General Information for Lubricants
When the machine is operating in temperatures below
Refer to the “Lubricant Information” section in the latest revision of the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for a list of Cat engine oils and for detailed information. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com. The footnotes are a key part of the tables. Read ALL footnotes that pertain to the machine compartment in question.
To select the proper oil for each machine compartment, refer to the “Lubricant Viscosity for Ambient Temperature” table. Use the oil type AND oil viscosity for the specific compartment at the proper ambient temperature.
The proper oil viscosity grade is determined by the minimum ambient temperature (the air in the immediate vicinity of the machine). Measure the temperature when the machine is started and while the machine is operated. To determine the proper oil viscosity grade, refer to the “Min” column in the table. This information reflects the coldest ambient temperature condition for starting a cold machine and for operating a cold machine. Refer to the “Max” column in the table for operating the machine at the highest temperature that is anticipated. Unless specified otherwise in the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature.
Machines that are operated continuously should use oils that have the higher oil viscosity in the final drives and in the differentials. The oils that have the higher oil viscosity will maintain the highest possible oil film thickness.
NOTICE |
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Not following the recommendations found in this manual can lead to reduced performance and compartment failure. |
Cat oils have been developed and tested to provide the full performance and life that has been designed and built into Cat engines.
Cat DEO-ULS or oils that meet the Cat ECF-3 specification, API CJ-4, and the newer API CK-4, are required for use in the applications listed below. Cat DEO-ULS and oils meeting Cat ECF-3 specification, API CJ-4, the newer API CK-4, and ACEA E9 oil categories have been developed with limited sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur. These chemical limits are designed to maintain the expected aftertreatment devices life, performance, and service interval. If oils meeting the Cat ECF-3 specification, API CJ-4, the newer API CK-4 specifications are not available, oils meeting ACEA E9 may be used. ACEA E9 oils meet the chemical limits designed to maintain aftertreatment device life. ACEA E9 oils are validated using some but not all ECF-3 and API CJ-4 standard engine performance tests. Consult your oil supplier when considering use of an oil that is not Cat ECF-3, API CJ-4, or the newer API CK-4 qualified.
Failure to meet the listed requirements will damage aftertreatment-equipped engines and can negatively impact the performance of the aftertreatment devices.
Oils that are per API CI-4 or prior categories are not allowed. These oils have high ash and are not appropriate for use in engines with aftertreatment devices.
Cat Diesel Engines Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures(1)(2) | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Engine Crankcase for all Direct Injection (DI) Engines | Cat DEO Cold Weather (API CK-4) | SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
Cat DEO-ULS SYN (API CK-4) | SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 50 | −22 | 122 | |
Cat DEO-ULS (API CK-4)
Cat DEO (API CI-4/CI-4 PLUS) |
SAE 15W-40 | −10 | 50 | 14 | 122 |
(1) | Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Engine Oil" for information on the recommended and required engine oils for Tier 4 emissions certified engines. |
(2) | Commercial oils of viscosity grades that are not included in this table may be used if the oils are per Cat ECF specifications. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Engine Oil" for more information. Commercial oils are second choice. |
Cat FDAO SYN, CatFDAO SAE 60, or commercial FD-1 SAE 60 is preferred in Differential, Front Wheels, and Final Drives. If the ambient temperature is below
AC Drive Off-Highway Truck Recommendations for Ambient Temperatures | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Oil Type and Classification | Oil Viscosities / Information | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Front Wheel Bearings (Oil Lubricated) | Cat FDAO | SAE 60 | –10 | 50 | 14 | 122 |
Cat FDAO SYN | Multi-Grade | –25 | 50 | –13 | 122 | |
Hydraulic Systems (includes Brake System, Steering System, Hoist System, Powered Stairway, and Electric Lubrication (Auto Lube) Pump), | CatTDTO | SAE 10W | –20 | 50 | –4 | 122 |
Cat TDTO Cold Weather | SAE 0W-20 | –40 | 40 | –40 | 104 | |
Final Drive | Cat FDAO | SAE 60 | –10 | 50 | 14 | 122 |
Cat FDAO SYN | Multi-Grade | –25 | 50 | –13 | 122 | |
Suspension (Front, and Rear) | Cat ATF-HD2 | For all temperature ranges |
Type of Cat Grease for Off Highway Trucks | ||||||
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Application Point(1) | Grease Type | NLGI Grade | Ambient Temperature Range | |||
° C | ° F | |||||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Front Wheel Bearings (Grease Lubricated) | Cat Extreme Application Grease | 2 | –20 | 40 | –4 | 104 |
Cat Prime Application Grease | 2 | –30 | 50 | –22 | 122 | |
Belt Tightener, Drive Shaft Slip Spline, Fan Drive Pulley, Hoist Control Bellcrank, Hoist Cylinder Bearing, Front and Rear Axle A-Frame Bearing, Steering Cylinder End, Steering Linkage, Steering Tie Rod and Pin Bearings, Swaybar, Tachometer Drive, Engine Cooling Fan Drive Bearings | Cat Extreme Application Grease (High Load, Load Factor of 40 - 50% | 1 | –35 | 40 | –31 | 104 |
2 | –30 | 50 | –22 | 122 | ||
Drivetrain Blower Fan Bearings, Power Generator Bearings, Electric Drive Motor Bearings | Ball Bearing Grease | 2 | –20 | 40 | –4 | 104 |
Extreme Temperature Conditions
(High, Medium, and Low loads) |
Cat Extreme Application Grease - Arctic | 0.5 | –50 | 20 | –58 | 68 |
Cat Extreme Application Grease - Desert | 2 | –20 | 60 | –4 | 140 |
(1) | Typical examples. Not all machines will have the same application points. |
Grease for the Automatic Grease System
The grease used with the automatic lubrication system must not contain any graphite or PTFE.
