Volvo vs CAT Excavator Parts Compatibility Guide

Volvo vs CAT Excavator Parts Compatibility Guide

Volvo vs CAT Excavator Parts Compatibility Guide

Volvo vs CAT excavator parts - what’s compatible? A comparison of pin sizes, linkage systems, and aftermarket interchange options.

If you run a mixed-brand fleet, you already know that Volvo and CAT excavators are built differently, but how different are the parts themselves? Can you swap a pin or bushing from a CAT 320 into a Volvo EC220? Do aftermarket suppliers offer true interchangeability, or does each brand require its own specific components?

This guide breaks down the real-world compatibility between Volvo and CAT excavator wear parts; especially pins, bushings, and linkage components, so you can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid costly downtime.

Are Volvo and CAT Excavator Parts Compatible?

The short answer: usually not directly, but there are exceptions.

Both manufacturers engineer their linkage systems, pin sizes, and joint geometries with brand-specific dimensions. That means most pins, bushings, and wear components are not interchangeable without modification.

However, certain aftermarket suppliers do produce components that fit both brands, if you match specifications carefully.

Key Differences Between Volvo and CAT Pin Systems

1. Pin Diameter + Length

Volvo and CAT excavators often use different pin diameters even within similar weight classes.

For example:

  • A Volvo EC220D may use a 65 mm bucket pin
  • A CAT 320D may use a 70 mm or 80 mm bucket pin depending on the linkage setup

This makes pin interchangeability rare unless you have custom sleeves or modified bushings.

2. Linkage Geometry

Volvo’s linkage systems tend to have:

  • Longer H-links
  • Slightly offset ear spacing
  • Unique bushing shoulder lengths

CAT linkage is typically more standardized across series, especially in their 300-series machines.

This means even if a pin diameter matches, the overall geometry does not, preventing direct substitution.

3. Bucket Ear Spacing & Boss Height

CAT buckets often use:

  • Wider ear spacing
  • Different boss heights
  • Center-to-center spacing unique to their linkage

Volvo buckets are known for slightly narrower spacing and different bushing widths.

This affects:

  • Bucket-to-arm pins
  • H-link compatibility
  • Quick coupler matching

Trying to mix brands without a coupler designed for cross-compatibility typically results in improper alignment and accelerated wear.

Volvo vs CAT Bucket Pin Comparison (General Guide)

Below are common sizes, not guaranteed for all models. Always verify with a pin chart.

Machine Class

Volvo Bucket Pin Diameter

CAT Bucket Pin Diameter

14–18 Ton

55–60 mm

60–65 mm

20–25 Ton

65–70 mm

70–80 mm

30–35 Ton

80 mm

80–90 mm

45–50 Ton

90–100 mm

100–110 mm

Again: these values vary widely depending on linkage type, quick coupler use, or aftermarket buckets.

Can Aftermarket Parts Be Interchanged?

Sometimes, but only when the specs match exactly.

Aftermarket interchange is possible when:

  • Pin diameter and length match
  • Bushing inner/outer diameter match
  • Boss width matches
  • Ear spacing is identical
  • Link geometry aligns properly

If any measurement is off, you’ll see:

  • Premature pin and bushing wear
  • Joint misalignment
  • Seal failure
  • Reduced dig power
  • Hydraulic cylinder side-loading

Buying by machine model alone is not enough. Always request a bucket pin measurement chart or spec sheet.

What About Quick Couplers?

Couplers are the key to cross-compatibility.

Volvo S-Style Couplers

Designed for Scandinavian-style attachments
→ Usually not compatible with CAT attachments without an adapter.

CAT Pin Grabber Couplers

Fit a wide range of pin diameters, but still require correct spacing and geometry
→ Can sometimes fit Volvo buckets if the spacing is within tolerance.

Adapters exist, but they add joint play and are not ideal for heavy-duty digging.

Best Practices for Ensuring Proper Fit

Before ordering parts for Volvo or CAT excavators, always measure:

  • Pin Diameter
  • Pin Length
  • Boss Width
  • Ear Spacing
  • Bushing ID / OD
  • Distance Between Pin Centers
  • Linkage Series (important for CAT)
  • Attachment style (manual pin-on, hydraulic coupler, S-type, wedge, etc.)

Having a universal measurement sheet on hand prevents guesswork and ensures compatibility across your fleet.

Final Thoughts: Volvo vs CAT Compatibility

While both brands build outstanding machines, their wear parts are not interchangeable in most cases. With correct measurements and the right aftermarket supplier, you can cross-match certain pins or bushings, but only when specifications line up perfectly.

If you operate a mixed fleet, investing in:

  • A good measurement chart
  • A coupler designed for multi-brand attachments
  • A reliable aftermarket supplier

…will save you time, frustration, and premature wear issues.