From mini excavators to dozers, replacing your equipment introduces many considerations, like the cost of the replacement equipment, the downtime it will create and its potential benefits. The best option for you will depend on factors such as the nature of the equipment and your workflow.

Option 1: Rebuild Your Existing Equipment

Our first option can help you restore your machinery by swapping out old components for new ones. A rebuild keeps some parts, such as the frame, and replaces others, like the powertrain. The result is a machine in like-new condition for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

An equipment rebuild can be as simple as replacing underperforming parts or as thorough as stripping the equipment down to the frame and replacing everything. At ��������Ƭ Machinery,��we offer three rebuild tiers��to match varying budgets and equipment conditions:

• Certified rebuilds:��A certified rebuild is the highest rebuild level, where we strip the machine down to its frame. We replace all non-metal components for a fresh start with a like-new piece of equipment. If your equipment has a good structure but has functionality or performance issues, a certified rebuild is likely a good choice.
• Powertrain machine rebuilds:��If you’re only experiencing problems with your equipment’s powertrain, this rebuild can swap it out for a new one. This kind of rebuild helps boost performance without the costs of a brand-new piece of equipment.
• Second-life rebuilds:��In this tier, we thoroughly inspect your machine and find components that aren’t up to par. We’ll recondition or replace those parts to get your equipment back in top shape.

Your machinery’s current condition and the type of rebuild you choose will affect the cost of this approach, but you can typically expect a rebuild to offer significant savings when compared to a new model. A rebuild can also offer future cost benefits by extending the equipment’s life and reducing operating costs. For example, a rebuild might improve fuel efficiency, allowing you to save on fuel costs.

While every machine is different, this option for replacing equipment can add years to its useful life. If you plan to sell your equipment when you’re done with it, rebuilds also add to the resale value.

Pros and Cons of Rebuilding Heavy Equipment

Rebuilding heavy equipment offers several advantages, including:

• Lower costs than buying new:��The initial cost savings of a rebuild compared to a new or used machine can be significant, especially if you don’t have a substantial budget.
• Dependable components and service:��Our experienced team tests rebuilt equipment to ensure full compliance with the manufacturer’s original specifications. A comprehensive rebuild also helps ensure the components work together smoothly and cohesively for optimized performance.
• Reduced costs in the future:��Between extending the life of the product and potentially reducing repairs and operating costs, an equipment rebuild can save you money in the long term.

Still, no solution is perfect. If you rebuild your equipment, you’ll have these drawbacks to consider:

• More downtime:��Rebuilds require your machinery to be in the shop while being completed, so you could face downtime in your workflow. Depending on the type of rebuild, the process could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. One way to combat the downtime is to��rent replacement equipment during the rebuild��to keep your jobs running on schedule.
• Limited upgrade options:��If you aren’t happy with your equipment’s capabilities, a rebuild won’t give you any new ones. You may be able to make some minor upgrades, but more sizable improvements will likely require a new purchase. Older equipment may not be as upgradable as newer models.

If your equipment has some components in good condition but isn’t reaching your standards, a rebuild is an excellent way to save. It can help you extend the life of the machinery while optimizing performance and avoiding high equipment costs.

Option 2: Buy Brand-New Equipment

The second option is to��buy a brand-new piece of equipment. This is the most costly approach upfront, but it can earn you some excellent benefits, like a warranty and service plans. New equipment gives you a clean slate with no concerns about prior maintenance, and it offers the widest selection of new technologies and designs.

Before buying a new piece of equipment, consider what your workflow will look like in the future. Since a new machine is the most significant investment and lasts the longest, you’ll want to ensure it’s something you’ll use for a long time. If you think you might switch gears in a few years, such as upgrading to a larger machine, be prepared to sell it or consider one of the other two options for replacing equipment.

Another factor to consider with a new machine is how you will perform maintenance. Buying new gives you the opportunity to simplify your costs��through a Customer Value Agreement��(CVA), which offers a more reliable, predictable way to control operating costs. We can take care of ongoing services for a flat monthly or yearly fee. Our CVAs include:

• Total Maintenance and Repair Agreements for simple, comprehensive coverage
• Preventative Maintenance according to manufacturer specifications and your needs
• Inspection Programs to ensure continued efficiency, including specialized inspections
• Fluid Analysis for identifying abnormalities in oil, fuel, coolant and hydraulic fluid
• Product Link On-Board Analysis for real-time usage and performance insights

If you’re unsure about committing to a certain piece of equipment, rentals can help there, too. Consider renting a piece of equipment to see if you like it before buying it.

Pros and Cons of Buying New Replacement Equipment

The advantages of a new piece of equipment are extensive:

• Better fuel efficiency and performance:��New equipment benefits from the latest fuel-efficient designs. It also doesn’t have any wear and tear that can impact performance. You know you’re getting optimal results that match manufacturer specifications.
• New technology options:��Construction tech is always evolving, with newer models offering redesigned features and interfaces. Telematics, for example, is a technology you might not find on older models. If you want to add this connectivity to your workflow, you may need to buy new or find a more recent used model. These upgrades can improve your work and give you a valuable competitive advantage.
• A factory warranty:��When you buy new, you get a factory warranty that covers defects. This period is typically for one year after purchase, offering more peace of mind. You can also purchase extended warranties to get more coverage.
• Options for a Customer Value Agreement:��CVAs are ideal for controlling operating costs and making them more predictable.
• The longest-lasting option:��A new replacement should last the longest out of all of these equipment options, making it a good choice if you want to avoid another purchase or repairs in the near future.
• A well-known service history:��Since you’re the first owner of a new piece of machinery, you don’t need to worry about a previous owner who didn’t take good care of it. The equipment has a clean slate and should work as expected if you keep up with maintenance.
• Fewer repair requirements:��With all-new components, you likely won’t need to have any repairs done for a while. If you have a low tolerance for interruptions or unexpected costs, buying new can help you avoid frequent service demands.
• Potential tax advantages:��To help small and medium-sized businesses grow, the federal government����on qualifying equipment purchases. You might be able to write off some or all of your new equipment purchase.

These benefits also come with a few cons:

• Initial equipment costs:��The most notable downside to new equipment is the cost, which is typically higher than used equipment or rebuilds. However, you can often get good financing offers on new equipment. Remember to factor in potential cost savings and benefits, like efficiency improvements or fewer repair requirements, when determining the overall cost of replacement.
• Depreciation:��Like new cars, new heavy equipment will depreciate as soon as it’s purchased. If you plan to resell your equipment when you’re done with it, depreciation can take a larger percentage out of the price than it would on used equipment.
• Potential lead times:��Not every piece of new equipment you look at is available immediately. Some are built to order and can take a few months to create. Check with your representative when buying if you need something quickly.

Option 3: Buy Used Equipment

This last option can help you get replacement equipment without the cost of a brand-new one or the wait time of a rebuild. Buying used is an excellent way to save while getting some of the same perks of buying new, like exploring new capabilities and saving at tax time. It’s also an ideal choice when the replacement is unexpected and you don’t have the budget for all-new equipment.

Some people only associate used equipment with old or heavily used models. While you can certainly find older, well-used options to fit your budget, we also offer plenty of late-model equipment and equipment with low use hours. At ��������Ƭ Machinery, we carry��a wide selection of used machinery��to meet different needs and applications. Our equipment comes from Cat^®��and other leading brands, many of which have impressive longevity.

Pros and Cons of Buying Used Replacement Equipment

Used equipment is ideal for buyers with smaller budgets and straightforward performance requirements. Some benefits of buying used equipment include:

• New-ish features and technology:��While you probably won’t find the latest tech, used equipment selections can still contain relatively modern features. If you’re upgrading from an extremely dated piece of equipment, the difference can be dramatic. Even if you don’t need new tech, buying used allows you to get something different that might fit your needs better.
• Lower costs:��Of course, you can expect to save more upfront on used equipment than new equipment. You can find machinery with the right age, condition and features for almost any budget. Plus, used equipment has already experienced the sharpest period of depreciation, so it holds its value well. Used equipment might also net you lower insurance premiums.
• Fast availability:��Most used equipment is available right away. It doesn’t need to be manufactured or rebuilt, so you might even find something you can drive off the lot that day. If you don’t have any time to lose, used equipment can get you back to work quickly.
• Tax advantages:��Used equipment can also qualify for the federal tax breaks we mentioned earlier, allowing you to reduce their total costs even further.

With these convenient advantages come some drawbacks:

• Shorter equipment life span:��The remaining life of your equipment depends on many factors, but used equipment typically won’t last as long as new equipment or rebuilt equipment.
• Unknown history:��Not everyone takes great care of their machinery or keeps good records. Used equipment doesn’t have a clean slate, so it may have a questionable background. Having a thorough, professional inspection done if one hasn’t been conducted already can help mitigate concerns.
• More repairs and maintenance:��A piece of used equipment with more hours might need repairs more often or more aggressive maintenance practices. These demands can raise costs and interrupt your work. The risk of breakdowns is generally higher with older, higher-hour models. A business on a tight schedule could face significant costs from unexpected downtime.

Which Replacement Option Is Right for You?

Choosing how to replace your equipment can be a complex decision. Spend some time determining what you need from your replacement by evaluating the following aspects of your purchase.

Budget

Your budget is probably the biggest influence on how you’ll replace your equipment. You may need to opt for a used model or a rebuild if you have a small budget. If you have more upfront capital to spend or you can work with a financing plan, new models offer many perks. Remember to factor in those tax breaks if you run a small or medium-sized business.

While your initial budget is relatively easy to calculate, figuring out how much your equipment will cost in the future is a little more challenging. Used equipment might cost you more through frequent repairs, maintenance and fuel usage. New or rebuilt equipment tends to offer more reliability, which could help make your spending more predictable. A new or rebuilt option might be more dependable if your cash flow doesn’t allow for unexpected expenses.

Another aspect to consider is what you plan to do with the equipment when you’re done with it. Since new equipment depreciates quickly, a used option could help you lose as little as possible on the value of the purchase.

This choice may also depend on how long you plan to keep the machinery. Say you plan to expand your operation in a few years. Rebuilt or used equipment could help you get by before it’s time to upgrade.

Maintenance and Service Plan

�۴dzܰ���maintenance and service��preferences might help you decide. While you can’t get around regular maintenance, new and rebuilt products can help you avoid unpredictable expenses like repairs. New equipment also allows you to enter a CVA for more predictable maintenance and service expenses. Staying on top of maintenance requires attention to detail and careful recordkeeping, and a CVA can help simplify these demands.

In comparison, if you have some wiggle room in your finances for less predictable costs, used equipment could help you save.

Desired Features and Capabilities

Did your old equipment do everything you needed it to? If that machinery was perfect for your operation, a rebuild could be a beneficial choice. If you think it might be time for something new, such as modern technology or a larger size, new and used purchases would help you upgrade. Still, some technologies can be added during a rebuild, so talk to a technician first.

Tolerance for Downtime

Consider how much downtime your workflow can handle. If you don’t need the replacement equipment right away —��say you have other equipment to pick up the slack, or you’re using it for something without a deadline — you can choose from any of the equipment options we’ve discussed. However, anyone on a tight schedule will likely need to choose something already available or find a rental in the meantime.

Downtime tolerance also applies to possible interruptions in the future. A breakdown could be a significant problem on jobs with tight deadlines. New or rebuilt machinery is usually your best option to minimize the chance of mechanical issues. A good CVA can further help with proactive service.

Condition of the Equipment Being Replaced

Before giving up on your old equipment, have a professional inspect it. Rebuilding machinery doesn’t require good performance. If the frame is in good shape, it is likely a suitable candidate for a rebuild, which can help you save significantly.

When to Replace vs. Repair Equipment

Repairs can be a quick solution for isolated issues, but they don’t extend the life of your equipment. After your machinery has seen extensive wear and tear, one repair could be the first of many. At some point, it becomes more expensive to keep repairing the equipment than to replace it.

To find that point, consider the current value of your equipment, its age and the cost of the repair in question. Think about future maintenance costs if you keep an aging piece of equipment and the impact of less-efficient machinery on the job site. Other concerns might include downtime and safety risks.

This calculation looks different for everyone, so determine what’s most important to you, such as costs or efficiency. Repairs can also be a good temporary solution while you shop for a replacement.

Find Your Next Replacement at ��������Ƭ Machinery

Whichever option is right for you, the experts at ��������Ƭ Machinery can make it happen. We serve individuals and businesses across Michigan’s lower peninsula and Indiana with reliable equipment from Caterpillar and other trusted brands. Our highly trained technicians are ready for rebuilds and repairs, while our experienced representatives can help you find the right new or used machinery for your needs.

Find your nearest location today��to talk to a pro and get started!

Your Cat^®�����ܾ��賾��Գ� was made to withstand the toughest conditions, helping you get the job done safely and efficiently. However, even the most rugged tools experience inevitable wear and tear. You can stay ahead of equipment issues and increase your team’s productivity by extending your equipment life.

Equipment failures can be expensive, as you have to pay for replacement parts and sacrifice time you could have spent working. Getting to know your equipment and taking regular care of it helps you stay on schedule and tackle all project opportunities that come your way.��You’ll also save money in the long run by making minor repairs before issues become large, complicated and costly.

Jump to Sections:

• Daily Equipment Inspections
• Operator Training
• Maintenance Schedules
• Routine Equipment Cleaning
• Genuine Cat® Parts and Fluids
• Fluid Issue Prevention
• Proper Storage
• Work Site Environment Factors
• The Right Equipment for the Job
• Routine Preventive Maintenance
• Equipment-Monitoring Technology

The time and money you put into maintenance over the years will help your equipment stay in good condition for a long time. An investment in your equipment’s future is an investment in your business’s success.

How to Increase Your Equipment Life Span

When you prioritize taking care of your equipment through regular inspections and preventative maintenance, you’ll see long-term results that will keep your fleet in action for years. Follow these suggestions for equipment longevity:

1. Daily Equipment Inspections

One of the best ways to extend equipment life span is to��inspect it every day��at the beginning and end of each shift. If you spot any issues, you’ll notice them right away and be able to make any necessary repairs before resuming operation. Your daily inspection may reveal small, easily fixable issues you can quickly tackle before starting each day’s job.

Daily inspections will also help you familiarize yourself with each piece of equipment. If an abnormality arises in the future, you’ll notice it sooner and can fix it yourself or seek professional help.

