Technical Analysis (TA1) Visual Inspection for Track-Type Tractors {0372, 1000, 7000, 753S, 7565} Caterpillar

Track-Type Tractor

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Introduction

Inspections are the most basic form of condition monitoring. They are easy to do and surprisingly effective at helping you spot equipment health issues. Proactive monitoring and analysis of equipment information will allow Dealers to effectively intervene before problems occur.

Note: Before adjusting product settings to comply with listed baseline TA1 values, consult SIS for the latest specification values.

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TA1 Visual Inspection

1.0 Prepare Machine Inspection

Refer to "1.0 Inspection Preparation" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing machine inspection preparation.

2.0 Lower-Level Inspection

Refer to "2.0 Lower-Level Inspections" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing machine inspection preparation.

3.0 Middle-Level Inspection

Refer to "3.0 Middle-Level Inspections" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing machine inspection preparation.

4.0 Upper-Level Inspection

Refer to "4.0 Upper-Level Inspections" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing machine inspection preparation.

5.0 Implement/Attachment Inspection

Refer to "5.0 Implement/Attachment Inspections" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing machine inspection preparation.

6.0 Site Conditions

Inspection Reference

Inspection Benefits:

• Minimizes downtime through scheduled maintenance

• Locates potential problems

• Finds overlooked problems

• Enables scheduled maintenance and repairs

• Lowers owning and operating costs

Guidelines

Wiring Harness Inspection Guidelines

Check for:

• Tubes, hoses, and wiring harnesses rubbing against:

- One another

- Sharp corners

- Bolt heads

• Tubes, hoses, and wiring harnesses not properly secured

- Missing clips and/or wire ties

- O-clips not attached

Harness Connector Inspection Guidelines

Check for connectors:

• Not properly secured in place

• Rubbing against machine frame

• Rubbing against sharp edges

Implement Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines

Check for:

• Loose or broken flange mounting bolt

• Elongated bolt hole in flange (hole is located behind pin retaining bolt)

• Loose or missing pin retainer bolts

• Irregular shaped pin bores

Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines:

Check for:

• Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder lip seal

• Oil leaks at hose connections

• Damage to cylinder rods

• Damage or wear to linkage pins (refer to “Pin Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure)

1.0 Inspection Preparation

1.1 Check with customer for operator complaints

1.2 Prepare the machine for the inspection

• Park the machine in a level place clear free of personnel and obstacles

• Put the transmission in neutral

• Apply the parking brake

• Lower the work tools to the ground

• Turn the engine start switch to the “OFF” position and remove the key

1.3 Perform safety/preparatory inspection

• Make sure no one is underneath the machine, around the machine, or on the machine. Be sure that the area is free of personnel.

• Walk around the machine and inspect underneath the machine for visible signs of fluid leaks.

• Check the engine oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, and coolant levels. If necessary, add oil or coolant to reach the minimum level for each system.

1.4 Download machine fault codes

• Download machine fault codes using either of these methods:

- Electronic Technician (ET)

- Advisor (where available)

1.5 Check Product Link (https://productsupportglobalcontent.cat.com/cda/files/712700/7/Product%20Link%20Dealer%20Validation.pdf)

• Is machine equipped with Product Link

• Is Product Link activated

• Is Product Link functioning properly

1.6 Observe engine exhaust colors

• Start the machine and observe exhaust colors:

- White smoke after initial startup could indicate coolant in the engine cylinder

- Blue smoke during startup may indicate oil in the engine cylinder

- Continuous black smoke could indicate an improper air/fuel mixture

- Continuous gray smoke may indicate a fuel timing problem

1.7 Listen for unusual noises

• Excessive noise coming from hydraulic pump could indicate either:

- Pump cavitation

- A loose or failed bearing

• Excessive noise coming from engine compartment could indicate:

- Fuel injector damage

- Engine bearing damage

- Valve train damage

• Excessive noise coming from the transmission could indicate:

- Pump cavitation

- A loose or failed bearing

- Clutch disc or gear damage

• Excessive noise coming from the differentials/final drives and drive train could indicate:

- Gear damage

- A loose or failed bearing

2.0 Lower-Level Inspections

2.1 Final Drive and Sprocket Inspection

• Check final drives for leaks in the following areas:

- Sealing surface between the axle cover and the final drive cover

- Sealing surface between the final drive cover and the ring gear

- Duo-cone seal located behind the sprocket

- Drain and fill plugs

• Inspect the sprockets for:

- Broken or chipped teeth

- Sharp edges on sprocket teeth which indicate excessive sprocket wear

- Loose or missing sprocket mounting bolts

2.2 Carrier Roller Inspection

Check for:

