Technical Analysis 1 (TA1) Visual Inspection for Wheel Skidders {0372, 0374, 1000, 7000, 753S, 7565} Caterpillar

Technical Analysis 1 (TA1) Visual Inspection for Wheel Skidders {0372, 0374, 1000, 7000, 753S, 7565}

Usage:

518C 1CL

Wheel Skidder: All

Introduction

Inspections are the most basic form of condition monitoring. Inspections 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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Table 1
Serial Number:	Inspector:	Temperature:
Model:	Work Order:	Time:
Engine S/N:	SMU:	Date:
Manufacturer:		Unit Location:
Note: Review Machine & S.O.S. History and check for Active Service Letters prior to inspection.
Status of the Machine⁽¹⁾
The status recommendation of your Wheel Skidder is:

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, D = Down Machine, M = Monitor/Needs Attention

Creating an Electronic Copy

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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.

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Table 2
Sl.No.	Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Comments
1.1		Check with customer for operator complaints
1.2		Prepare the machine for the inspection
1.3		Perform safety/preparatory inspection
1.4		Download machine fault codes
1.5		Check Product Link
		Is machine equipped with Product Link?
		Is Product Link activated?
		Is Product Link functioning properly?
1.6		Observe engine exhaust colors
1.7		Listen for unusual noises (hydraulic pumps, engine, transmission, and axles)

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

2.0 Lower-Level Inspection

Refer to "2.0 Lower-Level Inspection" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing lower-level inspection.

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Table 3
Sl.No.	Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Comments
2.1		Tires and rims
2.2		Final drives and wheel spindles
2.3		Front and rear differentials
2.4		Front, center, and rear drive shafts
2.5		Center support bearing
2.6		Torque converter, transmission, and transfer gear box compartment
2.7		Hydraulic pump compartment
2.8		Upper and lower hitch pins/bores
2.9		Main machine frame

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

3.0 Middle-Level Inspection

Refer to "3.0 Middle-Level Inspections:" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing middle-level inspection.

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Table 4
Sl.No.	Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Comments
3.1		Steps and handrails
3.2		Work light/hazard lights
3.3		Cab mounts
3.4		Steering control valve, steering neutralizer valve, brake valve, and HMU
3.5		Implement control valve
3.6		Radiator, oil cooler, condenser, and aftercooler
3.7		Oil cooler and condenser lines
3.8		Hood and platform
3.9		Battery and battery cables
3.10		Fenders
3.11		Lower radiator and oil cooler hoses
3.12		Engine oil pan

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

4.0 Upper-Level Inspection

Refer to "4.0 Upper-Level Inspections:" section in "Inspection Reference" for more information for performing upper-level inspection.

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Table 5
Sl.No.	Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Comments
4.1		Cab exterior
4.2		Cab interior
4.3		Pre-cleaner and air cleaner
4.4		Upper radiator, air inlet, oil cooler, and aftercooler lines
4.5		Radiator cap
4.6		Water pump
4.7		Fuel lines and fuel pump
4.8		Exhaust manifold
4.9		Turbocharger
4.10		Cylinder head and valve cover
4.11		Belts, pulleys, compressor clutch, and fan motor
4.12		Cooling fan, fan guard, and shroud
4.13		Engine wiring harness
4.14		Engine mounts

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

5.0 Implement/Attachment Inspection

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

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Table 6
Sl.No.	Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Comments
5.1		Lift cylinder
5.2		Area where lift arm attaches to frame
5.3		Decking blade
5.4		Arch cylinder
5.5		Boom cylinder
5.6		Tong cylinder
5.7		Fairlead roller
5.8		Grapple
5.9		Hydraulic rotator
5.10		Grapple tong
5.11		Grapple snubber
5.12		Grapple boom
5.13		Grapple arch
5.14		Winch