When you inspect your equipment, look for issues like:

• Low fluid and fuel levels
• Damaged fuel and fluid tanks
• Fuel and oil leaks
• Damaged or leaking hydraulics
• Discolored exhaust fumes
• Thick exhaust discharge
• Dirty or clogged air filters
• Large debris in the tracks
• Worn undercarriage parts
• Dashboard warning lights
• Engines that stall or are difficult to start
• Strange noises such as grinding, hissing, screeching, clunking or clanging
• Strange exhaust smells
• Quiet or malfunctioning horns, backup alarms and other auditory warning systems
• Malfunctioning brakes
• Corroded batteries
• Dirty or damaged belts and hoses
• Malfunctioning turbos
• Low tire pressure
• Broken mirrors or glass
• Damaged seatbelts
• Steering malfunctions

If you find any issues during your inspection, address them before operating the equipment again. During each daily inspection, take notes on your findings so you have a record of when exactly certain issues arise. Your notes will help you track equipment operation throughout your fleet’s life.

Incorporating your daily inspections into a��pre-start checklist��is a great way to remember everything to look for and ensure your equipment is ready to go before each use. Wind down each workday with a post-operation checklist as well to help prevent unexpected equipment breakdowns at your next shift.

2. Operator Training

On the job, your team and equipment work together as one. Even the most experienced operators can benefit from training to refresh their knowledge. Everyone should be able to contribute to a safe and productive work environment. All equipment needs to be operated in a specific way to ensure optimal productivity.

�ʰ��DZ��������regular, on-the-job training��for all your crew members, so everyone can learn more about your equipment with hands-on experience. You may even want to introduce a formal training program with standardized introductory materials and refresher tests, so all your employees are on the same page. When your team knows how to operate the equipment, they’re less likely to mishandle it. They’ll also be able to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy equipment, so they can recognize and report any issues they encounter while working.

Training is especially important when introducing new equipment or technology. Any additions to your fleet should last a long time with proper care. Teaching all your team members how to properly use new equipment helps everyone contribute to projects productively.

After training, continue to monitor your workers to reinforce good practices and ensure they’re putting their knowledge to good use. You can always re-address aspects of equipment operation they need to be reminded about. Seeing how well your crew implements what they’ve learned gives you a better idea of how to adjust future training sessions.

Training also promotes safety, which ties in with overall equipment longevity. Making sure your team knows the��tenets of safe equipment operation��can help everyone avoid accidents that cause personal injuries or equipment damages. Prioritizing safety can also increase crew morale. Everyone will feel comfortable reporting to work and capitalizing on productive time.

3. Maintenance Schedules

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the necessary tasks to keep your equipment in great shape, organize everything into an actionable schedule. Separate the responsibilities into to-do items and check them off after different periods of time.

For example, you might create a schedule that includes daily, monthly and yearly tasks. You can research your equipment’s average life cycle and factory-recommended service intervals to determine when certain maintenance or repairs may need to happen. An experienced technician can also help you come up with a maintenance schedule for your specific equipment.

When you have a schedule that works best for your team and fleet, stick to it. Keeping up with regular maintenance will help you catch minor issues as they arise and prevent costly delays and downtime.

Creating a schedule also helps you identify the best times to receive professional inspections. Regular technician appointments let you stay on track with equipment maintenance. They’ll also help you find knowledgeable people to trust if issues arise outside of your scheduled inspection times.

4. Routine Equipment Cleaning

Clean equipment operates best. Heavy equipment regularly comes into contact with dirt, mud and other elements. Dirt and debris from your operating environment can quickly build up on critical parts, inhibiting operations or causing subtle issues that increase over time. Following a cleaning routine helps you stay on top of harmful grit and grime before it prevents your equipment from working properly.

Use degreasing agents to cut through caked-on oils, and enlist the help of a pressure washer to rinse away mud and dirt. For particularly muddy components, such as the undercarriage,��you can use shovels��to remove large clumps of dirt and debris.

5. Genuine Cat® Parts and Fluids

Your Cat equipment is designed to last a long time, with quality parts you can rely on to help you get the job done. This high level of performance comes from Cat-specific parts and systems meant to boost productivity and preserve all aspects of your equipment. Caterpillar manufactures and sells replacement parts for all its equipment. You’ll have a supply of trustworthy parts for as long as your equipment stays running.

When you source your equipment and replacement parts from��an authorized Cat dealer, you benefit from top-quality products and technician expertise.

Using parts from the original equipment manufacturer also ensures equipment compatibility. All Cat parts are designed to work with each other to deliver the best results. Only using Cat replacement parts can increase your fleet’s life span and deliver quality production for any industry.

Additionally, Caterpillar also makes a��range of fluids��specifically designed for Cat equipment. Cat fluids can help protect your engine and make your equipment run better. They’re guaranteed to be safe for your equipment, and a technician can even help you choose the right fluids for your fleet.

Each Cat fluid type comes with a recommended changing schedule. This schedule helps you track fluid maintenance, so you’re always operating at optimum productivity levels. By choosing fluids that are compatible with your equipment, you’ll avoid damaging your equipment or decreasing its efficiency.

6. Fluid Issue Prevention

Fluids help keep your equipment running smoothly by lubricating the many moving parts. Keeping fluids at optimal levels helps you avoid downtime and excessive repairs.

Coolant and oil leaks can contribute to larger equipment issues. Ideally, equipment can run for many hours without needing fluid changes or refills. You should quickly address consistent low fluid levels.

Fluid leaks can happen because of issues such as malfunctioning hoses, hydraulic arms and valves. To prevent leaks, perform a routine analysis of your equipment’s fluid parts. Check the fluid levels regularly and make sure the hoses and transportation belts work well.

Additionally, keep up with oil changes by performing them yourself on a set schedule or using a service. You can also invest in fluid additives. These will supplement your fluids’ functions and protect your equipment’s interior from excess moisture.

Fluid Analysis Services��

The best way to ensure optimal fluid performance is to receive��professional fluid analysis services��by certified technicians at a Cat laboratory. Fluid analysis involves sampling and testing your equipment’s crucial fluids, which are coolant, oil and diesel. This process can help you predict issues before they happen.

Analyzing the fluid in a lab lets you know whether there is any degradation or contamination in your current equipment fluid that could negatively affect its performance. From there, your lab technician will develop a report that gives you actionable recommendations for future fluid use and maintenance.

7. Proper Storage

Even when your equipment isn’t in use, it still requires proper care and protection.��Most equipment needs��temporary downtime, where it can rest between uses and stay away from detrimental weather. Forcing equipment to work for longer than it should during a shift or season can cause damages or premature failure. When giving your equipment time to rest, store it properly.

If you’re storing equipment for a long period, proper storage areas are even more crucial. As the seasons change, colder conditions and harsher elements can damage sedentary equipment.

Protect your equipment by storing it in enclosed facilities when you’re not using it. Additionally, store fluids in a space that will stay at room temperature throughout the winter. If you won’t be using your equipment at all in the colder months, consider separating any detachable parts and storing them individually. This can prevent rust along the hinges and joints.

8. Work Site Environment Factors

While Cat products are designed for rugged conditions, harsh environments still take a toll on heavy equipment. By being mindful of your equipment’s operating environment, you can help extend its life while maintaining peak productivity.

As much as possible, avoid using your equipment during extreme weather. If you do need to operate in severe conditions, follow up with a more rigorous maintenance schedule to prevent weather-related issues. You can also use fluids and additives designed to help your equipment withstand the elements.

Consider optimizing your work site’s environment if you can. Work site materials like asphalt and concrete are abrasive to tracks. Only use tracked equipment on softer ground, and always remove rough materials from operating areas. You may also use a water truck to spray the area and reduce airborne dust, which can clog air filters.

Stay out of extremely muddy conditions whenever possible. Mud can collect on the equipment undercarriage and cause premature wear. If you work in areas with a lot of dirt or mud, clean your equipment often.

Winterizing

Winter months can bring added equipment challenges. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures and road salt can increase wear on your fleet. Equipment components often need to work harder in colder temperatures, meaning they may need to be monitored and replaced more frequently.

To maximize your equipment’s winter performance, you can��winterize your fleet������:

• Performing routine inspections
• Changing to winter fuel grade
• Changing the engine oil
• Changing the coolant
• Warming engines before each use
• Changing filters
• Preserving batteries by storing them in warm environments and recharging them often
• Using block heaters
• Storing equipment properly

9. The Right Equipment for the Job

A variety of heavy equipment exists to meet numerous work site needs. Some equipment is more versatile than others. Choosing the right equipment for the job is important for both project productivity and equipment longevity.

Using equipment as it’s intended is an important aspect of preserving its life span. If you use equipment that’s too small for the task at hand, it will work harder than it should and wear out quickly.

Some equipment types are also more compatible than others for certain environments and applications. For instance, telehandlers, compactors and articulated trucks operate best in low-impact environments, while bulldozers, wheel loaders and excavators are the better choices for high-impact environments.

To avoid overworking your equipment, be aware of the job requirements before starting any operations. Make sure you have the tools you need to handle the project safely and efficiently without excessively straining your equipment.

Renting Equipment��

Instead of forcing your equipment beyond its capacity, you can also rent equipment that’s the right size and performs the right functions for your needs.��Renting Cat equipment��provides you with the same high quality you trust and is a cost-effective option for accessing the exact equipment you need.

Whether you aren’t ready to commit to a new piece of equipment or only have a temporary need for a specific make or model, you can rent a wide range of heavy equipment. Renting benefits your bottom line.

When you rent equipment, advantages include:

• Rental contracts that fit your project timelines
• A wide selection of equipment to choose from
• Customer support to help you find exactly what you’re looking for

10. Routine Preventive Maintenance

While monitoring your equipment yourself is important, you should also receive regular inspections��from a professional Cat equipment inspector. A trained technician can help you save money and time by finding and repairing issues you may overlook in your own inspections. They can also teach you how to best take care of your equipment and operate it more efficiently, so you can continue using it for years to come.

If you think your equipment needs a professional tune-up, schedule one as soon as possible. Even if your equipment seems in good shape, making time for pre-scheduled maintenance and inspections could help you avoid issues in the near future. Your technician could help your fleet run as smoothly as possible by:

• Making sure all brakes are operational, including the emergency and parking brakes
• Checking all headlights, brake lights and taillights
• Ensuring the horn works
• Making sure the windshield and windshield wipers are in good condition
• Testing the battery
• Evaluating engine performance
• Making sure all safety features work properly
• Inspecting the undercarriage
• Checking the conditions of the tires and wheels
• Suggesting additional repairs and maintenance for optimal performance and safety

The benefits of professional equipment inspections include:

• ��������پ�����:��You know your equipment better than most people. So do trained technicians. Professionals can offer services using their expert eye and diagnostic technology. They’ll work with you to determine the best preservative actions for your fleet.
• Safety:��A professional technician ensures your equipment is safe to operate. Many preventable injuries can happen on the job without the right measures in place. Inspections decrease the chances of harmful equipment failure.
• Productivity:��Enlisting an expert’s help assists you in avoiding downtime from faulty equipment. When all parts of your fleet function at optimal levels, you can stick to your schedule and easily meet your deadlines.
• Lower repair costs:��A professional can help you spot minor issues before they turn into major problems. When your equipment is always in peak condition, you can stay on top of minor fixes and steer clear of hefty repair and replacement costs.

11. Equipment-Monitoring Technology

When you have an entire fleet to track, staying updated on each piece of equipment requires organization. Thankfully, today’s technology can help you know the exact status of all your equipment at all times.

VisionLink^®��is an��easy-to-use, web-based app��that gives you all the information you need about your equipment. This app provides insight into your fleet details, such as each piece’s health and productivity levels based on recent inspections.

With VisionLink, you’ll gain important knowledge about how your crew uses each piece of equipment, including idle hours, fuel consumption and operation times. This information will give you a clear idea of when parts of your fleet need servicing. You’ll feel confident operating at ideal levels without overworking any equipment.

VisionLink lets you see key operating information anytime, as long as you have internet access. You can also seamlessly integrate VisionLink with your other business applications. Order parts online, plan fleet dispatches and read fluid analysis results all from the same convenient platform.

Increase the Life of Your Cat��Equipment With ��������Ƭ Machinery

Whatever you use your equipment for, extend its life span with regular maintenance practices. Familiarizing yourself with your fleet’s abilities, limitations and ideal conditions can help you make the most of your equipment and get the job done right every time.

Seeking professional assistance also ensures a profitable, productive life for all your equipment.��Cat technicians know exactly what your equipment needs to keep operating long into the future.

��������Ƭ Machinery is your single solution for all your Cat equipment management needs. We’re an authorized Cat dealer providing an array of services to��Indiana and Michigan’s lower peninsula. Whether you’re looking for experienced maintenance technicians or a trusted place to buy and rent equipment, let us help you optimize your fleet for the best performance possible.

Contact us today��to learn more about requesting maintenance, renting equipment or benefitting from any of our other professional service solutions.

There are times when going for dealer service is a better option than doing it yourself (DIY) and vice versa. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both service options can help you choose the best plan for your equipment and operations.

Jump to Sections:

• Factors to Consider
• Benefits of DIY Service
• Benefits of Dealer Service
• Common DIY Maintenance Services
• When to Seek Dealer Services
• Services From ��������Ƭ Machinery

Learn more about the pros and cons of professional versus DIY services and the considerations that accompany both options.

DIY or Dealer: Factors to Consider

When deciding on��dealer or DIY��maintenance for your heavy equipment, a few considerations may sway your decision. Whether you choose to service your equipment in your own shop or take it to a dealership, there are pros and cons to both options.

The following are some points to think about when choosing between dealership maintenance or doing it yourself:

1. Price

When comparing��DIY versus dealer service, each option is associated with different costs. Doing maintenance on your own is typically cheaper than going to a dealer.

Going to a dealer means you pay for both maintenance costs and the expert technician’s work. This usually means a higher price point than doing the work for yourself.

In addition to service prices, you might need to��opt for rental equipment��while yours is being serviced. Whether you have chosen to perform DIY or dealership service, you will likely need to pay for rentals if you do not have the equipment you need readily available to you.

You should also consider costs for transportation and operational downtime. You can complete DIY service sooner as you won’t have other pieces of equipment to maintain like a professional would. If you can maintain equipment on-site, you won’t need to pay to transport it to a dealer.

2. Warranty on Workmanship

A workmanship warranty covers you against errors made during the installation or repair processes. If you choose to do your own maintenance, there is no warranty to protect yourself from possible mistakes made while servicing your equipment.

When you go to a dealer for servicing, you can enjoy the added protection against potential defects that could arise after a technician works with your machinery.

If you make an error during DIY maintenance efforts, this could lead to greater issues that cost more time and money to correct.

3. Recalls

If the manufacturer of your equipment announces a recall on one of your parts, it is best to address this promptly.

By not correcting recalls right away, you can create further problems with your equipment down the line. Plus, some recalls are very serious and can be dangerous if you choose to ignore them.

Dealerships often cover warranty repairs and parts. If you decide to approach a recall on your own, you might find yourself paying for the replacement parts needed to keep your equipment running and minimize downtime.

