-called gray market Cat machine ...

I wonder how different your machine is from one Cat imported and sold. I can't believe there are major differences. Of course Cat is putting the screws to you by telling you the manuals aren't available. I'd get a parts manual for a "regular" 312 and one way or another find one for the Japanese built 312. then compare the two.

The newspaper Rock and Dirt has had ads in the past for Asian auction companies. Try to find a buddy somewhere in that part of the world who might locate a manual source especially if you need to ensure that aspect before bidding on any of their equipment.

You're probably going have to be diligent and inventive to get your hands on one.

Darren · Nov 4, 2003

Here's a site you may be able to use to connect with some foreign companies.

http://www.used-heavyequipment.com/WantAdsHome.asp

Tractor_Joe · Nov 5, 2003

Darren,

Thanks for the info. I checked out your web-site and posted a wanted ad. I posted this same challange over on acmoc.org and they were pretty helpful too. They basically told me that there are not to many major differences. However, the Japanesse built machines are sometimes custom built/configured for certain batches so you really don't know until you get into it.

Thanks again for the site info. Looks like they have a good selection of equipment for sale too.

Joel

spencer200 · Nov 5, 2003

These guys seem to specialize in gray market construction equipment. http://www.dominionequipmentparts.com/

Steve02370 · Nov 5, 2003

Most parts are the same and I have a parts manual available for your Japanese 312.
Let me know if you want one.

Steve

Tractor_Joe · Nov 5, 2003

Yes,

I would like one.

Thank you.

Steve02370 · Nov 10, 2003

Give me a call at 866.396.4474 to order the manual.

Thanks,
Steve

sookraj · Jun 26, 2013

hi i am looking for 2 final drive and motor for a 312b cat excavator.

Teddy Bear · Jan 22, 2014

Joe I have the same machine and ended up buying an American parts manual and a Japan manual. All you will have to do is compare the two books and 99% of the parts interchange. My local Cat Dealer was very helpful in helping me interchange the numbers and help to make sure that every thing would work.