Heavy Duty Air Filter Element 496-9845 for Caterpillar C7.1 Excavators
496-9845 air filter element for Caterpillar C7.1 excavators (326-355 series). OEM cross-reference verified. Orders from IXIN Filter.
Description
This 496-9845 air filter is a heavy duty engine air filter element engineered as a direct replacement for the Caterpillar 496-9845, used across CAT’s current-generation C7.1-powered excavator lineup. It’s commonly sold and installed alongside the closely related 496-9846 filter as part of a primary/secondary air filtration set, designed to protect the engine’s air intake from dust and debris in demanding job site conditions.
Product Overview
The 496-9845 air filter uses pleated filter media engineered for high dust-holding capacity, supporting extended service intervals in the dusty, high-debris environments typical of excavator job sites. As part of a primary/secondary air filtration setup, it works alongside the 496-9846 element to provide layered protection for the engine’s air intake system. Each unit is dimensionally verified against OEM measurements and tested for filtration performance before shipment — not just matched by part number.
Fits the Following Caterpillar Models & Engines
| Category | Models |
|---|---|
| Excavators | CAT 326, 326GC, 330, 330GC, 333, 336, 336GC, 340, 345GC, 349, 352, 352UHD, 355, E330GC, E336GC, E340, E336, E345GC |
| Wheeled Excavators | CAT MH3040, MH3260 |
| Material Handlers | CAT MH3260 |
| OEM Solutions | CAT 330 MHPU |
| Engines | Caterpillar C7.1 |
This filter is commonly sold as a matched set with the 496-9846 filter element. Always confirm your machine’s serial number range against the OEM cross-reference before ordering, as fitment can vary by production year and configuration.
OEM Cross-Reference Numbers
| Brand | Number |
|---|---|
| Caterpillar | 496-9845, 4969845, CA4969845 |
| Hifi-Filter | SA160081 |
Key Features
- High dust-holding capacity pleated filter media, supporting extended service intervals in dusty excavator job site conditions
- Part of a matched primary/secondary filtration set (with the 496-9846 element) for layered air intake protection
- Dimensionally verified against OEM specifications, not just cross-reference number matching
- Consistent batch quality control, with raw material and pre-shipment testing on every production run
- Focused application coverage, purpose-built for CAT’s current-generation C7.1-powered excavator platform
Specifications (Publicly Referenced Dimensions)
Dimensions below are compiled from publicly available cross-reference filter databases. Please verify against your machine’s actual filter housing or OEM documentation before bulk ordering.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 430 mm |
| Width | 260 mm |
| Height | 270-295 mm (varies by listing — verify exact figure before production) |
| Filter Type | Heavy duty air filter element (primary/secondary set component) |
| Filter Media | Pleated, high dust-holding capacity |
| Application | C7.1-powered excavators and wheeled excavators |
| Packaging Options | Standard retail box, bulk carton, or private-label packaging available |
Why Source This Air Filter from IXIN Filter
We manufacture this 496-9845 air filter in our own production facility, with quality control checkpoints from raw material inspection through final pre-shipment testing. If you’re sourcing for a distribution business or fleet, we can provide:
- Sample units for independent testing before a bulk order
- Documentation on OEM cross-reference verification
- Flexible MOQ and private-label packaging options
- Consistent batch-to-batch quality for repeat orders
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the 496-9846 as well? The 496-9845 is commonly sold and installed alongside the 496-9846 as a matched primary/secondary air filter set. Confirm with your specific machine’s parts documentation whether you need one or both elements.
What excavators use the 496-9845 air filter? It’s used across CAT’s current-generation C7.1-powered excavator lineup, including the 326 through 355 series, as well as the MH3040 and MH3260 wheeled excavator/material handler platforms.
Will this fit all the models listed? It fits the equipment listed above, but fitment can vary by production year and serial number range. We recommend confirming your machine’s specific configuration before ordering, especially for bulk purchases.
Do you offer samples before a bulk order? Yes. We recommend requesting a sample for independent testing before committing to a bulk order, especially for first-time buyers.
Ready to order or request a sample? Contact IXIN Filter for pricing, MOQ, and lead time on the 496-9845 air filter.