Note: Pumpability is based on "US Steel Mobility and Lincoln Ventmeter Tests". Performance may vary depending on lubrication equipment and the length of the lines.
Recommended Grease for the Automatic Grease System | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Grease Type | NLGI Grade | Ambient Temperature Range | |||
° C | ° F | |||||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Automatic Grease System | Cat Extreme Application Grease - Arctic | 0.5 | –50 | 20 | –58 | 68 |
Cat Extreme Application Grease (1) | 1 | –35 | 40 | –31 | 104 | |
2 | –30 | 50 | –22 | 122 | ||
Cat Prime Application Grease | 2 | –20 | 40 | –4 | 104 |
(1) | Preferred grease for most Off-Highway Truck applications. |
Reference: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information about grease. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
Illustration 1 | g02157153 |
NACD Film |
Illustration 2 | g02052934 |
EAME Film |
Diesel fuel must meet “Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Fuel” and the latest versions of "ASTM D975" or "EN 590" to ensure optimum engine performance. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for the latest fuel information and for Cat fuel specification. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
NOTICE |
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Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel 0.0015 percent (≤15 ppm (mg/kg)) sulfur is required by regulation for use in engines certified to nonroad Tier 4 standards (U.S. EPA Tier 4 certified) and that are equipped with exhaust aftertreatment systems. European ULSD 0.0010 percent (≤10ppm (mg/kg)) sulfur fuel is required by regulation for use in engines certified to European Stage V type-approved nonroad engines. Additionally, the Cetane number should not be less than 45, and the biodiesel content should not be greater than 20% volume/volume. |
Misfueling with fuels of higher sulfur level can have the following negative effects:
- Shorten the time interval between aftertreatment device service intervals (cause the need for more frequent service intervals)
- Adversely impact the performance and life of aftertreatment devices (cause loss of performance)
- Reduce regeneration intervals of aftertreatment devices
- Reduce engine efficiency and durability.
- Increase the wear.
- Increase the corrosion.
- Increase the deposits.
- Lower fuel economy
- Shorten the time period between oil drain intervals (more frequent oil drain intervals).
- Increase overall operating costs.
Failures that result from the use of improper fuels are not Caterpillar factory defects. Therefore the cost of repairs would not be covered by a Caterpillar warranty.
Caterpillar does not require the use of ULSD in off road and machine applications that are not Tier 4/Stage IIIB certified engines. ULSD is not required in engines that are not equipped with after treatment devices. For Tier 4/Stage IIIB/Stage IV certified engines always follow operating instructions. Fuel tank inlet labels are installed to ensure that the correct fuels are used.
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for more details about fuels, lubricants, and Tier 4 requirements. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner and Cat Fuel System Cleaner are available for use when needed. These products are applicable to diesel and biodiesel fuels. Consult your Cat dealer for availability.
Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from various renewable resources that include vegetable oils, animal fat, and waste cooking oil. Soybean oil and rapeseed oil are the primary vegetable oil sources. To use any of these oils or fats as fuel, the oils, or fats are chemically processed (esterified). The water and contaminants are removed.
U.S. distillate diesel fuel specification "ASTM D975-09a" includes up to B5 (5 percent) biodiesel. Currently, any diesel fuel in the U.S. may contain up to B5 biodiesel fuel.
European distillate diesel fuel specification "EN 590" includes up to B5 (5 percent) and in some regions up to B7 (7 percent) biodiesel. Any diesel fuel in Europe may contain up to B5 or in some regions up to B7 biodiesel fuel.
Note: The diesel portion used in the biodiesel blend must be Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur or less, per "ASTM D975"). In Europe the diesel fuel portion used in the biodiesel blend must be sulfur free diesel (10 ppm sulfur or less, per "EN 590"). The final blend must have 15 ppm sulfur or less.
