PL72 Pipelayer Caterpillar

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Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or components to contact skin.

The power train system oil level gauge and the power train system oil filler cap are located in a compartment forward of the left-hand ROPS post.

Open the access door that is forward of the left-hand ROPS post to check the power train system oil level.

Illustration 1	g03744776
(1) Oil level gauge (2) Filler cap

The oil level gauge has markings to check the power train oil when the oil temperature is cold and the engine is not running. The oil level gauge also has markings to check the power train oil when the oil temperature is hot and the engine is running at low idle.

Push down on the handle of the oil level gauge and rotate the handle counter clockwise to remove the oil level gauge.

Cold Oil Level Check

Illustration 2	g03744782

Check the "ENGINE STOPPED COLD OIL" side of the oil level gauge while the engine is stopped and the oil is cold (ambient temperature). Maintain the oil level in the shaded area shown between the two arrows. This method should be used only as a reference for starting the engine.

Hot Oil Level Check

Illustration 3	g03744900

Use the "TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, ENGINE AT LOW IDLE AND OIL AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE" side of the oil level gauge. Check when the transmission is in NEUTRAL and the engine is running at LOW IDLE. The oil should be at operating temperature. Maintain the oil level in the shaded area shown between the two arrows. This method is the only accurate way to check the oil level.

Note: For optimum results, allow the machine to stabilize for 5 minutes before checking the oil level.

Note: When you are operating the machine on severe slopes, the quantity of oil in the power train system can be increased up to 10 percent. When you are operating with the increased oil quantity, prolonged operation in some machines can cause high power train system oil temperatures. After the work on the severe slopes has been completed, drain the excessive oil quantity from the bevel gear case.

Add Oil (If Needed)

1. If the oil level on oil level gauge (1) indicates that oil is needed, add oil to the power train system.

2. Remove filler cap (2) and add oil.

3. Clean the filler cap and the oil level gauge. Install the filler cap.

4. Install the oil level gauge and be certain to rotate the handle of the oil level gauge to the LOCKED position.

5. Close the access door.