345B EXCAVATOR GREASE LUBRICATED LINK ASSEMBLIES Caterpillar

345B EXCAVATOR GREASE LUBRICATED LINK ASSEMBLIES

Grease lubricated track (GLT) link assemblies are now available in the parts system for 345B, 345B L, 345B Series II, & 345B LC Series II.  Grease lubricated tracks will increase the durability of the link assembly by decreasing the wear of the track pin and internal wear of the bushing.  The new GLT link assemblies are interchangeable with the sealed link assemblies.  The part numbers for the new grease lubricated track are listed in Attachment I.

The GLT link assemblies also have a 1.5 mm larger bushing diameter for additional external bushing wear life.  These improvements will provide an additional 2000 hours or more of undercarriage life for most Hydraulic Excavator applications.  The current sprocket segment can be used with the larger bushing diameter.  Expect grease retention to be longer than for other GLT track due to the use of rigid track seals from sealed and lubricated track.

                                                        345B GLT Cross Section

Adaptability

The new link assemblies are adaptable to all 345B & 345B Series II Excavator link assemblies using 24 mm bolt hardware.  The track links and track pins are common components with the sealed link assembly.

This new link assembly is not available as a factory attachment on new 345 Excavators.  The previous Sealed Track will continue to be available from the parts department along with the Grease Lubricated Track.

Servicing

This new GLT track allows the master joint to be greased after the link assembly as been installed on the machine. The purpose is to prevent grease from contacting the press-fit area between the link and the bushing to minimize pin walking. A cross section of the new ?Pin Assembly? is shown below. When installing the track, reference Special Instructions (REHS1647), May 2003, for steps to install and lubricate the master joint.

                                                                                                Master Pin Assembly

When performing service on grease lubricated track link assemblies (turning pins and bushings, replacing components) refer to Undercarriage Reconditioning Bulletin (SEBF8598).   

Custom Track Service (CTS)

When performing CTS on 345B machines, refer to the 14^th Edition of the CTS handbook (Media Number PEKP9400-02).  See wear chart on Attachment II for measuring external bushing wear with the increased bushing diameter.

Summary

Grease lubricated link assemblies offer a significant wear life and cost/hour advantage over comparable sealed link assemblies.

Amy Mathai                                                                 TCRobertson  

Undercarriage Marketing                                              Undercarriage Marketing

Product Support Division                                              Product Support Division

CV4111 ? (309) 675-3977                                          CV4111 ? (309) 675-7879

Mathai_Amy_M@cat.com                                           Robertson_Thomas_C@cat.com

345B L, 345B LC Series II Link Assembly

Components of Link Assembly

*Not part of Link Assembly; required to assemble track group

345B, 345B Series II Link Assembly

Components of Link Assembly

*Not part of Link Assembly; required to assemble track group