Note: Up to B20 biodiesel blend level is acceptable for use in asphalt paver engines.
When biodiesel fuel is used, certain guidelines must be followed. Biodiesel fuel can influence the engine oil, aftertreatment devices, non-metallic, fuel system components, and others. Biodiesel fuel has limited storage life and has limited oxidation stability. Follow the guidelines and requirements for engines that are seasonally operated and for standby power generation engines.
To reduce the risks associated with the use of biodiesel, the final biodiesel blend, and the biodiesel fuel used must meet specific blending requirements.
All the guidelines and requirements are provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a liquid that is injected into the exhaust system of engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. SCR reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in diesel engine exhaust.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is also known under other names including Aqueous Urea Solution (AUS) 32, AdBlue, or generically referred to as urea.
In engines equipped with SCR emissions reduction system, DEF is injected in controlled amounts into the engine exhaust stream. At the elevated exhaust temperature, urea in DEF is converted to ammonia. The ammonia chemically reacts with NOx in diesel exhaust in the presence of the SCR catalyst. The reaction converts NOx into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O).
DEF Recommendations for Diesel Engines
For use in Cat engines, DEF must meet all the requirements defined by the "ISO 22241-1" standard.
The caps of DEF tanks are blue, as required by emissions regulations. Fill DEF only in clearly marked DEF tanks that have the blue cap.
Caterpillar recommends the use of DEF available through the Cat parts ordering system for use in Cat engines equipped with SCR systems. Refer to Table 5 for part number information:
Cat Part Number
(32.5% Urea) |
Container Size |
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350-8733 | 2.5 gal bottle |
350-8734 | 1000-L tote |
In North America, commercial DEF that is API approved and meets all the requirements defined in "ISO 22241-1" may be used in Cat engines that are equipped with SCR systems.
Outside of North America, commercial DEF that meets all requirements defined in "ISO 22241-1" may be used in Cat engines that are equipped with SCR systems.
The supplier should provide documentation to prove that the DEF is compliant with the requirements of "ISO 22241-1".
NOTICE |
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Cat does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
NOTICE |
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Do not use agriculture grade urea solutions. Do not use any fluids that do not meet "ISO 22241-1" Requirements in SCR emissions reduction systems. Use of these fluids can result in numerous problems including damage to SCR equipment and a reduction in NOx conversion efficiency. |
DEF is a solution of solid urea that is dissolved in demineralized water to produce a final concentration of 32.5% urea. Most SCR systems are designed to operate only on DEF concentration of 32.5 percent. DEF solution of 32.5% urea has the lowest attainable freeze point of
Caterpillar offers a refractometer, Cat part number 360-0774, that can be used to measure DEF concentration. Follow the instructions provided with the instrument. Appropriate commercial portable refractometers can be used to determine urea concentration. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
DEF solution is typically colorless and clear. Changes to color or clarity are indicators of quality issues. Quality of DEF can degrade when stored and handled inappropriately or if DEF is not protected from contamination. Details are provided below.
If quality issues are suspected, testing of DEF should focus on urea percentage, alkalinity as NH3 and biuret content. DEF that does not pass all these tests or that is no longer clear should not be used.
DEF is corrosive. Due to the corrosion caused, DEF must be stored in tanks constructed of approved materials. Recommended storage materials:
Stainless Steels:
- 304 (S30400)
- 304L (S30403)
- 316 (S31600)
- 316L (S31603)
Alloys and metals:
- Chromium Nickel (CrNi)
- Chromium Nickel Molybdenum (CrNiMo)
- Titanium
Non-metallic materials:
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polyisobutylene
- Teflon (PFA)
- Polyfluoroethylene (PFE)
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Materials NOT compatible with DEF solutions include Aluminum, Magnesium, Zinc, Nickel coatings, Silver and Carbon steel, and Solders containing any of the above. Unexpected reactions may occur if DEF solutions come in contact with any non-compatible material or unknown materials.
Follow all local regulations covering bulk storage tanks. Follow proper tank construction guidelines. Tank volume typically should be 110% of planned capacity. Appropriately vent indoor tanks. Plan for control of overflow of the tank. Heat tanks that dispense DEF in cold climates.
Bulk tank breathers should be fitted with filtration to keep airborne debris from entering the tank. Desiccant breathers should not be used because water will be absorbed, which potentially can alter DEF concentration.
Follow all local regulations covering transport and handling. DEF transport temperature is recommended to be
- Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
- Fluoroelastomer (FKM)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
The condition of hoses and other nonmetallics that are used with DEF should be monitored for signs of degradation. DEF leaks are easily recognizable by white urea crystals that accumulate at the site of the leak. Solid urea can be corrosive to galvanized or unalloyed steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Leaks should be repaired immediately to avoid damage to surrounding hardware.