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

6.0 Site Conditions

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Table 7
Sl.No.	Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Comments
6.1		Ambient Temperature
		NORMAL: −18 to 32 °C (0 to 90 °F)
		MONITOR: 32 to 46 °C (90 to 115 °F) or −18 to -29 °C (0 to -20 °F)
		ACTION: Above 46° C (115° F) or Below −29° C (−20° F)
6.2		Altitude
		NORMAL: 0 to 1524 m (0 to 5000 ft)
		MONITOR: 1524 to 3048 m (5000 to 10000 ft)
		ACTION: Above 3048 m (10000 ft)
6.3		Humidity
		NORMAL: Below 25%
		MONITOR: 25 to 60%
		ACTION: Above 60%
6.4		Air Quality
		NORMAL: No Dust
		MONITOR: Light Dust
		ACTION: Heavy Dust
6.5		Underfoot Condition
		NORMAL: Dry Flat Surface
		MONITOR: Moderate Grades, Mixture of Muddy / Dry Surfaces
		ACTION: Steep Grades, Muddy, Snow, Ice
6.6		Machine Utilization
		NORMAL: 0 to 10 Hours
		ACTION: Above 10 hours
6.7		Equipment Role
		NORMAL: Utility
		MONITOR: Support
		ACTION: Production
6.8		Working Material
		NORMAL: Uncompacted, Low Abrasion
		MONITOR: Moderately Compacted, Moderate Abrasion
		ACTION: High Abrasion, Compacted, Dense
6.9		Maintenance Practices
		NORMAL: Excellent
		MONITOR: Good
		ACTION: Poor
6.10		Primary Industries

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

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

- P-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

Be sure that the area is free of personnel. Make sure no one is underneath the machine, around the machine, or on the machine.
Turn the key to the ON position to check fluid levels using the monitor. If fluid levels cannot be checked using the monitor, manually check the engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant levels. If necessary, add engine oil, hydraulic oil, or coolant to reach minimum level for each system
Park the machine in the standard service position

1.3 Perform safety/preparatory inspection

1.4 Download machine fault codes

Download machine fault codes using either of the following methods:

- Electronic Technician (ET)

- Machine monitor

1.5 Check Product Link

Is machine equipped with PL?
Is PL activated?
Is PL 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

- Black smoke during startup may indicate plugged air filter

- Continuous black smoke could indicate improper air/fuel mixture

- Continuous gray smoke may indicate 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 knocks

- Engine bearing damage

- Valve train damage

2.0 Lower-Level Inspection

2.1 Inspect Tires and Rims for:

Proper inflation
Cuts, cracks, splits, or bruises in the tread or sidewall area

- Bumps or bulges may indicate tire separation

Cracks, pits from corrosion, or other visible damage to rims
Safe tread depth

- Tread worn down to the built-in wear indicators

- Tire cords or exposed fabric

- Uneven tread wear

2.2 Inspect Final Drives and Wheel Spindles:

Check final drive oil level:

If the oil level is low, check the following areas for leaks:

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

- Sealing surface between the planetary housing and the final drive housing

- Duo-cone seal located between the final drive housing or wheel spindle and the axle housing

- Oil leakage around the drain and fill plugs

If equipped, check the magnetic plug for metal particles

2.3 Inspect Front and Rear Differentials:

Check differential oil level:

If the oil level is low, check the following areas for leaks:

- Sealing surface between the axle housing and the intermediate housing

- Sealing surface between the intermediate housing and the differential housing

- Sealing surface between the differential housing and the pinion housing

- Sealing surface between the pinion housing and the driveshaft

- Oil leakage around the drain and fill plugs

If equipped, check the magnetic plug for metal particles

Check for:

Loose or damaged mounting axle bolts

2.4 Inspect Front, Center, and Rear Drive Shafts for:

Loose or missing U-joint retainer bolts
Worn or loose U-joints or drive shaft spline
Grease leaking from U-joint seals or from drive shaft spline seal; grease leakage in these areas would indicate possible seal damage