• Loose, missing, or damaged mounting bolts

• Excessive wear on the surface where the track link rides on the carrier roller

• Oil leakage in the following areas:

- On the sealing surface between the front cover and the roller

- From the duo-cone seal on the back side of the carrier roller

2.3 Track Roller Inspection

Check for:

• Excessive wear on the surface where the track link rides on the track roller

• Oil leakage from the following areas:

- The duo-cone seals on the front and back sides of the track roller

- Each end of the track roller shaft; leakage in this area would indicate the O-ring seal on the track roller shaft may worn or damaged

2.4 Track Roller Bogie Inspection

Check for:

• Missing retaining rings on each side of the major bogies

• Leaking bogie cartridge pins

• Minor bogie cartridge pin covers worn significantly on top and bottom

• Roller caps and pins for proper shimming and loose/damaged fasteners

- If machine is still warm from operation, check for hot pins

2.5 Front and Rear Idler Inspection

Check for:

• Excessive wear on the surfaces on both sides of the idler where the track link rides on the idler

• Loose, damaged, or missing bearing cap mounting bolts

• Oil leakage from the following areas:

- From the duo-cone seals on the front and back side of the idler

- At each end of the track idler shaft; leakage in this area would indicate the O-ring seal on the shaft may be worn or damaged

2.6 Track Guide Inspection

Check for:

• Damaged, missing, or loose track roller guide mounting bolts

• Excessive damage or wear to track guides (inside and outside)

2.7 Track Shoe Inspection

Check for:

• Damaged, missing, or loose track bolts

• Damaged or worn track shoes

2.8 Track Link/Pin/Bushing Inspection

Check for:

• Excessive wear on contact surface of track link

• Excessive noise in the track during machine operation

- If excessive noise is noticed, check for temperature variances between the pins. To do this, touch the end of the pins with your hand or use an infrared thermometer. Large temperature variances may indicate a dry joint in the link.

2.9 Track Roller Frame Inspection

Check for:

• Link wear grooves on top of the roller frames

• Cracks on the rear track roller frame weld seams between the pivot shaft and guide bores

• Oil leakage from under the chrome bearing sleeve

You should also check if the rear roller frame seal has worn through the chrome surface of the bearing sleeve.

2.10 Track Equalizer Bar Inspection

Check for:

• Oil leakage around the equalizer end pins

• Cracked rubber and/or missing portions of rubber in the equalizer bar pads

• Loose or damaged mounting bolts

• Irregular-shaped center pin bores

2.11 Pivot Shaft Inspection

Check for oil leaks in the following areas:

• Sealing surface between the cover plate and the track roller frame

• Sealing surface between the main frame and the track roller frame

• Lubrication lines from the remote mounted reservoir (if equipped)

2.12 Bottom Guard Inspection

Check for:

• Oil leaks indicated by dirt and oil buildup on the underneath surface and edges of the bottom guards; oil buildup in this area would indicate possible leaks from components located above the guard

• Loose, damaged, or missing bolts

• Damaged hinges

• Structural damage or cracks around welded joints

3.0 Middle-Level Inspections

3.1 Step and Handrail Inspection

Ensure that steps and handrails are in place and check for:

• Damaged, missing, or loose bolts

• Damage to steps or handrails

• Excessive dirt or debris

3.2 Work Light Inspection

Check road lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, work lights, and other lights for:

• Proper operation

• Cracked or broken lenses

• Damaged harnesses or electrical connectors

• Loose or damaged mounting brackets and fasteners

3.3 Hood, Platform, and Access Door Inspection

Check:

• Hood mounts, access doors, seals, door props, hinges, and latches for damage and proper operation

• Hood, ventilation screens, and service platform for debris or excessive dirt

• Hood mounts for:

- Loose or damaged bolts

- Wear or damage to rubber mounts

3.4 Fan Guard and Fan Inspection

Check for:

• Loose, damaged, or missing bolts

• Damaged wire fan guard

• Damaged fan blade

• Oil leaks from fan motor and hydraulic lines

3.5 Radiator, Condenser, Oil Cooler, and Aftercooler Inspection

Check for:

• Fluid leaks

• Plugged cores

• Plugged screens

• Damaged fins

3.6 Radiator Cap Inspection

If the radiator is cool, check the radiator cap gaskets for wear or damage.