4. Environment

The environment is often very different at a dealer versus wherever you complete DIY service on your equipment. At a dealership, there is usually more control over the environment. They are often clean and organized to comply with safety standards.

Doing repairs while at a worksite can mean more dirt and clutter surrounding you while you address the issue. This can make for a more complicated process than going to a dealer.

5. Tools

A dealership will have all the tools and parts needed to service your equipment. This means a more streamlined repair process that can take less time. When you choose to do the work on your own, you might find yourself in need of different tools than what you have in your toolbox or warehouse.

When you DIY, you might find yourself renting or borrowing tools from others. This can cost more money and take a longer time than taking your equipment to the dealer.

Dealerships have tools for analyzing your equipment. For example, if you need your fluids tested, professional sites have the tools to conduct a comprehensive��Machine Fluid Analysis��for coolants and oil. This service solution can help with the following:

• Detecting problems early
• Helping anticipate and schedule downtime
• Monitoring positives and negatives
• Allowing you to monitor maintenance schedules
• Enabling you to manage budgets better
• Helping you develop a complete service history

Most people do not have the tools or technology to monitor their equipment and optimize its functioning on their own.

6. Training

At dealerships, the employees are highly trained and are usually certified technicians who have experience servicing all kinds of equipment. Training also allows for speedier services as the expert staff knows exactly what they are doing and how to do it.

By choosing to work on your equipment on your own, you forfeit some of that expertise. However, there are many resources available for people who are interested in DIY services. You can often find video instructions online or find steps to follow in your equipment’s manual. Some people choose to consult with a trained professional while they do the work on their own.

7. Time

When you go to a dealership, the actual work on your equipment is likely to take less time. Expert technicians are usually speedier than people who are doing the work themselves.

However, you must also consider the time it takes to schedule an appointment. A dealership might be booked for days or weeks in advance, leaving you with downtime until your machinery is ready for action. You have to consider the time it takes to transport heavy machinery to and from the dealer, as well.

As a business owner, you might not have the extra time to do the work on your equipment. Having it taken to a dealership might be more beneficial and efficient for you.

8. Loaner Equipment

When you take your equipment in for a repair, some dealerships will provide you with a loaner so you can continue working until your machinery is ready. You’ll save time searching for rental equipment if the dealer has options to choose from.

If you go the DIY route and there is downtime, you will likely end up needing to rent replacement equipment from elsewhere. This can add more time and costs spent on your operations.

9. Transportation

One of��the��benefits of DIY service is doing the work where you are and not having to transport your equipment to the dealership.

Transporting heavy equipment can be complicated and potentially lead to downtime, especially if the closest dealership is not conveniently located.

Doing the work at your shop is sometimes the most simple solution. No need to spend the time or money on the following:

• Getting the equipment ready for transport
• Transporting the equipment to the dealer
• Having the equipment transported back to your worksite

10. Technology

For high-tech equipment, going to a dealer is probably your best bet. Unless you have a background in software and calibration, it is best to let professionals address technological issues.

DIY could further complicate the issues if you are not sure what you are working with. Problems with your machinery’s technology can be expensive and require expert attention.

Dealerships have technicians who are well-versed in the technologies integrated into equipment, and they can address your needs. Whether you need help with your GPS survey equipment or GPS-guided machine control systems, a dealership will likely have the��productivity and technology solutions��for keeping your machinery operational.

11. Second Set of Eyes

When you choose to go to a dealer, their technicians have expansive knowledge of equipment mechanics. They are less likely to miss or overlook something while working. There are coworkers to consult with and double-, even triple-check completed services and ensure they’ve addressed any problems adequately.

When you do the work at your own shop, you could easily forego an important step or forget a safety procedure. Going to the dealer might save you money down the line, especially if you neglected to identify all the issues present with your equipment.

12. Second Set of Hands

DIY maintenance��may��be convenient, but it does have some drawbacks. If you have limited personnel, this might mean you are doing the work alone. There may be no one to grab a tool or give you a hand when you need one. Doing maintenance entirely solo could also be a safety concern.

At a dealership, there are always multiple people around, ready to help out. Work can get done faster with a second set of hands. With multiple experts contributing their know-how, you might even get a better result.

13. Quality Service

At a dealership, the staff is knowledgeable about the services they provide. The more expertise a crew has, the quicker and more accurately they can identify and troubleshoot issues.��While servicing your vehicle, a technician may notice something else that needs attention that you weren’t aware of.

When you choose to work on your equipment by yourself, you may not catch every detail or give each part the attention it needs. Ultimately, you are likely to walk away with poorer quality service.

Professional services��are often more comprehensive and can provide your operation with the following:

• Condition monitoring
• Site assessment
• Inspection data
• S•O•S fluid analysis
• Repair history

The quality of the service is typically better at a dealer than doing it on your own. This is a culmination of the skilled staff and high-quality supplies at a dealership.

14. Service��Reminders

One of the pros of��dealership maintenance��is getting regular service reminders. Doing the work on your equipment means there is no one to keep track of the maintenance performed or let you know when you should come back for a tune-up.

Dealerships are more likely to have organized record-keeping than those who opt for DIY service. With that, if you do perform maintenance on your heavy equipment, it is a good idea to keep detailed records of what you did, to what parts and when.

15. Surprises and Oversights

Performing DIY service can lead to many surprises. Maybe you spot something else that needs fixing or you learn that the problem is not what you had in mind. If you assume you need repairs for one issue, but it’s actually another concern, you might find yourself unprepared. You’ll want to consider these factors when deciding between DIY and dealer service.

When you take your equipment to a dealer, they have the tools and knowledge to address a wide variety of services. It is much easier for dealership staff to change repair plans than someone with limited resources in their own shop.

16. Learning New Skills

DIY can be a great way to pick up new skills and expand your understanding of the equipment you work closely with every day. It can be very valuable in the future to know how to address certain issues or replace parts. Performing these actions on your own can help you learn and grow as an operator.

By going to a dealership, you might not be there to see the repairs in action. You may leave without knowing the steps that the technicians took to fix your problem. If you have the same issue later on, you will have to bring the equipment back again.

But, if you learn how to service your equipment, you can save time and take care of it on your own if it happens again.

17. Materials

One of the greatest��benefits of dealership service��is access to high-quality materials. Dealers often have the parts and fluids that are specific to your equipment’s model.��OEM parts��are the best option for your heavy machinery.

If you choose to do the work on your own, you might not have the same materials on hand. You also may not know which options are best for your model.

Benefits of DIY Service

All things considered, the following are the benefits of doing your own service on your heavy equipment:

• ��Dz��ٲ�:��Doing the work yourself costs less than going to a dealer.
• Time:��DIY means less time spent scheduling an appointment and finding time to get the equipment to the dealer.
• Transportation:��When you work on your equipment, you do not need to worry about transportation because you can work right in your own shop.
• ��DzԱ���Ծ���Գ���:��By performing maintenance tasks on your own, you can enjoy the convenience of on-site service when you have the time to do so.
• �����澱���������ٲ�:��DIY service allows you to be more flexible, and you can contact a dealer for field service if needed.
• No appointments:��There is no need to wait around for an appointment if you do your own service. You could repair your equipment in the time it takes to schedule an appointment.
• Building experience:��By doing the work on your own, you can pick up new skills and build your experience servicing different parts. Eventually, you’ll be able to do more DIY work.

Benefits of Dealer Service

There are many benefits to taking your equipment or parts to a dealer for service, including the following:

• �²��������Գپ����:��Dealerships often cover warranty costs for recalled parts and equipment, which saves you replacement costs. Also, they usually have workmanship warranties that cover problems caused by installation and repair efforts.
• Clean environment:��Unlike many worksites, dealers keep their shops tidy and clean for both safety and sales purposes.
• Tools, technology and materials:��Dealers have the necessary tools and technology to perform repairs quickly and effectively. No need to purchase new tools or wait for delivery. Dealerships often have high-quality materials and fluids on hand that coincide with your equipment’s specific model, as well.
• Experienced staff:��Dealerships have knowledgeable teams of technicians ready to service your equipment quickly and effectively. They are certified and have experienced colleagues to offer assistance when needed.
• Loaner and rental equipment:��One of the greatest benefits of dealer service is access to loaner equipment and rentals. This helps reduce downtime and keep operations running smoothly.
• ��𳾾��Ի�����:��Dealers often have better record-keeping regarding their services. Some dealers send out reminders when it is time to revisit maintenance tasks like changing the oil or replacing worn parts.

Common DIY Maintenance Services

For those who enjoy a little elbow grease, some DIY services are simple and can be completed at your own shop with a little guidance. The following are common services you can do by yourself:

• Changing the engine oil and filter
• Changing the final drive oil
• Greasing points
• Daily maintenance
• Changing the air filter
• Changing fuel filters

It is crucial to note that before completing any service, you should consult your operation and maintenance manual. Here you will find specific instructions for your equipment. The locations and specifications of your machine’s parts vary by model.

When to Seek Dealer Services

Professional servicing and repairs for your heavy equipment are preferable for certain tasks. When working with the following issues, it is best to consult a professional:

• Overheated engine
• Mechanical injector issues
• Electrical problems
• Hydraulic issues

Any services that you feel are unsafe or you find to be too confusing should be handed over to a professional. It is always best to err on the side of caution.

There are alternative options for equipment maintenance. If you feel you cannot perform maintenance on your equipment or parts and the following is happening, consider opting for field service:

• You need your equipment up and running as soon as possible
• Your equipment is too large for transport
• Your equipment is immobile

Field Service

You might contact a dealership for something called field service if something goes awry with one of your pieces of heavy equipment.��Field service is a great resource��for both emergency repairs and preventative maintenance.

Common field services include the following maintenance practices:

• Generator and switchgear service
• Engine service
• Undercarriage repairs and maintenance
• Oil sampling
• Welding and fabrication

Field services are quick and often the fastest way to get a piece of equipment up and running. Without having to pay for transportation, you can save costs by having a professional come to you. This also spares your transportation equipment the wear and tear of getting immobile machinery to a dealership.

Heavy Machinery Services From ��������Ƭ Machinery

Heavy equipment requires consistent service and preventative maintenance to run its best. For people who know their way around their equipment and don’t mind getting a little dirty, DIY service for minor issues can save time and costs. For more complicated issues, consulting with a professional is always a good idea.

��������Ƭ Machinery has the parts and services for your maintenance needs. With around-the-clock customer support and our comprehensive parts solutions, we can get your equipment up and running to keep your operation productive and on track. Our experienced technicians can perform expert machine services, and we have cutting-edge tools and technology for the most effective solutions.

Contact us��today to learn more.

From purchasing to operating to maintaining, the money you put into your heavy equipment impacts the return on investment (ROI) you see. A key element to increasing ROI and getting the most out of your equipment is a��preventative maintenance (PM) routine. PM can help minimize downtime, extend your equipment’s life and add resale value.

As crucial as PM is, it does add to your equipment’s cost of ownership. Any time you can reduce your equipment’s cost of ownership, you’ll save money for your business. So how should maintenance costs influence your heavy equipment purchases?

Jump to Sections:

• What Affects Heavy Equipment Maintenance Costs?
• Tracks vs. Wheel Equipment
• Small vs. Large Equipment
• Equipment Application and Environment
• New vs. Old Equipment
• Solutions for Your Equipment Maintenance Needs

In many scenarios, the most important factor in purchasing heavy equipment is finding the right piece that can get the job done. Specialized equipment is worth the investment because it helps your team to maximize productivity on the job. However, sometimes you may be able to choose between several different types of equipment for a job. Considering overall maintenance costs can help you maximize your purchase with both functionality and finances.

What Affects Heavy Equipment Maintenance Costs?

A piece of heavy equipment’s maintenance costs varies based on several factors and the maintenance requirements it has. There are����associated with their own unique costs:

• ���貹������:��Repair maintenance happens when equipment experiences an unexpected malfunction or breakdown. Repairs can happen at sporadic intervals depending on the equipment’s condition, and the cost typically depends on the specific part that malfunctions. A key concern for repair maintenance is getting the equipment running as soon as possible.
• Preventative maintenance:��PM revolves around a predetermined schedule to catch potential issues before they cause downtime. PM typically occurs more often than any other type of maintenance. This creates an ongoing cost that will vary based on the type of equipment you own.
• Condition-based maintenance:��Condition-based maintenance occurs when workers identify an equipment issue through routine inspections or monitoring. This type of maintenance takes on a more sporadic nature, like repairs. Condition-based maintenance will likely increase based on the equipment’s age and may vary in cost based on the issue.

The type and frequency of maintenance your equipment will contribute to overall maintenance costs. Other influential factors include components such as:

• Whether the equipment has tracks or wheels
• How small or large the equipment is
• How high-impact the equipment and environment is
• Typical operating conditions for the equipment
• How old the equipment is

When considering different equipment, think about the following factors to determine whether your equipment will have more or less maintenance than you anticipate.

Track vs. Wheel Equipment

��each provide valuable benefits. The increased ground contact present in tracked equipment offers crucial traction support on soft and slick ground. This can be important for safety and effectiveness when working in inclement weather. Wheeled equipment provides higher speeds and durability for rougher work surfaces. On hard, flat ground, wheeled equipment is efficient and versatile.

The price difference between wheeled and tracked equipment maintenance is fairly significant. In most cases, maintaining wheeled equipment is less costly than maintaining tracked equipment. The costs boil down to the mechanics of the two systems.

Track Equipment

Tracked equipment has a heavy undercarriage with many parts. The undercarriage contains several components, including:

• Track bolts
• Track links
• Pins
• Bushings
• Sprockets
• Rollers
• Idlers
• Shoes

These components work together to create an intricate system of moving parts. Because of its high number of moving parts, the undercarriage can account for half or more of tracked equipment’s lifetime maintenance costs. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid some of the most common track issues:

• Improper track tension:��Whether a track is too loose or too tight, improper tension can accelerate wear and make your equipment less efficient. One reason a track might loosen is due to lubrication issues. Without proper lubrication, pins and bushing components start to wear and create tension issues.��To prevent this, regularly lubricate your equipment’s undercarriage, inspect the track and adjust it as necessary.��
• Premature wear:��Because track equipment works best in muddy conditions, it may collect large amounts of dirt in its undercarriage. If dirt and debris aren’t cleared regularly, it can dry and add weight to the equipment or form hardened clumps that cause premature wear on the components. To keep your tracks running long-term, use shovels and pressure washers to clear out the undercarriage regularly.
• Failed seal:��Oil leakages in track rollers, idlers and drivers can denote a failed seal, which may lead to a major failure in those components. Regularly inspect the rollers, idlers and drivers on your equipment to catch leaks before they lead to greater damage.
• Track damage:��Rough asphalt, concrete or other abrasive worksite materials can wear against tracks and cause damage. Use track equipment in softer, wetter ground conditions to prevent unwanted track damage.

