1990/05/14 Caterpillar

Reference: Special Instruction, SEHS9089, "Operating Instructions For The 1U9800 Ultrasonic Wear Indicator Group". Tool Announcement, NEHG3536, "Measuring Undercarriage Wear on Track-Type Machines."

Illustration 1. The 1U9800 Ultrasonic Wear Indicator.

The 1U9800 Ultrasonic Wear Indicator Group provides a fast, accurate method to measure thickness of undercarriage components and other items. The key benefits of the group are:

- The group can be used to measure the thickness of components from 1.3 mm (.05") to 254 mm (10"). This includes the thickness of bulldozer blades, the base edge of buckets, scraper bowls, and tank walls, or where the side(s) to be checked is inaccessible.

- This device will also work on materials made of aluminum, plastic, copper and glass.

- Less time cleaning parts (especially bushings and shoes).

- Allows track bushing measurement both before AND after turning.

- Accessibility to some guarded components. For example, on track-type loaders, it can measure the rear track rollers which are inaccessible with a caliper and a depth gauge.

- Eliminates measurement errors caused by dirt packing and measurement technique differences among inspectors.

- Allows determination of idler center flange wear on fabricated idlers.

- Uses the ultrasonic measuring system with an accuracy of ± 0.1 mm (.01"), and the ability to store Custom Track Service (CTS) inspections for 64 machines.

- Custom Track Service inspections can be downloaded directly to a computer for viewing or printing. This means less machine downtime for CTS inspections (no need to write measurements onto a CTS form while a tractor waits).

The indicator instructs the operator as to which undercarriage components to measure in sequence according to a two-line alpha-numeric display. Before a measurement is taken, a small amount of 1U9802 Couplant must be applied to the sensing end of the probe. The couplant allows the sound waves to be transferred into the part. The probe is then placed on the part to be measured. The instrument measures part thickness by sending high frequency sound waves through the material. When the sound reaches the opposite side of the part, it is reflected back and received by the probe. The time required for the sound to travel through the part and back, determines the part thickness. The unit's microprocessor converts this rate into a thickness value which is shown on the liquid crystal display. The thickness values can be stored in the internal memory for reference, or downloaded to a computer for printing. The 1989 edition of the Custom Track Service Handbook, Form PEKP9400, is available to convert the undercarriage ultrasonic measurements into percent worn values.

In the future, there will be a Custom Track Service personal computer program available. The program will provide undercarriage wear reports automatically from the stored measurements.

Illustration 2. The 1U9800 Ultrasonic Wear Indicator Group. See the chart for part description.

Illustration 3. Optional items for use with the ultrasonic wear indicator group.
(A) 4C5489 Cable Assembly RS232 (PC XT version) for connecting the indicator to an IBM XT personal computer or compatible; 25-pin type D connector (DB25F).
(B) 4C5488 Cable Assembly RS232 (PC AT version) for connecting the indicator to an IBM AT personal computer or compatible; 9-pin type D connector (DB9F).
(C) 1U9533 Alkaline Batteries, (non-rechargeable), size AA, package of 96 (five batteries required to power indicator).
(D) 1U7445 Nickel Cadmium Battery, (rechargeable), size AA, package of one (five batteries required to power indicator).

The 4C5897 Modem Cable (not shown) can be used for connecting the indicator to a modem to transfer data over a telephone line to a personal computer.