Caterpillar Inc. is a well-known worldwide manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, and more. Due to their durability and good reputation, many people choose and want to choose the CAT equipment as their partner. In order to help you understand the right model & parts, this guide will walk you through the major CAT equipment and their applications, and their parts’ common replacement schedule.
Popular CAT Models and Their Applications
Excavators
Designed for digging, trenching, material handling, and demolition. They are a staple on virtually every construction site.
- CAT 320: A versatile and highly popular 20-ton class excavator, ideal for general construction, road work, and utility projects.
- CAT 336: A powerful and efficient 36-ton excavator used for mass excavation, heavy lifting, and large-scale earthmoving.
- CAT 349: A production-focused machine for high-volume quarry work, mining, and major infrastructure projects.
Wheel Loaders
Used for moving materials like sand, gravel, and dirt, as well as loading trucks, hoppers, and stockpiles.
- CAT 950: A medium wheel loader known for its reliability and versatility in applications from material yards to construction sites.
- CAT 966: A larger, more powerful loader for higher production demands in aggregate, sand and gravel, and industrial applications.
- CAT 992: A massive mining loader designed for loading large mining trucks in the most demanding environments.
Dozers
Essential for pushing large quantities of earth, rock, and debris. They are famous for their powerful grading and land-clearing capabilities.
- CAT D6: A versatile, medium-sized dozer prized for its balance of power and maneuverability, making it ideal for general construction, road building, and site preparation.
- CAT D8: A large, powerful workhorse used in heavy construction and mining for moving massive amounts of material and handling tough applications.
- CAT D9: A massive, high-production dozer designed for the most demanding tasks, including ripping solid rock and large-scale earthmoving in mines and major infrastructure projects.
Skid Steer Loaders
Compact and agile machines for a wide variety of tasks in tight spaces, from landscaping and agriculture to demolition and material handling.
- CAT 236D3: A reliable, mid-sized radial lift skid steer, excellent for digging, dozing, and applications where reach at mid-height is important.
- CAT 246D3: A popular and versatile model offering a strong balance of size, power, and lift capacity for a broad range of jobs.
- CAT 262D3: A larger, vertical lift model designed for superior performance in loading trucks and material handling, where maximum reach and height are critical.
Articulated Trucks
Off-road dump trucks with a pivot joint, engineered to traverse rough, soft, and uneven terrain while carrying heavy loads efficiently.
- CAT 730: A highly productive 30-ton class hauler, widely used as a standard solution for construction, quarry, and aggregate applications.
- CAT 745: A larger, 45-ton class hauler featuring advanced traction control and high capacity, built to maximize productivity in large-scale earthmoving and mining operations.
Motor Graders
Specialized machines are used to create a precise, flat surface (a “grade”). They are indispensable for road construction, maintenance, and creating building foundations.
- CAT 120: A versatile and precise grader, perfect for small-to-medium road projects, finishing work, and government/municipal applications.
- CAT 140: Considered an industry standard, this grader offers a powerful combination of size, performance, and technology for a wide array of road-building and site development tasks.
- CAT 16: A large, heavy-duty grader built for constructing and maintaining haul roads in mining operations and for large-scale civil engineering projects.
Commonly Used CAT Parts You Need to Know
To keep these powerful machines running, a consistent supply of high-quality replacement aftermarket CAT parts is crucial. Here are some of the most frequently replaced components and their functions.
Filters
Filters, including engine, hydraulic, fuel, and air filters, are the machine’s first line of defense. They capture contaminants like dirt, water, and metal particles, protecting critical components like the engine, hydraulic pump, and fuel injectors from premature wear and failure.
Recommended Replacement Schedule:
- Engine Oil Filter: Every 250 to 500 service hours, typically done with an engine oil change.
- Fuel & Hydraulic Filters: Every 500 to 1,000 service hours, or as indicated by system alerts.
- Air Filters: The primary filter should be inspected daily and replaced when the restriction indicator shows it is clogged. The secondary (safety) filter is typically replaced every third primary filter change.
Undercarriage Components
The undercarriage—including tracks, rollers, idlers, and sprockets—supports the machine’s weight and allows it to move. These parts are subject to constant friction and wear and are critical for machine stability and mobility.
Recommended Replacement Schedule
This is condition-based and not on a fixed hour schedule. It requires daily visual inspection for loose or damaged parts. A professional inspection and measurement should be performed every 500-1,000 hours to track wear. Replacement life varies drastically from 2,000 to 10,000+ hours depending on the abrasiveness of the terrain and operator technique.
Ground Engaging Tools
These are the “wear parts” that directly contact the ground. This category includes bucket teeth, cutting edges, tips, and ripper shanks. They are designed to be replaced to protect the more expensive bucket or blade from damage.
Recommended Replacement Schedule
Replaced as needed, based on wear. This requires daily (or even more frequent) inspection. In highly abrasive materials like rock, teeth may need replacement in under 100 hours. In soft soil, they can last for many hundreds of hours.
Hydraulic System Components
The hydraulic system is the muscle of the machine. Key parts like hoses, pumps, cylinders, and seal kits are responsible for generating the immense force needed to lift, dig, and push. Regular inspection and replacement prevent leaks and loss of power.
Recommended Replacement Schedule:
- Hoses: Inspect daily for leaks, cracks, and abrasion. As a best practice, consider replacing hoses every 4-6 years, regardless of appearance, due to material aging.
- Pumps & Cylinders: Replaced on condition. They are repaired or replaced when performance degrades, leaks persist, or failure occurs.
Engine Components
The heart of any CAT machine is its engine. Common replacement parts like starters, alternators, water pumps, belts, and thermostats ensure reliable starting, proper cooling, and consistent power delivery.
Recommended Replacement Schedule:
- Belts: Inspect at every service interval (250-500 hours). Replace every 2,000-3,000 hours or immediately if signs of cracking or fraying appear.
- Water Pumps & Thermostats: Often replaced proactively during a major coolant service (approx. 6,000 hours) to prevent failure, or be replaced immediately if they fail.
- Starters & Alternators: Replaced on-failure. Their lifespan is long but not infinite; they are replaced when they no longer function correctly.
Seal Kits and Gaskets
These are essential for any repair. Seal and gasket kits prevent fluid leaks (oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid) from joints and connections, ensuring the machine operates efficiently and safely.
Recommended Replacement Schedule
Replaced as needed during any repair. It is standard practice to never reuse old seals or gaskets. Whenever a component is disassembled (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or engine cover), a new seal kit must be installed.
Disclaimer: The following replacement schedules are general industry guidelines. Always consult your machine’s specific Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for the most accurate intervals and procedures.
Wrapping Up
Whether you own or want to own a CAT model, this guide will help you a lot. Learning clearly about the CAT models and following these replacement schedules can make the CAT equipment run strongly and healthily.
By the way, the aftermarket parts can also help you restore your CAT models without brand pricing. Aftermarket suppliers like FridayParts offer parts you need, compatible with CAT models, at a competitive price. Choose the right model & part now!