Given its complex nature, track equipment has more potential to face maintenance issues. If some of these issues go unnoticed, you may face even��costlier and more time-consuming maintenance when the track breaks down.��Though track equipment won’t break down due to a popped tire and can function in severe weather, keeping it maintained will ultimately cost more in the long-term.

Selecting and using the following equipment may necessitate more track equipment maintenance:

• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Track loaders
• Electric rope shovels
• Hydraulic mining shovels
• Pipelayers

Wheeled Equipment

Wheeled equipment uses tires, axles and brakes to function, as opposed to a detailed undercarriage. This system houses fewer moving parts, which cuts down maintenance needs. Depending on the size of the equipment’s tires and the amount of wear they incur, heavy equipment tires may also present an added maintenance cost.��Though wheeled equipment doesn’t function as well on muddy ground, its lower overall maintenance costs make it a good choice for sites where a soft surface isn’t a large concern.

Selecting and using the following equipment may result in less wheeled equipment maintenance:

• Backhoe loaders
• Skid steer loaders
• Wheel excavators
• Wheel loaders
• Motor graders
• Road reclaimers
• Compactors
• Articulated trucks

The maintenance costs involved with tracked and wheeled equipment do not make either type a better choice than the other overall. Both equipment types provide necessary services depending on your situation. However, if both types will work for your situation, and you’d like to cut long-term maintenance, wheeled equipment may be the best choice.

Small vs. Large Equipment

The size of your heavy equipment will also influence the associated maintenance costs. In general, the larger a piece of equipment is, the more it will cost to maintain. This is true because of two main factors:

• Time:��Larger equipment may take longer to inspect because of its component structure and parts. Large equipment also takes longer to fix given its size and weight when compared to smaller equipment. These longer maintenance hours increase maintenance costs.
• Parts:��Large equipment maintenance also requires larger parts, which may cost more to replace and repair.

Small equipment versus large equipment maintenance is more nuanced than simple size groupings. Actual maintenance costs also vary based on engine dimensions, structure complexity, parts and replacement costs.

Engine Dimensions and Complexity

To illustrate this point, consider the difference between the engines commonly found in a��Cat^®��745 Articulated Truck��and a��Cat��226D3 Skid Steer Loader.

The Cat 745 features a��, with the following dimensions:

• Length:��56.6 inches (4.72 feet)
• Width:��44.6 inches (3.72 feet)
• Height:��53.4 inches (4.45 feet)
• Dry weight:��3,785 pounds (1.89 tons)

The Cat 226D3 features a��, with the following dimensions:

• Length:��26 inches (2.17 feet)
• Width:��19.3 inches (1.61 feet)
• Height:��27.5 inches (2.29 feet)
• Dry weight:��427.7 pounds (0.21 ton)

Clearly, these two engines vary quite a bit in size and weight. The dimension differences alone would affect the way technicians inspect, transport and fix these engines. Articulated trucks and skid steer loaders perform different functions and are different sizes, which warrants very different engines. Though this may seem like comparing apples to oranges, the fact remains that size��— regardless of function or build��— plays a key role in maintenance costs.

Dimensions aren’t the only influential factor when it comes to maintenance — the configuration and number of parts also comes into play.

The C18 engine houses large internal parts, including:

• Valve covers
• Camshaft
• 12 intake/exhaust valves
• Valvetrain
• Six pistons
• Flywheel
• Connecting rod
• Crankshaft pulley

Internal engine compositions vary from model to model. Though models with similar dimensions��— such as the C18 and the����— have similar interior components, there are slight differences in front housing, valve covers and piston and rod structures.

For example, the C18 piston and rod structure includes:

• Three piston rings
• Piston body
• Snap rings
• Piston pin
• Pin and bushing
• Connecting rod
• Bolts
• Top bearings
• Bottom bearings
• Connecting rod caps
• Nuts
• Oil jet tube

The C15 piston and rod structure differs by including the following components:

• Three piston rings
• Piston body
• Piston pin
• Retainer pin
• Bearings
• Oil jet tub
• Bolt
• Rod
• Connecting rod bearing
• Dowel

If a piece of equipment with a C18 engine needed maintenance or repairs for its piston and rod system, technicians would have a greater number of parts to disassemble, check, repair and reassemble. This principle is true for equipment of all different sizes and functions. The harder it is to access or work with equipment parts, the longer it will take. Longer maintenance periods will add up to greater maintenance costs over the life of your equipment.

Part Replacement Costs

Engines aren’t the only parts that differ when it comes to maintenance costs. Some of the most��commonly replaced heavy equipment parts��include:

• Air filters
• Batteries
• Belts
• Engine starters
• Fuel filters
• Fuel injectors
• Hoses
• Hydraulic filters
• Hydraulic fluid
• Oil filters
• Spark plugs
• Transmission fluid

Many of these parts should be replaced when they wear out, but some require replacement at standard intervals. Items like batteries and hoses often need replacements every four to five years. The size of your heavy equipment and its parts will impact how much these replacements cost.

For example, consider the different prices for these front gears based on their sizes:

• :��2.6 inches high, 7.8 inches long and about $400
• :��3.1 inches high, 11.1 inches long and about $1,000

Each piece of heavy equipment relies on a unique arrangement of differently sized parts to function well. Depending on your equipment and its part prices, you may notice higher maintenance costs when components break down.

Altogether, larger heavy equipment has many benefits��—��and for many jobs, it is necessary. However, if you have a choice between a smaller piece of equipment and a larger piece of equipment that will both work well for your project, selecting the smaller equipment may reduce your overall maintenance costs.

Equipment Application and Environment

The way your heavy equipment functions and the environment in which you use it can also play roles in the types of maintenance costs it generates.

Equipment Application

Wherever moving parts come into contact with your worksite, there is potential for equipment deterioration��and breakdown. The speed and longevity of your heavy equipment can also contribute to how often they require repairs or maintenance. For this reason, equipment for more high-impact jobs may need more maintenance than equipment that transports or moves material.

Equipment types that may operate in more low-impact environments include:

• Articulated trucks
• Asphalt pavers
• Cold planers
• Compactors
• Motor graders
• Road reclaimers
• Telehandlers

Equipment types that may operate in more high-impact environments include:

• Backhoe loaders
• Bulldozers
• Electric rope shovels
• Excavators
• Hydraulic mining shovels
• Skid steer loaders
• Track loaders
• Wheel dozers
• Wheel loaders
• Wheel tractor scrapers

Elements that contribute to equipment wear and tear may include digging through tough material, repetitive use of a specific equipment component and more. That means industries like mining, forestry, demolition and landfill and waste management may incur higher overall maintenance costs than the road construction or general construction industries. If your heavy equipment will be doing heavy lifting, it’s likely you may spend more in maintenance costs compared to low-impact equipment.

Equipment Environment

In addition to the type of work your equipment completes, your work environment and weather conditions can add maintenance concerns. If you’re working year-round, you may notice specific maintenance costs during some seasons:

• Spring and Fall:��Frequent rain can create muddy working conditions. Mud can be a slippery work surface, as well as increase the amount of dirt that accumulates on and in your equipment. Without proper cleaning, excess dirt may cause issues and unexpected maintenance costs.
• Summer:��Intense heat in a dirt-based work environment can cause the ground to dry up and harden. Tough ground may generate more wear for your digging equipment, and it will likely generate an excessive amount of dust. Dusty worksites may put a strain on your air filter and necessitate more frequent inspection and replacement.
• Winter:��If your team operates in winter, you may combat ice, salt and freezing temperatures. Regardless of the type of equipment you use, operating in winter can increase wear. Equipment batteries, engines, brakes and fluid hoses may have to work harder in the cold temperatures. Batteries may also take longer to charge and die more quickly. Without proper coolant, oil, fuel and tire pressure, your equipment may wear out at a higher rate during winter than any other season.

Your schedule doesn’t pause when the weather goes sour, and quality heavy equipment is built to withstand the elements. Keep in mind, however, that equipment interacting with a harsh work environment on a consistent basis may require more overall maintenance.

New vs. Old Equipment

When comparing maintenance costs, new and old equipment often vary. New equipment has new parts that haven’t experienced wear. As old equipment depreciates and wears down, its maintenance costs increase and often become more frequent.

Some equipment managers use formulas like the Mitchell Curve to calculate equipment repair costs. This formula predicts costs by considering the number of hours a piece of equipment has worked. In general, the more hours equipment has worked, the greater its projected maintenance costs.

According to a recent��, equations like the Mitchell Curve may overestimate��maintenance costs. The study used formulas to calculate projected maintenance costs and compared them with actual maintenance cost data for heavy equipment.

In an example with backhoe loaders, the usage and maintenance data showed that actual operating costs were lower over a nine-year period than those projected using a Mitchell Curve. In fact, the curve��overestimated actual operating costs by 18 to 27%. This means fleet managers using a projection formula like this may retire their fleet earlier in an attempt to avoid maintenance costs, when they could ultimately keep their equipment running for longer and reduce long-term costs.

Though research and predictive models show that older equipment involves more maintenance costs, you can make a significant impact on any new or old piece of equipment simply by adhering to a preventative maintenance schedule.

Preventative maintenance can increase ROI in new and old equipment because:

• PM routines can reduce equipment repair bills by 25%.
• PM routines identify potential points of breakdown before breakdowns happen.
• Running a piece of equipment to failure can cost up to����than a normal maintenance routine.
• Avoiding breakdowns can also help avoid the need to replace expensive equipment parts.
• PM routines can keep equipment functioning well from the beginning to the end of your ownership, which may boost its resale value.

Whether you’re working with a brand new bulldozer or an eight-year-old compactor, establishing regular inspections and a preventative maintenance routine can extend its life and make the most of your investment. Your PM routine may include:

• Total maintenance and repair agreements
• Equipment inspection programs
• Site inspections
• Field service
• Shop service
• S-O-S fluid analysis
• Failure analysis
• Product link on-board analysis
• Condition monitoring
• Electronic information collection
• Equipment inspection data
• Component rebuilds
• Component tracking

Another helpful maintenance practice to consider is establishing a��preventative maintenance checklist. A checklist creates a uniform template for inspections and servicing to make sure nothing is missed.��Check with your equipment manufacturer to ensure your routine covers the recommended areas and is performed at the recommended��maintenance intervals for your specific equipment.

Given all of this data, if you plan to��, you may spend more on overall maintenance costs. However, if you implement a preventative maintenance routine, you won’t be at a disadvantage with your used equipment.

Trusted Solutions for Your Equipment and Maintenance Needs

At ��������Ƭ Machinery, we have a��comprehensive heavy equipment and maintenance solution��for your fleet. You can start the process by��shopping our huge inventory��of Caterpillar^®��brand heavy equipment. Finding the right heavy equipment is vital to your productivity, and our knowledgeable staff is ready and able to assist you before, during and after your purchase.

In addition to our unparalleled customer service, ��������Ƭ Machinery offers a��Customer Value Agreement (CVA). When you sign a CVA, you’ll receive expert assistance and service dedicated to optimizing your fleet’s performance. Our PM Agreements also cover emergency response, after-hours service, maintenance documentation and regular inspections at competitive, fixed pricing.

Understanding and addressing your equipment’s maintenance costs can help you increase your ROI and keep your fleet working hard. For quality assistance, products and continued support,��contact ��������Ƭ Machinery��today.

To be productive on the job and know you can depend on your equipment to perform well, you must prioritize engine maintenance. Your engine is the driving force of your excavator, compact track loader or dozer. Without it working at peak condition, you risk sacrificing productivity and suffering downtime due to engine failure.

Jump to Sections:

• What Is Preventive Engine Maintenance?
• Diesel Engine Maintenance Schedule
• Performing Daily Inspections
• Use the Correct Engine Parts
• Increasing Engine Longevity
• Signs Your Engine Needs Service
• Your Engine Maintenance Experts

By following a preventive maintenance plan and being aware of the signs that your engine needs service, you can minimize any costly downtime.��In fact,��.��That’s why knowing what type of preventive maintenance your diesel engine needs and following a diesel engine maintenance schedule are such critical components of your continued success.

What Is Preventive Engine Maintenance?

All engines are prone to failure if they aren’t well-maintained. Prioritizing engine maintenance is the responsible thing to do as an equipment owner. It’s also the wise thing to do as a business owner.

The better you maintain your equipment’s engine, the longer it will serve you. The longer your engine stays in operating condition, the greater return on investment you’ll get as it continues to work at peak performance and make you money.

To get high performance and a long service life out of your heavy equipment, you need to do proper preventive engine maintenance. Preventive maintenance is maintenance or service that’s performed regularly to prevent equipment failure. Equipment owners conduct preventive maintenance to avoid sudden and unexpected work interruptions due to breakdowns. Preventive maintenance can also help you save on long-term maintenance and repair costs by minimizing the level of damage.

Preventive engine maintenance is especially important since engine failures are expensive to fix and can cause long work stoppages. Equipment owners conduct preventive engine maintenance based on usage or service hours. Equipment manufacturers recommend specific servicing intervals to maintain peak operating performance. As a Cat® equipment owner, it’s important to know what the manufacturer’s preventive maintenance recommendations are. Your Operation and Maintenance Manual will tell you what type of maintenance to conduct for your engine and how often. Working with an experienced technician can also help.

Here are some of the categories of preventative engine maintenance that equipment owners should perform routinely as prescribed by the manufacturer:

• Routine servicing: Performing routine maintenance on your equipment’s diesel engines will keep them working properly. Your owner’s manual and your dealer will help you schedule routine service, including oil and filter changes, fluid analysis and other critical maintenance tasks your diesel engine requires. Consult your Operation and Maintenance Manual to determine how often to conduct routine maintenance on your equipment’s engine.
• Cleaning: Equipment and engines operate better when they’re clean. Gunk and grime build up quickly in a heavy-duty environment, so it’s important to stay on top of routine cleaning. Degreasing agents can help lift and dissolve caked-on oils, while pressure-washing blasts away mud and dirt. A clean engine operates more smoothly, so don’t wait too long between cleanings.
• Winterizing:��Done annually before the weather changes, winterizing is absolutely critical to keeping your engine operating year-round. Winterizing your engine includes adding antifreeze graded for your climate, changing your oil over to winter-grade and making sure you’re using an engine warmer. Be sure to consult your Operation and Maintenance Manual as well as your local Cat dealer for more information on winterizing your equipment’s engine specifically.
• Proactive parts replacement:��To prevent engine failure, you must consistently monitor the condition of your diesel engine parts and replace them before they cause problems. Proactively replacing parts is crucial for diesel engines, which are susceptible to rust and corrosion as well as regular wear and tear. Always use certified diesel engine parts sourced from a reputable Cat dealer and work with a Cat Dealer Technician who can advise on regular parts replacement.