3.7 Upper and Lower Radiator Hose and Oil Cooler Hose Inspection

Check for:

• Rubbing, cracked, or damaged hoses

• Loose or damaged hose clamps

3.8 Aftercooler Line Inspection

Check for:

• Rubbing, cracked, or damaged hoses

• Loose or damaged hose clamps

3.9 Air Cleaner and Pre-Cleaner Inspection

Check for:

• Dirt and/or debris in the air pre-cleaner

• Loose or damaged hose clamps on turbo compressor air inlet tube and pre-cleaner vacuum hose

• Rubbing, cracked, or damaged hoses

3.10 Cylinder Head and Valve Cover Inspection

Check for:

• Fuel leaks around and below the protective guard located above the fuel lines (if equipped); leakage in this area would indicate a damaged fuel line or fuel injector

• Oil and dust buildup around:

- Crankcase breather

- Valve cover sealing surface; this would indicate: Loose connection at the joint or Damaged gasket or seal

3.11 Turbocharger Inspection

Check for:

• Oil leakage around the turbocharger oil line

• Loose or damaged hose clamp on air inlet tube

• Black soot around the sealing surface where the exhaust manifold bolts to the engine block and to the turbocharger turbine; this would indicate:

- Loose connection at the joint

- Loose or broken mounting bolts

3.12 Exhaust Manifold Inspection

Check for:

• Cracks or other damage in the manifold housing

• Black soot around the sealing surface where the exhaust manifold bolts to the engine block and to the turbocharger turbine which would indicate:

- Loose connection at the joint

- Loose or broken mounting bolts

3.13 Pulleys, Belts, and Compressor Clutch Inspection

Check for:

• Worn, cracked, or broken belts

• Proper belt tension

• Oil leaks around air conditioning compressor clutch

3.14 Water Pump Inspection

Check for:

• Coolant leaks around water pump mounting flange and hose connections

• Coolant leaks through the weep hole in the water pump housing

3.15 Engine Wiring Harness Inspection

Check Wiring harnesses for loose or damaged wires, connectors, and sensors

• Refer to Wiring Harness Inspection Guidelines and Harness Connector Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedures

3.16 Fuel Lines and Fuel Pump Inspection

Check fuel priming pump, fuel lines, and fuel injection pump for:

• Damaged, rubbing, or worn fuel lines

• Loose connections

4.0 Upper-Level Inspections

4.1 Cab Exterior Inspection

Check for:

• Bent or damaged cab structure

• Cracked or broken glass

• Damaged or missing mirrors

• Worn or broken window wiper arm or wiper blade

4.2 Cab Interior Inspection

Check for:

• Excessive dirt in cab air filter

• Proper function of seat and seat belt

• Wear or damage to seat belt

• Seat belt replacement date

• Proper function of door and latches

• Worn or broken window latches or slides

• Damaged or inoperable gauges and controls

• Properly functioning backup alarm

4.3 Batteries and Battery Cables Inspection

Check:

• Battery posts and cables for corrosion or damage

• Battery hold-down for proper function and tightness

4.4 Power Train and Hydraulic Oil Filter Compartment Inspection

Check for:

• Leaks around hose connection points and oil filters

• Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses

• Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring harnesses or connectors

4.5 Hydraulic Tank Inspection

Check:

• Fluid site gauge for damage

• Fluid site gauge for transparency and visibility of fluid level reading

• Area around filter cap for leaks

• Filler cap seal for damage or wear

5.0 Implement/Attachment Inspections

5.1 Blade and Trunnion Ball Joints, Stabilizer Bar, Tilt, and Angle Cylinder Inspection

Check for:

• Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder lip seal

• Oil leaks at hose connections

• Damage to cylinder rods

- Refer to “Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure

• Damage or wear to linkage pins and pin retainers

- Refer to “Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure

Check the following linkages for damage, wear, or missing bolts:

• Blade pivot ball joint

• Trunnion pivot ball joint and retainer caps

• Blade stabilizer bar

5.2 Blade Lift Cylinder Inspection

Refer to “Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure

Check for:

• Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder lip seal

• Oil leaks at hose connections

• Damage to cylinder rods

• Damage or wear to linkage pins and pin retainers

- Refer to “Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure

5.3 Blade Cutting Edge and End Bit Inspection

Check for:

• Loose, damaged, or missing bolts

• Excessive wear on end bits and cutting edges

- Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the measuring procedure to determine the maximum allowable wear

5.4 Ripper Inspection

Check:

• Ripper mount, ripper frame, and ripper carriage for:

- Structural damage or cracks around welded joints

- Damage or wear to pin bores

- Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts

• Ripper shank protector for excessive wear

- If ripper shank protector is worn to close to shank, replace protector

• Ripper tip for excessive wear

- If ripper tip is worn to close to shank, replace tip

5.5 Ripper Cylinder Inspection

Refer to “Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure

Check for:

• Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder lip seal

• Oil leaks at hose connections

• Damage to cylinder rods

• Damage or wear to linkage pins and pin retainers

- Refer to “Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines” for inspection procedure

Performance Inspection

Hydraulic Performance Checks

Cylinder Speed Tests

Cylinder Drift Tests

Steering Turn Diameter Check