If the operating conditions change, the grease in the automatic lubrication system can also be changed. Refer to "Refilling the Grease Reservoir".
The automatic lubrication system has the capabilities of changing the intensity of the lubrication cycle. This is done via a test button or via the signal lamp.
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| Illustration 1 | g01092584 |
The current operating mode is displayed by bars (3), (4), and (5) that are on the front of the signal lamp. The operating mode is switched when the test button on the signal lamp is pressed. See Table 1 for reference.
| Signal | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minimum grease level reached. |
| 2 | System malfunction |
| 3 | Light duty |
| 4 | Normal duty |
| 5 | Heavy duty |
| Green LED under "Greasing Mode" flashes
(2 seconds ON, 2 seconds OFF) |
One single test cycle is performed. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Automatic Lubrication System - Test". |
| Green LED under "Greasing Mode" flashes
(0.2 seconds ON, 0.2 seconds OFF) |
A continuous test cycle is performed. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Automatic Lubrication System - Test". |
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| Illustration 2 | g01073835 |
|
Number of the metering unit | |
The automatic lubrication system offers the ability to change the amount of grease that is supplied per cycle to each grease point. This is done by installing different sized metering units. 12 different sizes of metering units are available. The metering units are stamped with numbers that correlate to the capacity of the metering unit. See Table 2 for reference.
| Metering Unit Number | Capacity (cm3) per Lubrication Cycle |
| 0 | 0.025 |
| 1 | 0.050 |
| 2 | 0.100 |
| 3 | 0.150 |
| 4 | 0.200 |
| 5 | 0.250 |
| 6 | 0.300 |
| 7 | 0.350 |
| 8 | 0.400 |
| 8.5 | 0.700 |
| 9 | 1.000 |
| 10 | 2.000 |
Refilling the Grease Reservoir
Grease should not contain graphite or PTFE. Use the correct grease in the automatic lubrication system. The recommended grease for normal working conditions is 177-3457 Grease.
The use of a partially fluid grease that is above the maximum temperature that is indicated in Table 3 is not permitted. Use of a partially fluid grease that is above the maximum indicated temperature can lead to the following.
- Excessive component wear
- A reduction in the efficiency of the system
| Recommended Lubrication for the Automatic Lubrication System(1)(2) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grease | NLGI | Degrees Celsius | Degrees Fahrenheit | ||
| Caterpillar Autolube | 1 | -18 | +29 | 0 | +85 |
| Caterpillar Autolube | 2 | -1 | +41 | +30 | +105 |
| Caterpillar Autolube | 0 | -29 | +10 | -20 | +50 |
| Caterpillar Arctic Platinum | 000 | -59 | +4 | -75 | +40 |
| Caterpillar Desert Gold | 2 | +4 | +66 | +40 | +150 |
| (1) | In order to use a non-Caterpillar lubricant, the supplier must certify that the lubricant is compatible with Caterpillar's grease. Otherwise, each pin joint should be fully flushed with the new lubricant in order to entirely remove the Caterpillar lubricant. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to failure of a pin joint due to premature breakdown of the lubricant. |
| (2) | The grease that is used with the automatic lubrication system must not contain any graphite or PTFE. |
Filling of the Grease Reservoir
- Ensure that the filler hose is primed with grease in order to prevent air from being introduced in the grease reservoir.
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| Illustration 3 | g01074471 |
|
Location of the coupling on the lubrication pump | |
- Remove the dust cap from the coupling for the filler.
- Carefully clean the coupling for the filler and the coupling on the filler hose. The 221-1578 Coupler (Female) for the filler hose is supplied with each Autolube system.
- Fix the filler hose on the coupling for the filler.
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| Illustration 4 | g01076025 |
|
The maximum level mark on the lubrication pump | |
- Fill the grease reservoir up to the maximum level that is indicated on the grease reservoir.
- Remove the filler hose and fit the dust cap.
- Place the filler hose back in the hose's proper place in order to ensure that the coupling of the filler hose remains clean.
Note: Every 500 hours replace the filter for the filler on the lubrication pump. The filter is behind the connector on the grease reservoir.
Note: If the pumping action seems to go heavy, check the filter behind the coupling for the filler on the lubrication pump. Gently clean the filter or replace the filter. If the filter is damaged, the filter must be replaced.
Note: If too much grease is pumped into the grease reservoir, the surplus grease will exit the vent at the side of the lubrication pump. Any air that is introduced during the filling procedure will also escape via this route.
Note: Due to the slow capability of a hand held grease gun, the use of a grease gun is not recommended in order to fill the grease reservoir.
Bleeding the Grease Reservoir for the Automatic Lubrication System
If the grease reservoir needs bleeding, perform the following procedure.
- Ensure that there is sufficient grease in the grease reservoir. If necessary, fill the grease reservoir with grease. Refer to "Filling of the Grease Reservoir".
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Illustration 5 g01127386 - Disconnect hoses (2) from the output ports on lubrication pump (1). Move the hoses aside.
- Switch on the ignition.
- Perform a continuous cycle test.
- When only grease exits from the output ports, interrupt the test cycle by switching off the ignition.
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Illustration 6 g01127386 - Reconnect hoses (2) to lubrication pump (1).
- Switch on the ignition. Perform a Single Cycle test in order to check that the automatic lubrication system is operating correctly. If the automatic lubrication system is operating correctly, leave the ignition on. Set the duty cycle to the heavy setting. Allow the automatic lubrication system to operate for a minimum of 40 minutes before switching off the ignition. This should allow the automatic lubrication system to perform at least two cycles. (The heavy duty cycle is set for the least time interval between lubrication cycles.) This process will allow the automatic lubrication system to reset.
Bleeding the Lubrication Lines for the Automatic Lubrication System
If the automatic lubrication system needs bleeding, perform the following procedure.
- Ensure that there is sufficient grease in the grease reservoir.
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Illustration 7 g01099749 Typical example for the 725, 730 and 730 EJECTOR Articulated Trucks Show/hide table
Illustration 8 g01099750 Typical example for the 735, 740 and 740 EJECTOR Articulated Trucks - Remove plugs (2) from lubrication distribution valve (1) that is at the front of the rear frame.
- Switch on the ignition.
- Perform a Continuous Cycle test.
Note: Because the plugs have been removed from the lubrication distribution valve, no pressure will be built up. When the maximum pump time has elapsed, the system automatically changes to the other primary grease line. (The pump time is set by the control unit.) This process will repeat until the ignition is off.
- When only grease exits from the lubrication distribution valve, interrupt the test cycle by switching off the ignition.
- Replace plugs (2).
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Illustration 9 g01099756 Typical example for the 725, 730 and 730 EJECTOR Articulated Trucks Show/hide table
Illustration 10 g01099755 Typical example for the 735, 740 and 740 EJECTOR Articulated Trucks - Repeat Step 1 to Step 6 for lubrication distribution valve (3) that is at the rear of the rear frame.
- Perform a Single Cycle test in order to check that the system is operating correctly.