No matter what routine servicing you’re performing as part of preventive engine maintenance, all preventive maintenance programs need to follow a recommended servicing schedule that will maintain high efficiency and reduce the risk of downtime.

Diesel Engine Maintenance Schedule

Following a diesel engine maintenance schedule is the most critical step in a preventive maintenance plan. At ��������Ƭ Machinery, we supply all equipment owners with detailed manuals and maintenance schedules from the equipment manufacturer. Maintenance schedules describe what servicing needs to be done and at what intervals. These are minimum recommendations based on average operating conditions. You should adjust them based on your operating loads, climate and general work environment.

The prescribed maintenance intervals are designed to protect your investment and your equipment warranty. It can be tempting to stretch your maintenance schedule to extend usage time, but doing this too often can compound the risk of eventual engine failure. It’s best to know which activities need to be performed when and stick to that schedule.��Always����in your Cat Operator and Maintenance Manual.

Performing Daily Inspections

It’s easy to keep your focus on standard preventive maintenance issues like regular oil and fluid changes. However, it’s important not to overlook the impact that daily inspections and maintenance can have on your engine’s lifespan. Daily inspections help you become familiar with your equipment, making it more likely that you’ll catch an issue early on.��Frequent inspections��also prevent unfixed problems from leading to other, more severe issues.

All equipment operators should have and adhere to a pre- and post-operation equipment inspection checklist, including one specifically for engines. With just a few minutes set aside each day, equipment operators can extend the equipment’s longevity, reduce operating downtime and increase equipment productivity.

Inspect the following engine components each day to maintain your equipment’s health and keep it in productive working condition for longer:

• Battery: Examine batteries for evidence of corrosion and damage and replace as needed.
• Cooling systems:��All fluids, including coolants, are essential to smooth equipment operation. If your engine’s coolant level drops, it could indicate a bigger issue with hoses or filters that needs immediate attention.
• Belts and hoses: Inspect belts for increased wear and tear and debris and replace and clean as needed. Examine hoses for excessive wear, leaks and rot.
• Exhaust: Check your diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels daily for low level warnings. If you have to fill the DEF tank, do so from a clean container to prevent contamination.
• Filters:��Whether it’s for air, oil or fuel, daily filter inspections are essential to preventing engine failures. Using a����can tell you if there’s any airflow resistance so you can extend the life of your filter.
• Turbos:��The condition of your equipment’s turbo has a significant impact on engine performance. Inspect the compressor, turbine wheel and wastegate daily so you know what condition your turbo is in.
• Fuel: In addition to checking fuel levels before and after operating, you should inspect fuel tanks for leaks and damage. Always use the recommended diesel fuel for your equipment.

Using the Correct Engine Parts

Cat equipment is designed to run on specific parts and systems that optimize Cat diesel engine performance. That’s why it’s critical to��source the correct engine parts��from an authorized Cat dealer that has trained technicians who know what your engine needs. Using the right parts as you maintain and replace your engine components will help ensure your equipment continues to operate at peak performance.

Throughout your equipment’s life cycle, and as part of routine preventive maintenance, your engine will need proactive parts replacement. Cat manufactures and supplies genuine parts for all its equipment, including engine parts like filters, belts, hoses and cooling system components. Only use Cat genuine parts as you upgrade and replace your engine components to extend your engine’s longevity.

In addition to genuine Cat parts designed for your Cat equipment, Cat also develops����meant to protect your engine longer. Cat Fluids like oils, coolants and grease are safe and reliable and help your equipment perform better. Cat Dealer Technicians can help match the right fluids to your equipment. They can also recommend a fluid changing schedule for each type of fluid so you’re always operating at high performance.

Increasing Engine Longevity

As an equipment owner, your focus should be on how to protect your investments so they continue to earn you money. Taking care of your engines will earn you more service hours and more profit.

It’s no secret that properly maintained engines last longer. Equipment that’s well-cared for and routinely serviced outlasts those that are neglected. Here are some methods for increasing your engine’s longevity:

• Reduce idle time:��All contractors understand the most common direct impact of idle time — unnecessary fuel costs. But a less obvious effect that idle time has on your bottom line is reduced equipment lifecycle. Idle time adds to operating hours, which means your equipment will wear out more quickly and need servicing more frequently. And since operating hours are a key factor in determining your equipment’s value, reducing idle time can also help protect your resale price. The less idle time, the lower the total operating hours your equipment will rack up, and the more valuable it will be.
• Follow proper preventive maintenance: The ultimate purpose of preventive and routine maintenance is to extend your equipment’s service life. Preventive maintenance also makes your equipment more efficient, but it’s important to remember that maintenance is a long-term strategy. The time and money you invest in proper preventive maintenance will pay off in extended engine longevity, continued productivity and optimized resale value.
• Avoid harsh conditions:��Cat equipment is designed for heavy-duty conditions, as long as you don’t overuse your equipment and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Still, avoiding or minimizing operation during extreme weather conditions can significantly lengthen your engine’s life. Always use fluids and additives designed for harsh conditions and be sure to fully winterize your engine before harsh conditions strike.
• Train operators: Equipment is built to be operated a certain way, and skilled operators can do a lot to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Ensure that your operators are properly trained to operate your particular model and are leveraging Cat technology to operate the equipment efficiently.
• Use equipment as intended: Using the right size equipment for the job is another way to preserve your engine’s lifespan. If you use undersized equipment, then your equipment is working harder than it needs to, which puts added wear on the engine. Always know the job requirements before you begin to operate the equipment, and don’t take any unnecessary risks.
• Install genuine Cat parts:��If you want to keep your equipment engines running smoothly for years to come, it’s vital that you��. Cat filters, batteries and coolants are designed specifically for your Cat equipment. All Cat components work together as a system and are the best way to extend your engine’s life cycle. Whether you follow a do-it-yourself approach or you work with your local dealer, parts replacement should always be sourced from authorized Cat suppliers.

Inspecting your equipment daily doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. The more you get into the habit of examining your engine regularly, the easier it will become. Daily engine inspections keep your productivity levels steady and reduce your repair costs in the long run. It also creates a safer, more reliable working environment for your entire crew. The more often you conduct daily engine inspections, the faster you’ll recognize the early warning signs that your engine needs service.

Signs Your Engine Needs Service

Being a good equipment owner means properly maintaining your equipment. It also means becoming familiar with it so you can spot problems right away. If you’re able to quickly recognize the signs of engine problems, you can either troubleshoot them on the spot or have a technician address them before it’s too late. Ignoring signs of engine trouble is a costly mistake to make since engine failure is highly preventable. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the following��signs your engine needs service.

1. New Warning Lights

Your equipment is designed to let you know what’s wrong. Diagnostic technology can alert you to any urgent issues that need addressing. If you see a new engine warning light, you’ll need to act fast.

Countless variables can cause a warning light to go off. Warning lights may alert you to issues with your oil level and pressure, the battery or your fuel injection system. It’s important not to ignore any engine warning lights, even if they might be the result of a system error. Get into the habit of regularly conducting on-site care each time a warning light appears, and be sure to take your equipment in for regular servicing. These maintenance practices will help control engine variables that may cause these warning lights to come on.

2. Engine Stalls

An engine stall or a hard start is a massive red flag and an indicator that your engine needs service. The longer this issue drags on, the higher the risk of a complete engine failure and an expensive repair or replacement.

If your equipment is overused and not serviced regularly, it can cause significant wear on engine parts that may give out during an engine start. Difficulty starting your engine could be due to malfunctioning components, like the battery. It could also be because of issues with transmission fluids, blocked filters or injection or compressor issues.

Running regular diagnostic tests, and then performing the right service, is the best way to catch an issue early on and prevent warning signs like stalls and hard starts.

3. New and Unusual Engine Noises

Your equipment is always talking to you and letting you know how it’s working and what it needs. Don’t ignore any changes in your engine sounds.

When you do hear changes in an engine’s sounds, power off the equipment right away. Thoroughly examine all major equipment parts, including the engine. Your equipment might be experiencing overuse. There might also be a malfunctioning or blown part that needs replacement.

If you do hear strange noises, it’s best not to guess what the cause may be. Instead, take your equipment in for a professional inspection. The risk of engine failure is just too high.

4. Changes in Exhaust

Your equipment’s exhaust is a major indicator of the overall health of your engine. Your exhaust may change in color or smell when your engine has an issue. Diesel exhaust can be a serious health hazard when not properly controlled. If you notice any changes in exhaust fumes, stop operation right away for the health of your crew and your equipment.

If exhaust fumes change color and become thick, it could indicate a few different issues. Commonly, it’s just an issue with a dirty, clogged air filter and overused engine exhaust filters. You can solve this problem quickly and easily. However, changes in exhaust could also indicate issues with the exhaust recirculation, ventilation and oxygen sensor readings. You can conduct vacuum gauge tests to diagnose or rule out problems, and always replace your air filters at the recommended service intervals to prevent exhaust issues.

��������Ƭ Machinery, Your Engine Maintenance Experts

Engine maintenance is an important aspect of equipment ownership. It’s a worthwhile investment in time and money, as it helps you get more from your equipment. As an equipment owner, prioritizing preventive engine maintenance will reduce costly downtime and make your equipment more efficient.

Having a reliable dealer you can partner with for fast, accurate and convenient preventive maintenance work will ensure you’re getting the best level of service possible. It will also minimize job disruptions and help you maximize your investments in your equipment.

At ��������Ƭ Machinery, we have highly trained technicians available who are truly experts in their field. They can troubleshoot your engine issues and make recommendations for regular service intervals based on your usage levels and work environment. They’ll work with you to protect your investment and get you back in operation as quickly as possible.

For fast and reliable Cat engine maintenance, choose ��������Ƭ Machinery��service solutions��at locations throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula and Indiana. Call us at (317) 545-2151 or��contact us online��for more information on diesel engine maintenance.

If you own or run heavy equipment, you know how crucial it is that your hydraulics operate correctly. You depend on hydraulic system components to dig, lift and move material. You also need properly functioning hydraulics to mobilize your equipment.

The hydraulic systems on today’s machinery are highly sophisticated. They’re also dependable, provided you perform thorough hydraulic maintenance and regular hydraulic inspections. This maintenance work includes carefully checking your hydraulic hoses, regularly changing your hydraulic filters and periodically analyzing your hydraulic fluid.

Jump to Sections:

• Hydraulic Systems Overview
• Hydraulic Systems Failures
• Maintenance & Inspections
• Warning Signs
• Tips To Increase Longevity
• Fluid Analysis
• Importance Of Clean Service Environments
• Preventative Maintenance

But there’s more to maintaining your hydraulics than just hoses, filters and fluid. You need to develop a comprehensive hydraulic system preventative maintenance plan. Let’s examine what you can do to make sure your equipment’s hydraulics are always ready to work.

Hydraulic Systems Overview

Modern hydraulics systems apply torque multiplication from a motor and turn mechanical energy into fluid energy through a pump. Pressurized oil passes from the pump through contained lines and into expanding cylinders that perform work. Hydraulic theory and practical operation stem��from��, which says that pressurized fluid in a closed system transmits equal pressure in all directions.

Hydraulic systems on a modern excavator, dozer, grader or skid steer all operate on a closed-loop, or contained, principle. Although today’s��hydraulic components��are becoming increasingly sophisticated, they rely on the same basic concepts as older technologies. Here’s an overview of what you’ll find in a current heavy equipment hydraulic system:

• Hydraulic motor:��Most heavy equipment has a diesel engine as their primary power source. They convert energy stored in petroleum products into mechanical energy using heat. Hydraulic systems use the machine’s engine to motorize a pump that pressurizes fluid.
• Hydraulic pump:��Hydraulic system pumps pressurize fluid called hydraulic oil. Hydraulic pumps pressurize the fluid rather than compress like pneumatic systems do. Pressurized hydraulic oil retains its mass but has an increased energy level.
• Hydraulic reservoir:��Every hydraulic system needs a storage tank for its fluid. This container is called a reservoir and holds reserve fluid that’s not pressurized. Reservoir sizes vary according to the machine size and the capacity needed.
• Hydraulic controls:��Valves that control pressurized fluid essentially function as the hydraulic system’s brain. A typical earthmoving machine has many operator-controlled valves. These controls direct flow, regulate volume and compensate pressures.
• Hydraulic lines:��Lines deliver pressurized fluid from the pump to the work cylinders. Hydraulic line systems are made up of tubing, hoses, couplers, fitting and seals.
• Hydraulic actuators:��Once the lines deliver pressurized fluid, the actuators change the hydraulic energy back into mechanical energy. Most equipment operators and service technicians call actuators “cylinders.” These cylinders move booms, activate sticks and manipulate buckets.
• Hydraulic fluids:��Most hydraulic fluid is petroleum-based. It’s vital to keep this fluid uncontaminated. Dirty oil is horrible for hydraulic components.
• Hydraulic filters:��Filters help keep hydraulic systems clean. Many hydraulic assemblies have multiple filters in strategic locations. Having the right filter is critical for your equipment’s hydraulic health.

Maintaining your equipment’s hydraulic system is crucial for cost-effective and long-term machine performance. Doing so takes time and requires paying attention to small details. These details include fluid contamination, which is the leading cause of hydraulic system failure.

Hydraulic System Failures

A leading cause of all hydraulic system failures is fluid contamination. With earthmoving equipment, hydraulic failures due to fluid contamination pose an even greater threat because of constant exposure to dirt and debris.

Contamination comes in different forms and can enter a hydraulic system in many ways. Here are the��main contaminant forms��you’ll commonly find damaging hydraulics and causing systems to fail:

• Ingressed contamination: These contaminants are unavoidable if you’re working with earthmoving machinery. Your hydraulic system takes in dirt from the air, direct contact with mineral material and even organic pollution. To minimize ingress contaminant damage, you need to stay on top of your maintenance.
• Catalytic contamination:��Non-solid contaminants also threaten your hydraulic health. The main culprits are water and air, as well as heat stress. Water and air can contain microscopic contaminants, such as iron and copper, that react with particulates in hydraulic fluid and cause catalytic action and abrasion.
• Generated contamination:��This is a vicious cycle. Small contaminant particles work their way into bigger pieces. They grow over time, causing increased contamination that seriously affects your hydraulic system.
• Natural contamination:��Some fresh oil may contain contaminants, and contaminants naturally build up in your oil over time. To avoid this problem, always buy quality products from a reputable supplier and change your hydraulic fluid regularly.
• Built-in contamination:��Some contaminants are built right into your equipment. Trace matter from manufacturing is ever-present, and it’s completely unavoidable. Examples include manufacturing debris, assembly contamination, welding spatter, casting sand, paint dust and even cleaning rag fibers.