2.5 Inspect Center Support Bearing for:

Loose or damaged mounting bolts
Damaged grease line
Worn bearing

2.6 Inspect Torque Converter, Transmission, and Transfer Gear Box Compartment

Check these components and the areas around them for:

- Leaks around hose connections

- Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses

- Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring harnesses or connectors

Check for oil or dirt buildup on the bottom surface of the transmission guard

- Oil on the guard would indicate a leak from components located above the guard; remove the transmission guard and inspect components for leaks

2.7 Inspect Hydraulic Pump Compartment for:

Leaks around hose connection points
Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring harnesses or connectors
Loose or damaged hose clamps on pump suction lines

2.8 Inspect Upper and Lower Hitch Pins/Bore for:

Loose or broken flange bolts
Irregular-shaped pin bores
Broken or damaged grease lines or grease fittings

2.9 Inspect Main Machine Frame for:

Damage to frame
Structural cracks
Cracked welds

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 Lights/Hazard Lights

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

Proper operation
Cracked or broken lenses
Damaged wiring harnesses

3.3 Inspect Cab Mounts for:

Loose or damaged bolts
Worn or damaged rubber mounts

3.4 Inspect Steering Control Valve, Steering Neutralizer Valve, Brake Valve, and HMU for:

Leaks around hose connections
Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring harnesses or connectors

3.5 Inspect Implement Control Valve for:

Leaks around hose and control valve components connection points
Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring harnesses or connectors

3.6 Inspect Radiator, Oil Cooler, Condenser, and Aftercooler for:

Plugged cores
Plugged screens
Damaged fins

3.7 Inspect Oil Cooler and Condenser Lines for:

Leaks around hose connections
Rubbing, cracked, or damaged hoses
Loose connections
Improperly secured hoses

3.8 Inspect Hood and Platform for:

Improper function of hood raise cylinder
Debris or excessive dirt on service platform ventilation screen
Loose or damaged ventilation screens
Improper function of side access panels and latches
Broken or damaged grease lines or grease fittings

3.9 Inspect Battery and Battery Cables:

Check battery posts and cables for corrosion
Check the battery hold-down for proper function and tightness

3.10 Inspect Fenders for:

Bent or damaged fenders that interfere with tires
Loose or missing mounting bolts
Properly operating latches and hinges (if equipped)
Missing or damaged prop rod

3.11 Inspect Lower Radiator and Oil Cooler Hoses for:

Rubbing, cracked, or damaged hoses
Loose or damaged hose clamps
Loose connections
Improperly secured hoses

3.12 Inspect Engine Oil Pan:

Check for oil accumulation on the bottom of the oil pan; if oil is found, inspect the following:

- Check for leaks around the oil pan mounting flange

- Check for leaks around the oil level sensor, drain valve, and the dipstick tube

4.0 Upper-Level Inspections:

4.1 Inspect Cab Exterior for:

Bent or damaged cab structure
Cracked or broken glass
Damaged or missing mirrors
Worn or broken windshield wiper arm or wiper blade

4.2 Inspect Cab Interior 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

4.3 Inspect Pre-cleaner and Air Cleaner for:

Dirt and/or debris in the air pre-cleaner
Loose or damaged hose clamps on the air inlet tube

4.4 Inspect Upper Radiator, Air Inlet, Oil Cooler, and Aftercooler Lines for:

Rubbing, cracked, or damaged hoses
Loose or damaged hose clamps

4.5 Inspect Radiator Cap:

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

4.6 Inspect Water Pump for:

Coolant leaks around water pump mounting flange
Coolant leaks through the weep hole in the water pump housing

4.7 Inspect Fuel Lines and Fuel System Pumps:

Check fuel priming pump, secondary fuel filter, and fuel injection pump for:

Damaged, rubbing, or worn fuel lines or hydraulic lines
Loose connections

4.8 Inspect Exhaust Manifold:

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 would indicate:

- A loose connection at the cylinder head joint

- Loose or broken manifold bolts

4.9 Inspect Turbocharger:

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

Oil leakage around the turbocharger oil line
Loose or damaged hose clamp on air inlet tube

4.10 Inspect Cylinder Head and Valve Cover for:

Oil and dust buildup around the valve cover sealing surface which would indicate:

A loose connection at the joint
Damaged gasket or seal

4.11 Inspect Belts, Pulleys, Compressor Clutch, and Fan Motor:

Check belt drives for:

- Worn, cracked, or broken belts

- Proper belt tension

Check for oil leaks around air condition compressor clutch
Check hydraulic fan drive motor and lines for leaks

4.12 Inspect Cooling Fan, Fan Guard, and Shroud for:

Loose, damaged, or missing bolts
Loose or damaged wire fan guard
Loose or damaged fan shroud
Damaged, cracked, or missing engine fan blades

4.13 Inspect Engine Wiring Harness for:

Loose or damaged wires, connectors, and sensors

4.14 Inspect Engine Mounts for:

Loose or damaged bolts
Cracked or damaged washer
Cracked or damaged mount brackets
Wear, damage, or cracking of upper and lower rubber support pads

- There should be no metal-to-metal contact

5.0 Implement/Attachment Inspections

5.1 Inspect Lift Cylinder 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 Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure

5.2 Inspect Area where Lift Arm attaches to frame:

Check lift arms for:

Structural damage or cracks around welded joints

Check pin joints for:

Damage or wear to pins/bores
Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts
Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the lip seals

5.3 Inspect Decking Blade for:

Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints

- Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure

5.4 Inspect Arch Cylinder for:

Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder pin joint lip seals
Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts
Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints

- Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure

5.5 Inspect Boom Cylinder for:

Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder pin joint lip seals
Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts
Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints

- Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure

5.6 Inspect Tong Cylinder for:

Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup around the cylinder pin joint lip seals
Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts
Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints

- Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure

5.7 Inspect Fairlead Roller for:

Excessive wear
Loose, damaged, or missing bolts

5.8 Inspect Grapple for:

Cracks on welds
Cracks on top and bottom of welds
Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints

5.9 Inspect Hydraulic Rotator for:

Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup

5.10 Inspect Grapple Tong

5.11 Inspect Grapple Snubber

5.12 Inspect Grapple Boom for:

Cracks on welds
Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts

5.13 Inspect Grapple Arch for:

Cracks on welds
Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts

5.14 Inspect Winch for:

Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup
Loose, damaged, or missing bolts

Performance Checks

Hydraulic Performance Checks

Lift Cylinder (Decking Blade) Cycle Time - Check

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Table 8
Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Specification	Actual	Comments
	Raise
	Lower

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

Lift Cylinder (Decking Blade) Drift - Check

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Table 9
Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Specification	Actual	Comments
	Oil Temperature
	Lift Cylinder

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

Grapple Cylinder Speed - Check

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Table 10
Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Specification	Actual	Comments
	Tong - Open
	Tong - Close
	Arch - In
	Rotator - Rotate
	Boom - Raise
	Boom - Lower

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

Grapple Cylinder Drift - Check

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Table 11
Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Specification	Actual	Comments
	Oil Temperature
	Arch Cylinders
	Boom Cylinders

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

Brake Performance Checks

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Table 12
Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Specification	Actual	Comments
	Brake Accumulator - Test (Test from OMM)
	Parking Brake - Test (Test from OMM)

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⁽¹⁾	N = Normal, M = Monitor, A = Action, Blank = Not Applicable

Steering Performance Checks

Command Control SteeringSteering Time - Check

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Table 13
Status⁽¹⁾	Description	Specification	Actual	Comments
	Left Steering Time (High Idle)
	Right Steering Time (High Idle)
	Left Steering Time (Low Idle)
	Right Steering Time (Low Idle)
	Left/Right Time Difference (Max)