Contaminants can degrade the quality and life of DEF. Filtering DEF is recommended when dispensed into the DEF tank. Filters should be compatible with DEF and should be used exclusively with DEF. Check with the filter supplier to confirm compatibility with DEF before using. Mesh-type filters using compatible metals, such as stainless steel, are recommended. Paper (cellulose) media and some synthetic filter media are not recommended because of degradation during use.
Care should be taken when dispensing DEF. Spills should be cleaned immediately. Machine or engine surfaces should be wiped clean and rinsed with water. Caution should be used when dispensing DEF near an engine that has recently been running. Spilling DEF onto hot components will cause harmful vapors.
NOTICE |
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Storing Diesel Exhaust Fluid in high heat areas is not recommended. Do not store DEF in high heat generating areas on the machine, such as the pump compartment or the engine compartment. The quality of the DEF can degrade when exposed to high temperatures. |
DEF fluid is stable when stored and handled properly. The quality of DEF rapidly degrades when stored at high temperatures. The ideal storage temperature for DEF is between
The length of storage of DEF is listed in the following table:
Storage Temperature | Expected DEF Life |
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Below |
18 months |
|
12 months |
|
6 months |
Above |
test quality before use |
Refer to "ISO 22241" document series for more information about DEF quality control.
Note: Dispose of all fluids according to applicable regulations and mandates.
The information provided in this “Coolant Recommendation” section should be used with the “Lubricants Information” provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
Due to the use of aluminum radiators, some coolant samples may show lower levels of nitrates or other ELC components as a result of the aluminum. Extra coolant additives may be required to aid with use in aluminum radiators. Consult your Cat dealer.
The following two types of coolants may be used in Cat diesel engines:
Preferred - Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant)
Acceptable - Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant)
NOTICE |
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Never use water alone as a coolant. Water alone is corrosive at engine operating temperatures. In addition, water alone does not provide adequate protection against boiling or freezing. |
Recommendations for Finished Coolants for use in Cat engines | ||||
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Coolant Type | Recommendations | Product | Service hours (1)(2) | Required Maintenance(3) |
Cat ELC, Cat ELI, or commercial coolant that meets Cat EC-1 | Preferred | Cat ELC | 12000 hours or 6 years | Add Cat ELC Extender at 6000 service hours or one half of service life |
Cat ELI (water based) (4) | 12000 hours or 6 years | Add Cat ELC Extender at 6000 service hours or one half of service life | ||
Min requirements | Cat EC-1 specification and "ASTM D6210" and
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) based on a combination of a monocarboxylic acid and a dicarboxylic acid.Free of phosphate, borate, and silicate. Tolyltriazole: minimum typical concentration of 900 ppm Nitrite: minimum typical concentration of 500 ppm in new coolants |
6000 hours or 6 years | Add Extender at 3000 service hours or one half of service life | |
Cat DEAC, Cat SCA, conventional coolants, and commercial extended life coolants that do not meet EC-1 | Acceptable | Cat DEAC | 3000 hours or 3 years | SCA at maintenance intervals |
Cat SCA (water based) (4) | 3000 hours or 2 years | SCA at maintenance intervals | ||
Min requirements for fully formulated Heavy-Duty Commercial coolants | "ASTM D6210" and
Nitrite (as NO2) concentration: Minimum of 1200 ppm (70 grains/US gal) and maximum of 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) Silicon concentration: minimum of 100 ppm and maximum of 275 ppm |
3000 hours or 2 years | SCA at maintenance intervals | |
Min requirements for SCA and water (4) (5) | Commercial supplemental coolant additive and water having
Nitrite (as NO2) concentration: Minimum of 1200 ppm (70 grains/US gal) and maximum of 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) Silicon concentration: minimum of 100 ppm and maximum of 275 ppm |
3000 hours or 1 year | Per manufacturer recommendations |
(1) | New Coolants at 50 volume percent diluted. Coolants that are prediluted at the coolant manufacturer must be diluted with water that meets Reagent 4 "ASTM D1193" requirements. |
(2) | Maintain the in-service coolant at the given limits. |
(3) | For appropriate maintenance procedures, refer to the details given in this Chapter. For applications that allow the use of Cat ELI in water, a minimum of 7.5 percent of Cat ELI is recommended. For applications that allow the use of SCA and water, a minimum of 6 percent to a maximum of 8 percent concentration of Cat SCA are recommended. |
(4) | Water-based coolants are not allowed for use in machines that has NOx reduction aftertreatment devices, in engines that has AATAC and in Marine engines that have SWAC |
(5) | There are currently no industry standards to define the quality of water-based conventional coolants. To control the quality of SCA and water coolants, the commercial SCA additive package should pass ASTM D6210 when this package is used in a glycol-based coolant. Do not use a commercial SCA additive package that only meets the ASTM D3306 or equivalent specification when used in a glycol-based coolant. |