There are many contamination sources threatening your hydraulic components. Experiencing regular wear and tear is part of the heavy equipment industry. It’s part of your role as a machinery owner, operator or fleet manager to maintain your equipment and keep it operating as long as possible.

All hydraulic equipment has a calculated service life. Some components are designed to last until they’re obsolete. Others suffer premature failure, and the cause is usually a lack of��preventative��maintenance.

Some hydraulic failures are merely inconvenient. Others are disastrous. A successful preventative maintenance program can decrease your failure rate and the cost of any issues that do occur. Here are the three degrees of hydraulic failure that you’ll find in the heavy equipment industry:

1. Degradation failure:��All mechanical equipment degrades and fails eventually, including properly maintained hydraulics. The key to managing degradation failure is monitoring components and repairing or replacing them before they give out.
2. Transient failure:��Hydraulic component failures sporadically occur. When they do, they transfer stress onto other parts and raise the risk of their failure, too. This process is called transient or progressive breakdown.
3. Catastrophic failure:��Some hydraulic failures seem to happen without warning. A hose, for example, may suddenly burst and discharge gallons of oil. These unexpected breakages can result in expensive repair bills and downtime.

You can significantly reduce your hydraulic failure rate with a simple and straightforward preventative maintenance program. By following some simple steps, you can detect degradation failure in its early stages, delay transient failure events and avoid catastrophic failure. Start with routine hydraulic system maintenance and inspections.

Routine Hydraulic System Maintenance and Inspections

Preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your hydraulic systems active and dependable. Maintaining your hydraulics prevents early failure that happens without warning. Failure prevention reduces your repair costs, minimizes your unplanned downtime and supports your profitability.

Maintaining your equipment is an ongoing process and a continual commitment. You need to plan on a routine that includes pre- and post-operation inspections as well as regularly scheduled maintenance.��A well-balanced��preventative��maintenance (PM) program has two main parts:

• Problem prevention:��Maintaining your hydraulic system and preventing problems requires knowing your machine and what work it needs. You’ll find useful maintenance information in your owner’s manual. Take time to absorb what the engineers who designed your equipment want you to do.
• Problem correction:��Once you identify potential problems, make sure you take immediate corrective maintenance measures. Don’t wait to repair or replace a hydraulic part that’s showing defects. Failing to address a developing problem can result in a costly breakdown at the worst possible time.

To save time and money, it’s crucial to develop a routine preventive maintenance program for hose and hydraulic systems. Here are some tips for implementing such a plan:

• Define what the plan covers:��The first step in developing a routine maintenance plan is to define exactly what it will cover. Generally, all maintenance or inspection plans cover three aspects—routine scheduled maintenance, regular inspections and proactive parts replacement.
• Schedule inspections: The next step is to schedule your routine and preventive maintenance activities. Keep separate schedules for regular servicing, general inspections and parts replacements. Consult your owner’s manual and get expert advice from your dealer to learn how often to schedule preventive maintenance and inspection activities.
• Record maintenance activity:��Any and all inspections, servicing or maintenance activity should be recorded in a single location. If you own more than one piece of equipment, then each piece will need its own record. Recording service and inspection activity helps keep you accountable for preventive maintenance. It will also help to build the habit of prioritizing preventive maintenance and inspections.
• Designate a person in charge:��No preventive or routine maintenance plan is complete without appointing someone as responsible. Who is in charge of maintenance and inspections will depend on the size of the company, but it should always be whoever is most familiar with the equipment. Small businesses typically have the owner-operator or principal take on the responsibility of managing maintenance and inspections. Large companies typically employ a head technician to oversee maintenance activity.

Another aspect of an effective preventative maintenance program is analyzing the cause of any wear or defects. If you determine the cause of the problem, you’ll be better able to prevent similar issues in the future.

What to Look For and Knowing When to Replace Hydraulic Components

It can be challenging to determine when to replace a hydraulic component. Knowing what warning signs to look for can help. As you gain more experience in equipment maintenance, you’ll get better at noticing and interpreting these signals. Some of the��signs you need to look for include:

• Hydraulic oil discoloration:��If you see your hydraulic oil suddenly changing color, consider that a red flag. Some fluid discoloration as your oil ages is normal. However, a milky or bubbly appearance is a sign that water or air has contaminated your fluid. Immediately stop work until you’ve addressed this situation.
• Hydraulic oil leaks: Healthy hydraulic systems should never leak. If you see stains or liquid pooling, fix the cause of these drips as soon as possible. Little leaks have a way of becoming a big mess in no time.
• Hydraulic line deterioration: Any wear signs on your hydraulic lines is a signal to stop and fix them. That includes your whole hydraulic line sub-system of tubing, hoses, seals, connections and fittings. A worn component in this closed system can burst without any warning other than a slight bit of wear evidence.
• Hydraulic component fatigue: To find fatigued components, look for symptoms such as loosening and cracks. Remember that your hydraulic system operates under pressure and that fatigued parts rarely survive much pressure.
• Hydraulic component corrosion:��Rust is a mortal enemy of hydraulic systems. Moisture amplifies corrosion and can eat through your hydraulic system’s metal components quickly. Check your fasteners and connections for that reddish-brown sign that corrosion has started and is compromising your system’s integrity.
• Hydraulic system noise: All operating hydraulic systems emit noise. With experience, you’ll know what your healthy hydraulics sound like. You’ll also know when something sounds wrong and when something requires immediate attention.
• Hydraulic system smell: The smells related to your hydraulic system can help you detect trouble. Burnt oil and overheated components can be smelled right away. Immediately stop work and look to see what’s causing the smell.
• Hydraulic control change:��You or your operator will know something’s wrong when your hydraulic controls change their behavior. Your hydraulic controls are vibratory extensions that deliver constant signals to your hands and feet. Any unusual control pattern is a tap on your shoulder telling you to look into what component is acting up.

If you have experience with heavy equipment, you’ll know when something doesn’t look right. The trick is to constantly watch for problems — this is what your preventative maintenance plan is all about.

No matter how thorough your PM plan is, it’s easy to miss something. You might not see something when it’s right before your eyes. Here are some tips to help you find problems that you might not usually see and extend the life of your hydraulic system components.

Tips on Increasing Longevity with Hydraulic System Components

Increasing the longevity of your hydraulic system components is a core aim of any preventative maintenance and corrective measures program. Without question, staying on top of issues provides a tremendous return on your time and money investment. Look into these helpful tips, which are sure to increase your hydraulic component’s longevity.

Hydraulic pumps:

• Listen for unusual or sudden noise changes coming from the housing.
• Watch for vibrations developing in the pump drive and mounts.
• Inspect your hydraulic pump for excess temperature or high heat signs.

Hydraulic cylinders:

• Watch for rusty cylinder sleeves, which are a sure sign of moisture-induced corrosion.
• Store your machines with retracted cylinders if possible.
• Inspect cylinders for wear patterns that indicate side loading.

Hydraulic lines:

• Check metal tubing lines for loose fittings and couplings.
• Tighten leaky fittings before replacing or repairing them.
• Make sure seals are in good shape and not showing wear.

Hydraulic hoses:

• Check your flexible hoses for routing and kinks.
• Watch for blisters and immediately replace frayed hoses.
• Ensure your hoses are sized properly for their specific demand.

Hydraulic reservoirs:

• Always keep your hydraulic fluid reservoir topped off to limit condensation.
• Reservoirs can loosen from vibration, so always check the connections.
• Keep your reservoir sealed when in operation and only open it in clean conditions.

Hydraulic filters:

• Always purchase filters designed and intended for your specific system.
• Do not tempt fate by using inferior or “jobber” hydraulic fluid filters.
• Never, ever change your hydraulic oil without installing new filters.

Hydraulic fluid:

• Buy high-quality hydraulic fluid that made specifically for your system.
• Pay special attention to any suspicious substance that appears in your oil.
• Invest in regular��hydraulic fluid analysis��conducted in a certified laboratory.

Having a professional lab analyze your hydraulic fluid is an economical investment with high returns. Because hydraulic oil is your system’s lifeblood, you want to make sure it’s as healthy as possible. A thorough fluid analysis is a must-do maintenance measure that you can’t afford to miss.

Hydraulic Fluid Analysis

It’s more than a wise move to have your hydraulic fluid tested. It’s a no-brainer. This simple procedure done at regular intervals picks up minute contaminant traces that you couldn’t possibly otherwise detect. It’s also a low-cost operation with quick turnaround time.

Hydraulic fluid analysis gives you an immediate and early sign that you’re developing hydraulic problems. Getting a hydraulic health warning gives you time to schedule repairs without interrupting job flow. A fluid analysis also monitors positive indicators that give you the peace of mind that your equipment is healthy.

It’s an easy process to get your hydraulic fluid analyzed. You follow the prescribed collection directions, submit the oil to your lab and then receive the report. With an oil analysis, you can expect these tests:

• Oil wear rate analysis:��This test looks for trace metals or wear-element particles in your hydraulic fluid. Metal is a sure sign of component wear. It’s an indicator that you need to check for components that are wearing out.
• Oil cleanliness analysis:��Dirt is your oil’s worst enemy. A cleanliness analysis identifies mineral pollutants like dust, soot and chemical compounds hidden in your hydraulic fluid. This test tells you if changing oil is immediately required or if you have time left in this category.
• Oil condition analysis: There’s a difference between condition and cleanliness. A condition analysis can uncover impurities at the microscopic level. Even if your oil looks clean, these contaminants, which include oxidation, nitration and sulfur by-products, can still cause significant problems.

Your oil has to be clean to keep the rest of your hydraulic components happy and healthy. Cleanliness is just that important to hydraulic performance, and so is having a clean��hydraulic service��environment.

The Importance of a Clean Hydraulic Service Environment

Servicing your machine’s hydraulic system in the field is risky. An open and uncontrolled environment exposes all your hydraulic components to dust and dampness, which are notable threats to unprotected hydraulic components.

Your machinery will be far better off having its hydraulics��serviced in a shop. An enclosed shop at a professional dealership offers you superior hydraulic protection in a clean environment. You can’t possibly achieve clean-room conditions out in the field.

��������Ƭ Machinery knows how important cleanliness is for long-term hydraulic performance. Since 1945, when we opened our first Indiana Caterpillar dealership, we’re maintained a reputation for shop service that’s second to none. Although we do offer convenient field service��for Cat® heavy equipment, we strongly recommend you have your hydraulic systems serviced in a shop.

Preventative Maintenance for Hydraulic Components From ��������Ƭ Machinery

��������Ƭ Machinery is a full-service sales, maintenance and repair facility. We have the facilities, equipment and expertise needed to service all your hydraulics and perform your hydraulic hose maintenance in a clean environment. We also do hydraulic fluid tests and can evaluate your hydraulic system’s condition.

Contact ��������Ƭ Machinery today for full hydraulic services. Call us at 800-382-1896 or��reach out to us online.

Heavy equipment tires will need to be replaced over time. While you can maintain your tires to increase their lifespans, eventually, you will need to replace them with new tires. Learning about the benefits of versus aftermarket and new versus used will give you the information you need to find the best tires for your fleet. High-quality tires can improve your work crews’ productivity and efficiency.

Jump to Sections:

• How to Increase Tire Lifespan
• How to Maintain Equipment Tires
• When to Replace Tires
• Factors to Consider When Buying Tires
• Benefits of OEM Cat Tires

How to Increase Tire Lifespan

Increasing tire lifespan reduces your maintenance costs while keeping efficiency and productivity high. Proper maintenance is only one way to increase the lifespan of your tires and other accessories. Improperly operating equipment can lead to premature wear on tires or damage that will require repair or replacement.

1. Rotate Tires Correctly

Rotating tires on construction equipment has the same benefits as doing so on cars. Moving the tires to various positions changes how much wear the tread experiences and where it takes place. Tire rotation����to last longer.

here is no set number of use hours after which you should rotate your tires. However, during regular inspections, you will notice the front and rear wheels will develop differing wear patterns. As soon as you spot this, rotate the tires. Doing so prevents rapid erosion of a specific spot on the tires, extending the life of all four tires. When one set of tires starts to wear, it puts extra strain on the others, speeding up the time between replacements.

Taking the time to rotate tires reduces wear and prevents downtime caused by tire problems on the jobsite.

2. Do Not Exceed Rated Capacities

Check the tires’ rated load capacities and train operators never to handle more than their maximum weight. Standard equipment often prevents the tires from surpassing their load rating. However, with custom attachments that have higher carrying capacities, an operator could potentially use the equipment for heavier weights than the tires can handle.

If you have not done so already, train operators on the maximum loads their equipment tires can handle. Also, do not pair attachments with equipment if the loads carried will exceed the tires’ handling abilities.

Carrying or moving too much weight puts excessive strain on the tires, hastening their rate of wear. While using smaller attachments may take more time, it will still reduce the unexpected downtime from having to repair a tire in the middle of a shift.

3. Inflate Air-Filled Tires Properly

While not all equipment requires air-filled tires, those that do require proper inflation. Tire air pressure is so critical to operations that it is the top predictor of performance. Both underinflating and overinflating tires will negatively affect the tires’ lifespans.

You will����if inflation drops to 10% below its recommended level. When the inflation pressure measures 20% below the correct level,��, which occasionally leads to either a zipper rupture or catastrophic failure. Due to the likelihood of disaster with seriously underinflated tires, any that register 20% below the required pressure or more need immediate removal and scrapping. These tires may already have sustained damage.

Overinflating can also be detrimental to tire life. With 30% more air pressure than required in the tire,��. Under and over-inflating tires can lead to more than just faster wear. Either of these conditions can also����in the crown from rocks.

Look up the tire manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Each manufacturer may have different pressure requirements, which depend on the tire size, the equipment it pairs with and the design of the tire.

Inflating tires adequately also protects the operator and equipment. Not having the correct air pressure in the tires impacts the amount of stress the rest of the system undergoes. Tires function as part of the suspension system. Not having them inflated correctly can make the ride uncomfortable for the operator and increase the strain on the equipment. Both of these factors can affect productivity.

4. Avoid Rough Terrain and Obstacles

Operating equipment in wet or hot conditions can cause the tires to wear much faster than in dry, cool weather. When wet, operators must avoid sharp objects and rough terrain. Compared to a dry tire,��, such as cuts, during use. Train operators to avoid using equipment in wet weather or to restrict their driving to smooth surfaces.

Heat also poses a problem during use. Pavement can reach scorching temperatures, surpassing the temperature of the air. When driving equipment in 120-degree Fahrenheit weather, the tires deposit rubber with each rotation. Excessive use of loaders in these conditions can significantly wear down tires, reducing their lifespan.

For some tires, driving over paved roadways can lead to premature wear. For example, skid steer loaders typically have tires for off-road only use. Driving these loaders on paved roadways or surfaces for extended periods����than if the loader stayed off the road.

