2008/08/11 Caterpillar

Mini Hydraulic Excavator:

303.5C (S/N: DMY1-UP)

303C (S/N: BXT1-UP)

304C (S/N: FPK1-UP)

305C (S/N: HWJ1-UP)

Description of Change: The left side post on machines with a cab has been strengthened. An internal plate has been added in order to strengthen the mounting for the grab handle.

On earlier machines, cracks can occur at the mounting location for the top end of the grab handle. The location of possible cracks is shown in Illustration 1. Typical cracks are shown in Illustration 2.

Illustration 1	g01622125
Location of the upper mounting of the grab handle

Illustration 2	g01622126
Typical cracks

Adaptable To: The change is effective with the following machines:

Table 1

Adaptability and Effectivity for the Improved Mounting Locations of the Grab Handle
Model	Adaptability	Effectivity
303C	S/N:BXT1-3801	S/N:BXT3802-UP
303.5C	S/N:DMY1-2733	S/N:DMY2734-UP
304C	S/N:FPK1-5328	S/N:FPK5329-UP
305C	S/N:HWJ1-3210	S/N:HWJ3211-UP

A field repair is available to repair the cracks in the front, left side post of the cab. Then, two small plates are welded to the post at locations of the top mounting hole and the bottom mounting hole for the grab handle. The plates must be fabricated locally.

The procedure for the repair is described in Special Instruction, REHS4596.

This repair does not adversely affect the structural strength of the cab.