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March 2003 |
UPDATED LINK ASSEMBLY IDENTIFICATION CODE MARKINGS
This IRM replaces IRM UC91-21 dated December 2, 1991. Please destroy that copy.
Identification code markings are used for product follow-up, reporting, and warranty tracking of link assembly performance as well as First In First Out (FIFO) inventory fulfillment.
Please refer to this IRM for the location of the identification markings and interpretation of the coding system on Caterpillar? link assemblies.
Location of Identification Markings
The identification number is stamped on the shoe surface of the second right-hand link from the bushing end master link. This allows for visual inspection of the link assembly identification number on a rolled-up chain. The number is centrally located between the shoe bolt holes as shown below.
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Identification Location
Identification Code Interpretation
A. The identification number is comprised of five to eight digits in the following order:
Example: P A 001 Y 01
P = Plant letter designation
G - Piracicaba (Brazil)
H - Grenoble (France)
J ? Tianjin China (ATL)
P - East Peoria (USA)
X ? Sagami/Akashi (Japan)
A = Year of manufacture
2000=A through 2019=U, Excluding the letter ?I?, 20 year cycle
Note: this is a recent change to a previous 10 year cycle where 1990=A and 1999=K excluding ?I?. Thus, much of the current inventory will probably reflect the past code. If in doubt, the link assembly parts label also includes a date code, which may help identify the decade in which the link assembly was manufactured.
001 = Day of year built (001 - 366)
Y = Optional letter specified by individual plants
Track press number, shift, etc.
01 = Optional consecutive number of link assemblies built on a given day
(01-99)
Uses
The link assembly identification code is the "one safe source" to determine the age of Caterpillar link assemblies.
It is recommended that this code number be included on reporting documentation and work orders.
The link assembly identification code is required for warranty claims. Identification code markings are only applied to factory-assembled link assemblies. If the coded link must be replaced, it is recommended that the factory code numbers (or dealer?s own code) be added to the replacement link at service time.
Uses Continued
Note: Only the identification code applied to the 2nd link (from bushing end master) should be used for documentation. Other links in the assembly may also contain code markings. This occurs when pre-marked, unused links are used within link assemblies to avoid costly rework to remove the marking. For example, new link assemblies, which are resealed by Caterpillar, will receive a new identification code on the 2nd link (from bushing end master).
TCRobertson
Undercarriage Marketing Division
Parts and Service Marketing
CV4111 ? (309) 675-7879
E-mail: Robertson_Thomas@CAT.com
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