5. Protect Tires From the Elements

Whether stored separately or on a vehicle, keep tires in a dry, cool location.����and never stack them. Keep the tires protected from rain, snow, ice and direct sun. Ozone sources can also damage stored tires. Avoid using arc-welders and mercury vapor light bulbs around tire storage areas.

6. Track Tire Use

Tracking your tires’ usage does not require high-tech equipment. Use a basic chart to keep tabs of how many hours your tires last, what equipment you install them on and the causes of their failures. Over time, you will see trends that will help you make changes to optimize your tire use. For example, excessive tire replacements due to stones causing deep cuts in the rubber could indicate too much debris on the site or equipment driving through rubble piles where they should not go. Changing the situations and behaviors that cause frequent tire failures in your fleet will increase the lives of the remaining tires you use.

Maintain Tires

Proper maintenance ensures your tires stay in top condition. The regular inspections conducted during maintenance chores ensure you never have a bad tire on a piece of equipment. Bad tires cause delays in work until the loader has a replacement installed on it. To keep your jobsite running smoothly, take care of all equipment tires, so your fleet rides on only the best.

1. Keep Tires Clean

After every shift, clean off the tires as much as possible. Road salt, mud and other substances can contribute to faster tire wear. Using soap and water to remove potentially wearing products can help keep your tires lasting longer.

A quick rinse of the tires also helps during tire inspections. Unless the operator can see the tires, he or she cannot spot problems such as debris, holes, bubbles and cracks. A layer of mud or dirt over the tire may hide these until the tire begins to fail from the unseen damage.

2. Verify Tire Alignment

Look over the tires for proper alignment. Hitting debris could knock the steering out of alignment, which affects the direction the tires point. Improper alignment causes uneven tire wear.

During regular servicing of the equipment, check for wheel alignment and uneven wear on tires that could indicate bent steering components.

3. Maintain Correct Air Pressure

Maintaining correct air pressure helps to lengthen the lifespans of tires, but it should also be an essential part of their regular service and maintenance. For tires not attached to the vehicles, never add or remove air from them if they are not��. Do not stand behind the tires during inflation. Remain at the side to avoid injury.

Conduct����daily for frequently used equipment. For less frequently used tires, check the air pressure weekly.

4. Use the Correct Tire Size for Equipment and Application

When selecting tires for construction, choose tires designed for the equipment and application. Different treads are ideal for different terrains, and different tire sizes fit specific loaders. For example, you have����intended for working on hard surfaces. Smooth treads do not wear as quickly but offer little traction. Rib patterns supply little ground clearance but provide necessary traction on road surfaces.

Your choice between pneumatic and solid tires also depends on the terrain and use. Pneumatic tires offer��, but they wear out more quickly and require frequent airchecks. Solid tires have smooth surfaces that last much longer than pneumatic tires, but these do not offer as much traction and make the ride more uncomfortable.

Alternatives, such as Cat Flexport^™ tires, can combine the best of both types. These tires offer����and a puncture-proof design��that make them useful in a wide variety of terrains. They’re long-lasting like solid tires and improve rider comfort like pneumatic tires do. Flexport wheel loader and skid steer tires provide the best of both worlds.

5. Inspect Tires and Rims Daily

Each day, regular maintenance must include checking the tires and rims. During the tire inspection, look for debris and signs of damage. Look out for the following problems:

• Stone drilling
• Cracks
• Cuts
• Uneven wear
• Bubbles
• Bumps
• Sealing valve caps in place
• Missing bolts
• Cracked studs
• Bent rim

If you spot any of these problems in a tire, replace the tire and rim before the equipment goes back out onto the worksite. Continuing to use a tire with any of the above flaws could lead to a loss in efficiency or significant injury on the jobsite.

Know When to Replace Tires

Even with the best tire maintenance and careful use, you will eventually need to replace the tires on your equipment. Look for these signs of worn tires that require replacement. Knowing the right time to replace tires will save you money and increase your productivity. If you replace tires too soon, you will waste money, but changing them too late puts operators at risk of falling behind on work and having accidents.

1. Tires Used While Underinflated

You must replace tires that are underinflated����if an operator used the tire on a vehicle. Putting such tires under stress increases the chances of potentially dangerous failure. Instead of risking a lost load or another catastrophe from a failed tire, replace any severely underinflated tires before their equipment returns to work.

2. Loss of Tread

Your worksite conditions will dictate how much tread your tires need. As the tires wear down, the tread will reach a critical level where an operator cannot properly control the equipment. Once tires lose enough tread to become dangerous in your worksite’s conditions, replace them.

3. Flat Tires

A flat tire will not supply enough support, nor will it offer suitable handling for the operator. Replace any flat tires on equipment. If an operator notices a flat or visibly low tire, he or she should return the equipment for service. Train operators to never work with this type of tire defect. Repairing the tire may restore its shape, but that quick fix will only last for a short while before the tire loses air again. Replacing flat tires is the best option to protect your fleet from unexpected tire failures.

Factors to Consider When Buying Tires

Do not buy the cheapest tires you can find. Doing so puts you at risk of having to purchase replacement tires more often. Cheap tires can also affect your fleet’s efficiency on the jobsite. Do not let price be your only deciding factor.

You pair the tires with the equipment and the work you need to have done, so why would you put any less thought into buying tires for your fleet. You have options that include Cat tires and aftermarket as well as new and used. To get the most life from your tires, use those recommended for the equipment, which for Cat products will be new Cat tires. Here’s why these tires stand out from the rest.

1. Benefits of Cat Tires vs. Aftermarket

offer several advantages you won’t find with other brands. No other company makes Flexport tires, which blend the best of solid and pneumatic tires into long-lasting alternatives that pair well with Cat equipment.

What sets Flexport tires apart from other brands is their unique construction. Engineers with the Caterpillar��company designed these tires from the ground up to offer improved performance for skid steers and wheel loaders. The tires feature����that are stronger than the circular gaps found on other tire brands.

The ports improve the ride comfort for the operator, while puncture-proof design and an all-in-one tire and rim construction enhance the strength and longevity of the tire. With����to match your needs, you can find the ideal type of Flexport skid steer or wheel loader tires for your worksite.

Smooth surface tires are the best choice when you have equipment in a landfill, demolition site or recycling center where debris could block the treads of other tire types.

Deeper construction treads improve handling in rugged terrain. If you have smaller equipment that can easily maneuver through a busy worksite, you can use Flexport tires with construction treads. These tires grip the ground well, whether using the equipment on sand, turf or soil.

Off-road tires have block-shaped tread. These tires have the traction to manage off-road applications. The block shape of these tires’ treads, though, works best when not used in areas with excessive debris. Refuse from a construction site or garbage from a landfill could block the treads, reducing the tires’ traction and handling.

Do not worry about carrying heavy loads or full buckets while using equipment with these tires. The elliptical ports can hold up to even the heaviest loads, as long as you do not exceed the maximum tire capacity rating. The ports do not collapse, so these tires have fewer stress points than those with circular ports. You get tires that last longer than aftermarket options.

While tough, the ports also offer ride cushioning for the operator. Because they won’t feel excessive vibrations during the shift, operators can work longer between breaks. More comfortable operators can work harder and longer, helping your project to stay on schedule.

If you cannot decide between aftermarket and Cat tires, consider the benefits you lose when you choose aftermarket tires. While you might save a few dollars, the tires won’t last as long, and you might compromise rider comfort. Both situations cut into your worksite’s productivity. Choose the tires made for your Cat equipment and replace your worn tires with those from the Cat Flexport line.

2. Benefits of New Tires vs. Used Tires

When you know that you need replacement tires for your equipment, you might think buying used tires will save money. Just like buying aftermarket tires for your Cat equipment, you will not actually save money over time. You must carefully consider the downsides to used tires when making your tire selection.

You cannot definitively know the quality of used tires. Even well-restored tires can have slightly worn tread and matching exact levels of wear becomes difficult. Having even wear on all your equipment tires ensures expected performance.

Never mix tires of different treads, wear levels or sizes on your equipment. Each piece of equipment on your worksite has specific requirements for the tires under it. Using a mixture of tires puts the equipment at an uneven angle and does not support the load or operator as needed.����to the equipment due to improper traction or support.

Used tires already have hours of wear on them. You will need to replace them more regularly than new tires. Also, consider any warranties available.����on them, ensuring you get the highest quality parts. The warranty covers any workmanship or material defects in the tires, which have construction that meets the exacting standards for all Cat equipment.

When you cannot decide between new and used tires, consider how many more hours new tires will give you. The extra time becomes even more important when your worksite covers rugged terrain that can wear out tires quickly. Well-made, new Cat tires will keep your equipment running, which ensures your crews can get their jobs done on time.

Discover How New Cat Tires Can Improve Your Worksite’s Productivity

When you need new tires, partner with a company that specializes in providing you with both heavy equipment and the tires you need for it. Visit any of our����������Ƭ Machinery locations in Indiana or Michigan’s lower peninsula. Our vast selection of parts and equipment includes Cat components and more. We also offer unparalleled customer service throughout your experience, from your first contact with us��to long after your purchase.

Let us help you get the tires your fleet needs. With the right tires, your operators can get more done during each shift, boosting your site’s total efficiency.��Contact us��for more information about or getting any other Cat parts for your equipment.

Jump to Sections:

• Selecting The Right Tracks
• Factors Affecting Undercarriage Wear
• Proper Track Operation
• Daily Undercarriage Inspections
• Adjusting Track Tension
• Cleaning Undercarriages
• Track & Shoe Size
• Undercarriage Preventive Maintenance

Heavy equipment that crawls on tracks is a large and important investment. Your undercarriage system accounts for��. In contrast, your undercarriage accounts for around 50% of your maintenance budget. To get the most of your equipment investment, proper undercarriage preventative maintenance is essential.

There’s more to undercarriage maintenance than performing a routine undercarriage inspection. The two primary undercarriage management principles are keep it clean and maintain the appropriate tension. Beyond these key points, there are a number of factors that can impact the wear of your equipment over time, including your application, the terrain, operator techniques and using the right tracks for your job.

Select the Right Tracks for Your Work

Earthmoving equipment technology continues to advance and evolve. Today’s equipment is much more dependable and durable than excavators, dozers and compact track loaders of the past. Now you have an excellent selection of track options, and the key to a successful operation is selecting the right ones for your unique needs.

There is no such thing as a universal track, because the conditions where you operate your�����ܾ��賾��Գ� can vary widely. You’ll experience everything from soft sand or muck to track-chewing rock and demolition debris.

Engineers design equipment tracks to displace weight effectively. Track-equipped equipment has a far smaller footprint or a lower ground pressure than wheeled equipment, and they also have more traction. However, tracks can be hard on some surfaces, and this is why leading equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar��let you select from these two track material options:

1. Steel tracks:��Most large equipment like hydraulic excavators and dozers use steel track for propulsion, traction and stability. There’s no substitute for metal tracks when it comes to durability. Steel is strong and long-lasting.��However, steel tracks can tear up your work surfaces and cause damage. Metal pads with steel grousers are made to cut into the ground so they can propel your equipment and let it do what it’s designed for. If you have more sensitive applications, you may want to look at the rubber alternative.
2. Rubber tracks:��You’ll rarely find rubber tracks on large-scale equipment. Rubber is a highly flexible material, and it can be tough when necessary. However, there’s a limit to what you can expect rubber tracks to support.��If you’re working on soft ground like turf or finished surfaces like concrete, you’re wise to select rubber tracks. You’ll still have great support and control, but you won’t be as prone to collateral damage. Rubber tracks are ideal for small-sized excavators and compact track loaders where you need a light footprint.

Whether you’re running on rubber or steel, you’re still going to have the vital undercarriage support you need. Your undercarriage components let you crawl, turn and stay upright. They also give your tracks alignment and the right amount of tension balance to let your equipment work without fail.

While your steel or rubber tracks might be reliable within their designed life span, your undercarriage is always vulnerable. The undercarriage is a complicated system of moving parts, and it requires special attention to prevent failure. Undercarriage failure can be catastrophic and very expensive to repair.

Preventing failure is what your undercarriage maintenance program is all about. You must pay close attention to your undercarriage parts as well as what your tracks tell you. An important part of your program is understanding the factors affecting undercarriage wear and what you can do to prevent premature wear-out.

Factors Affecting Undercarriage Wear

All undercarriage components naturally wear out over time, and they have limited service expectancy.

Undercarriage wear doesn’t have a specific time limit. Although you measure service life in operating hours, there is no set rate for how long your�����ܾ��賾��Գ�’s��undercarriage will last. Component lifespan greatly depends on a variety of factors you’ll experience on your job sites. Here are the main factors affecting undercarriage wear:

• Application:��This factor refers to the type of job you are using your equipment to complete. Applications have an enormous impact on the stress and strain placed on your parts. Typical site applications include excavating or trenching, dozing or pushing, ripping, loading, carrying and grading.��Some applications place more strain on your undercarriage than others. The key factor is the torque transferred from your power component through your drive system. As a rule, the more torque required for the job, the more wear you’ll place on your undercarriage.
• Terrain:��You can rarely control the terrain your equipment faces. Usually, your equipment is there to change the terrain. It has to work within preset conditions, and some of those conditions can test your undercarriage limits.��Terrain wear on your undercarriage comes from working on hills, slopes, crowns and depressions. It’s the resistance force your undercarriage experiences from changing terrain that can really wear your components.
• Underfoot:��Along with challenging terrain is the underfoot conditions your undercarriage experiences. Your tracks take the front line of abuse from abrasive rocks and harsh debris. Your tracks then transmit underfoot material into your undercarriage, causing wear.��Underfoot conditions like sand might seem soft and easy on your tracks, whether they’re rubber or steel. However, sand is very abrasive, and it grinds away at moving undercarriage parts, causing high wear and shortened life. The trick to undercarriage survival from underfoot threat is constant cleaning.
• Operation:��Application, terrain and underfoot conditions aren’t the only threats to your undercarriage. Plenty of wear comes from how your equipment is operated. Aggressive operation is a big factor affecting undercarriage wear.

You can easily prevent unnecessary undercarriage wear by training your operators to run equipment responsibly. You can also minimize operator wear by monitoring them. This intervention alone can save you a lot of money in undercarriage upkeep and repair bills.

Proper Track Equipment Operation

Most equipment operators don’t intend to do harm. Operator harm often comes from inexperience or lack of proper training. The main mistakes you’ll find operators making that wear out�����ܾ��賾��Գ���undercarriages include:

• Operating aggressively to get the job done quickly
• Traveling too fast for site conditions or the designated speed limit
• Placing excavation force on the rear drive sprocket instead of front idlers
• Digging from the equipment’s side and placing cross tension on undercarriages
• Slipping or spinning the tracks in soft underfoot and terrain conditions
• Turning the equipment continuously in one direction and not alternating turns
• Traveling in reverse unnecessarily, which places wrong-directional force on drives
• Operating on grades and slopes instead of leveling equipment to equalize force

Every movement your undercarriage makes causes some wear on the components. But even though parts are expected to wear and be replaced, it doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to prolong their lifespans. The effort you put into educating your operators and having them become part of your undercarriage maintenance program will reward you. One of the main steps your people can take is to perform daily undercarriage inspections.

Daily Undercarriage Inspections

If your equipment operators have a personal stake in your fleet, they’re much more likely to treat it right. They’ll pay attention to proper operating procedures like avoiding side-stress on undercarriages and not placing excavation force on your rear drives. They’ll travel at sufficient speeds to work productively but slow enough to save wear on components.

Your operators are the closest to your�����ܾ��賾��Գ�, and they’re excellent sources for early warnings when trouble begins to happen. Encourage your operators to report potential problems immediately. Chances are they’ve usually spotted the issue though a daily undercarriage inspection.

Performing daily undercarriage inspections is one of the best preventive maintenance measures your team can take. Inspections don’t take much time, but they have long-term payoffs. Here are the main points to check when you’re doing a daily undercarriage inspection:

• Stand back and have a general look to identify anything that appears out of place.
• Walk a circle around your equipment before looking at individual parts.
• Look for oil leakage or any unnatural wetness that may be dripping down.
• Give a further look to leaking seals or damaged grease fittings.
• Check sprockets for teeth wear and bolts that are backing off.
• Inspect your idlers, guide plates, rollers and links for loose or missing parts.
• Watch your undercarriage frames for signs of stress cracking.
• Check the undercarriage rails and look for indentation wear.

Your undercarriage isn’t the only part of your equipment��to check in a daily inspection. Your tracks are also important to keep an eye on. Track problems are often early indicators of issues caused by undercarriage problems. Here’s what to inspect on your tracks daily:

• Correct any cracked, broken or loose shoes and replace missing shoes immediately.
• Check for track tension and follow the tolerances set in your equipment manual.
• Watch for track alignment that shows an inward or outward travel tendency.
• Inspect shoe wear on leading and trailing edges as well as traction bar wearing.
• Start your equipment and slowly spin each track while monitoring performance.
• Look for any cracking or fraying if you have rubber tracks.
• Examine steel tracks for corrosion or metal fatigue.

Your tracks have an enormous influence on your overall undercarriage performance. Most�����ܾ��賾��Գ���manufacturers and operators consider tracks a slightly separate entity from true undercarriage components like sprockets, drives, links, rollers and idlers. Both tracks and undercarriage assemblies are technically separate systems, but each one supports the other.

Whether you have rubber or steel tracks, they need daily inspections and proper maintenance. Your undercarriage needs low wear and freely moving parts to perform well, and that starts with making sure you adjust the track tension.

Adjusting Track Tension

Having the right track tension is critical for long-lasting life in your undercarriage system. Track tension needs to be a perfect balance of not-too-tight and not-too-loose. This can be tricky to achieve, and proper track tension depends on certain factors.

If your tracks are tight, they’ll place unnecessary resistance on all your undercarriage components. Every moving and stationary part of your undercarriage will be stressed. That leads to early wear and costly repairs.

If your tracks are too loose, they’ll also place stress on your undercarriage. Loose tracks will wander and go out of alignment, placing side stresses on your system. As with being too tight, loose tracks wear out your undercarriage and can cost you.

Setting the right track tension depends on a variety of factors. Track tension is a matter of specific�����ܾ��賾��Գ���design, individual track type and actual working conditions. These are the main factors concerning track tension:

• Track type:��Steel or rubber manufacturing materials
• Equipment size:��Large hydraulic excavator or small multi terrain loader
• Underfoot conditions:��Soft sand or hard rock terrain
• Environmental influences:��High or low temperatures and seasonal variances

Setting your track tension to get the best performance from your undercarriage can be an art of its own. Track tension is equipment-specific but it has an important influence on your undercarriage wear. The best step you can take is referring to your original equipment manufacturer’s manual like those that come with your Cat^®�����ܾ��賾��Գ�.

You’ll likely come across the word “sag” when you’re investigating how to set your track tension. Sag is the dip or drop you’ll see in your track at the upper plane where it’s not affected by ground compression. Your manufacturer will have a sag guide table that gives ideal tolerances for track tension.

You’ll find a lot of variance in track tension tolerances. Big excavators with standard sprocket designs and large steel tracks have different sag rates than rubber-equipped compact track loaders with elevated sprocket designs. When in doubt about track tensions, always contact your equipment dealer for professional advice.

Professional advice from a reputable dealer will save you a lot of headaches when it comes to undercarriage issues. They know��the tension tolerances needed for top performance and will always advise you of the most important rule in undercarriage maintenance — keep it clean.

Cleaning Undercarriages

Cleaning your undercarriage is the simplest and safest way to make your undercarriage last as long as possible. Your undercarriage is a complex system of moving parts that can break down when it gets too dirty. Regular cleaning is undercarriage management 101.

It might take a lot of effort to clean your undercarriage components��properly, but it’s worth your time.��What cleaning is necessary depends on what application you’ve put your tracked�����ܾ��賾��Գ���through, what terrain you’ve operated it in and what underfoot conditions you’ve moved your tracks through. What’s deposited into your undercarriage assembly is a by-product of work. It’s also a mess that has to come out.

Cleaning your undercarriage is an ongoing event. It’s best to get it done and over with right at the end of each shift. It’s not wise to let a dirty undercarriage sit overnight. In warm weather, gunk can dry and harden. In cold times, it’ll freeze and bind. Either way, it’s going to be a lot harder to clean your undercarriage later than sooner.

Dirty undercarriages lead to a number of problems over time. Built-up debris will jam your moving parts and can cause components to snap under protest. Grit also leads to abrasion and premature wear. You’ll also have lower fuel efficiency where there is resistance from clogged tracks and stuck undercarriage parts. Here are some undercarriage cleaning tips to help your preventative maintenance program:

• Use a power washer, if possible, to blast debris from undercarriage parts.
• Use a specially designed track spade to dig out rocks and mud clumps.
• Use a basic hose at the very least to wash components and free-up grit.
• Use compressed air to shoot into your undercarriage assembly.
• Use the track-spinning method to force materials from your�����ܾ��賾��Գ� centrifugally.

Whatever undercarriage cleaning method you try, make sure you stick with it��regularly. Clean undercarriages are long-living assemblies, and they’ll save you a lot of time and money. Cleaning is extremely important for your overall undercarriage preventive maintenance plan.

Track Size and Shoe Importance

It’s always important to bring up track and shoe size when talking about undercarriage maintenance. Having the proper track width and shoe size for your task has a big effect on performance. If your track and shoe combination is oversized, the unnecessary weight and bulk will wear your undercarriage components. If your track and shoe assembly is too small, your flotation rate will suffer, and so will your undercarriage.

The��rule to follow is always��. You still want adequate flotation for your terrain and underfoot conditions, but you don’t want to exceed the optimum rate. An oversized track and shoe assembly can cause these undercarriage issues:

• Increased sprocket and busing wear
• Increased wear on flanges, idlers, rollers and links
• Loose pins and shoe hardware
• Track joint life reduction
• Broken shoes and track with failed undercarriage components

Using proper-sized tracks and shoes is an important measure in the fight to keep your undercarriage alive as long as you can. So is keeping your undercarriage clean and always having the proper track tension adjusted for your application. Preventive maintenance is essential for several reasons.

Undercarriage Preventive Maintenance Importance

There are many steps in the undercarriage maintenance process that are essential for ensuring our equipment is at peak performance. Cleaning your undercarriage regularly and adjusting your track tension certainly vital. Lubricating moving parts and replacing components when it’s time are very important as well. Daily inspections also compete for top prevention priority.

Failing to maintain your�����ܾ��賾��Գ�’s undercarriage is a guarantee to have your equipment fail early. Unfortunately, undercarriages are wear items on all�����ܾ��賾��Գ���like dozers, excavators and track loaders. But they don’t have to wear out and fail any sooner than necessary.

Undercarriage failure costs are expensive. In addition to repair bills, equipment failures due to poor undercarriage maintenance cost you in job site downtime. They can also cost you in business reputation.

Your reputation, site time and bottom line don’t have to cost you due to undercarriage failure. If you properly maintain your tracked equipment, it will reward you with profitable service for a long time. Consider also partnering with an equipment dealer who knows the value you’ll get with an undercarriage preventive maintenance program.

Video Transcription

Hey, I’m Dave with today’s Quick Tip and I’m here to help you make the most of your investment.

Make inspecting your undercarriage a part of your daily routine.

Look for cracks and damage to the tracks.

Remove excess amounts of dirt and large debris from your undercarriage.

Concrete, rocks and even hardened mud or dirt can increase the fraction your track experiences which will cause wear and may even cause the track to fall off.

Manually extract large items and the occasional power washing will help keep your undercarriage in good shape.

You should also look for loose hardware and oil leaks.

Know the grease points on your specific model.

It is important to grease them daily to lubricate the bushings on your undercarriage frames.

Proper greasing also helps push dirt out.

Tracks should not be too loose or too tight.

Refer to your operation and maintenance manual on the proper tension test procedures for your machine’s specific undercarriage.

Different styles of undercarriage have different tensioning procedures.

The proper track tension will extend the life of your undercarriage.

So remember, for healthy machine undercarriages apply these three simple rules: keep it clean, keep it greased, and keep it tensioned.

Consult your operation and maintenance manuals for more information.

That’s been today’s Quick Tip. Thanks for watching.

Partner With ��������Ƭ Machinery for Undercarriage Maintenance

At ��������Ƭ Machinery, we know how valuable your tracked�����ܾ��賾��Գ���is. We realize undercarriage maintenance and servicing account for a large chunk of your overall maintenance budget. We want to help you spread your business costs over a long time, and we know that proper undercarriage attention is vital to you.

If your run tracks in Indiana or Michigan’s lower peninsula, partner with ��������Ƭ��Machinery��for long-term undercarriage management and care. We have the��undercarriage service��you need to keep your Cat tracks turning and making you a high return on your investment.

Contact ��������Ƭ Machinery today for your undercarriage management solutions. Call us at (317) 545-2151 or��contact us online.

1. Research

You wouldn’t buy a new car without researching its pros and cons. The same rules should apply to heavy equipment. Start by comparing the cost of renting against the cost of buying. Consider, too, how often you’ll be using the equipment. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re using something more than , renting is no longer cost-effective and you’d be better off buying. Renting, on the other hand, is ideal for specialized pieces that are only used for specific tasks.��

This step also requires you to analyze your equipment to work on eliminating waste. Consider adopting some lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste in all areas — even time. Gather data on how much time and profit you stand to gain and use that to make your decisions.��

Each piece’s operational manual is a great source of information that can help you reduce equipment costs, from recommendations for usage to recommended maintenance schedules. At the same time, you’ll want to keep in-depth and accurate records of all your projects so you can analyze how your equipment is performing throughout its life.��

2. Training

Until jobsite autonomy becomes more commonplace, employees will be a necessary part of the process. Make sure you’re training everyone to use the equipment properly. Monitoring them on a day-to-day basis can help you reinforce good practices and spot problem areas that might need improvement. During their first month on the job, workers�� to experience an injury or accident than their more experienced colleagues.��

Ensure that your entire team knows where to find any pertinent information for the equipment they’re using so nothing is overlooked. On average, construction crews spend on nonproductive activities, such as perusing operational manuals and looking for project information.��

3. Downtime

Most machines aren’t designed to be used 24 hours a day. Instead of trying to force more uptime out of a piece of equipment — potentially leading to damage or premature failure — focus on lower-priority projects that don’t require the use of heavy equipment. Investing in machines that get good fuel economy helps you make the most of your workday, so you don’t stress about downtime as much.��

Take a close look at your fleet and figure out which pieces of equipment are overused, which are underused and which spend a lot of time idling. Idle time doesn’t just impact productivity — it also uses up engine warranty hours and can get you in trouble with your state’s environmental protection agency. Auto-idle systems can help cut fuel consumption.��

4. Preventive Maintenance

Daily inspections of every piece of equipment might seem time-consuming, but it’s a key part of keeping your fleet running and reducing costs. The goal of preventive maintenance is to fix small problems before something goes wrong. Note what condition your machinery is in when you receive it, and take notes daily. This makes it easier to track and prevent problems before they develop.��

Invest in good parts, and commit to a regular maintenance schedule rather than waiting for something to break. If something new comes out that could help extend the lifespan of your equipment, don’t hesitate to install it.

5. Professional Help

Seeking professional help when you’re endeavoring to reduce equipment costs is nothing to be ashamed of. Consider investing in analysis and recommendations from equipment professionals. When looking for new machinery, choose a dealer that offers regular fluid and parts checks. This might be rolled into the cost of your equipment, but will save you quite a bit in the long run.��

An experienced professional can help you avoid the need for repairs later. Take the time to build a strong relationship with a dealership you trust.��

Reducing Equipment Costs Involves the Entire Team

When it comes down to it, reducing equipment costs will involve the entire team, from the owners making purchases to the employees using it on the job. You don’t have to make big changes to reduce costs. Little things, like researching your purchases before you make them and committing to preventive maintenance, can make a world of difference.��

A message from Chris ��������Ƭ, President and CEO of ��������Ƭ Machinery, in recognition of the company’s 75th anniversary.

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Chris ��������Ƭ, President and CEO of ��������Ƭ, your friendly neighborhood Caterpillar dealer.

On June 2, 1945 E.W. ��������Ƭ journeyed to Peoria, Illinois to sign a sales and service agreement with Caterpillar Tractor Company. He gave up the Allis Chalmers line and ��������Ƭ was born. His decision to switch manufacturers demonstrated good judgement, because Allis Chalmers is gone.

E.W. was a crackerjack salesman and a loyal, caring employer who looked after his people. He was a man of great integrity and strong character. He was also very good with customers and treated them so well that they returned, over and over. These qualities framed the culture of his early organization. His son P.E. amplified those qualities and they continue to shape how ��������Ƭ and Michigan Cat folks think, act, and work today.

As the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s appropriate to recognize those of you who have made it what it is.

To all of my teammates, I say thank you for your dedication to the business, your hard work and your good results. To all of our customers, I also say thank you for your business and your trust. I hope we have earned both, and pledge that we will continue to do so. And to our loyal suppliers, especially Caterpillar, thank you for your confidence, the terrific products and services you provide and your partnership over the years. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to work with all of you. And I hope we can continue to do so and reach that magic 100-year mark!