PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR REWORKING THE PIN GRABBER QUICK COUPLER ON CERTAIN 345C EXCAVATORS Caterpillar

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR REWORKING THE PIN GRABBER QUICK COUPLER ON CERTAIN 345C EXCAVATORS

Usage:

SEBE9268-01

July 20, 2005
(Revised September 2005)
U-240

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*Safety*	PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR REWORKING THE PIN GRABBER QUICK COUPLER ON CERTAIN 345C EXCAVATORS
1408 1435 5070 5057 5059		PI10405

NOTE: This Program must be administered as soon as possible. When reporting the repair, use "PI10405" as the Part number and "7751" as the Group Number, "56" as the Warranty Claim Description Code and "T" as the SIMS Description Code. Exception: If the repair is done after failure, use "PI10405" as the Part Number, "7751" as the Group Number, "96" as the Warranty Claim Description Code, and "Z" as the SIMS Description Code.

NOTE: This Revised Service Letter replaces the July 20, 2005 Service Letter. Changes have been made to the Affected Product.

PROBLEM

The pin grabber quick coupler on certain 345C Excavators may have been incorrectly installed at the factory. The pin grabber lock/unlock switch on some machines may be assembled 180 degrees from the correct orientation and function may be incorrectly marked. Additionally, the Hydraulic Lock Cylinder Circuit for the pin grabber quick coupler uses the stick side of the main hydraulic pump as the power source. This method of operation is different than with other HEX models with Pin Grabber Couplers and is not described correctly in the "Operation Section" of the Pin Grabber Coupler Operation and Maintenance Manual provided for this machine. The pin grabber quick coupler for the 345C Excavator should be clamped and unclamped with the bucket control cylinder rather than the stick control cylinder. These problems could lead to improper operation of the coupler and could result in possibly causing serious injury or death due to the unreliable retention of the work tool and/or bucket.

AFFECTED PRODUCT

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Model	Identification Number
345C	PJW350, 352, 354, 357, 368, 373, 377, 384, 391, 397, 400, 401, 404, 408, 412, 415-417, 425, 439, 441-443, 459-461, 463, 465, 474, 475, 483, 486, 488, 490, 491, 500, 502, 506, 507, 514, 516, 518, 521, 523-525, 530, 532-536, 549, 555, 558, 563, 565, 566, 571 ESD169
345C LC	TDG250-252, 254-256, 263

PARTS NEEDED

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Qty	Part Number	Description
1	2786516	HOSE AS* (Dealer Fabricated)

NOTE: This is a Dealer Fabricated Hose Assembly. Refer to the Hydraulic Information System and the Rework Procedure in order to fabricate the Hose Assembly.

ACTION REQUIRED

See the attached Rework Procedure.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

U.S. and Canadian owners will receive the attached Owner Notification.

SERVICE CLAIM ALLOWANCES

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Caterpillar		Dealer Suggested		Customer Suggested
Parts	Labor Hrs.	Parts	Labor Hrs.	Parts	Labor Hrs.
100%	2.0	0	0	0	0
NOTE: This is a 2.0-hour job. NOTE: U.S. and Canadian Dealers Only - Eligible dealers may enter a Type 2 SIMS Report

PARTS DISPOSITION

Handle the parts in accordance with your Warranty Bulletin on warranty parts handling.

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COMPLETE THIS PROGRAM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Attach. (1-Owner Notification)
(2-Rework Procedure)

COPY OF OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR U.S. AND CANADIAN OWNERS

XYZ Corporation
3240 Arrow Drive
Anywhere, YZ 99999

SAFETY - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR REWORKING THE PIN GRABBER QUICK COUPLER

MODELS INVOLVED - 345C EXCAVATORS

Dear Caterpillar Product Owner:

The Pin Grabber Quick Coupler ("Quick Coupler") on certain 345C Excavators may have been installed incorrectly at the factory. The Quick Coupler lock/unlock switch on some machines may be assembled 180 degrees from the correct orientation, and its function ("Lock" or "Unlock") may therefore be marked incorrectly. Additionally, the hydraulic lock cylinder circuit for the Quick Coupler uses the stick side of the main hydraulic pump as the power source. This method of operation is different from other excavator models with Quick Couplers, and is not described correctly in the "Operation Section" of the Pin Grabber Coupler Operation and Maintenance Manual provided for this machine. The Quick Coupler for the 345C Excavator should be clamped and unclamped with the bucket control cylinder, rather than with the stick control cylinder. These problems could lead to improper operation of the coupler, and could also result in serious injury or death due to the unreliable retention of the work tool or bucket. You will not be charged for the service performed.

Contact your local Caterpillar dealer immediately to schedule this service. The dealer will advise you of the time required to complete this service. Please refer the dealer to their Service Letter dated July 20, 2005 when scheduling this service.

We regret the inconvenience this may cause you, but urge you to have this service performed for your added safety and satisfaction.

Caterpillar Inc.

Identification #(s)

Attached to July 20, 2005 Service Letter

Rework Procedure

Build 278-6516 Hose Assembly. Refer to Illustration below.

Remove and discard 245-5246 Hose Assembly.
Relocate existing 203-3470 Connector, Seal, Elbow and 164-5567 Pressure Tap, Seal, Fitting and Valve from the stick side to the bucket side of the main hydraulic pump.
Install 278-6516 Hose Assembly from the bucket side of the main hydraulic pump to 260-3877 control valve.
Relocate existing 164-5567 Pressure Tap from the bucket to stick side.
Tie wrap 278-6516 Hose Assembly.

NOTE: The Bucket port may be verified before assembly by connecting a pressure gauge to the port and operating the Bucket circuit.

Locate Quick Coupler Lock / Unlock Switch (A) in cab. Turn ignition to "On" position but do not start engine.
Pull the switch upward and move the switch toward the operator (to the left). Verify that safety alarm is audible and monitor displays "Quick Coupler Unlock" warning (as shown below).

If orientation of switch is not consistent with above explanation or if safety alarm is not audible and monitor does not display "Quick Coupler Unlock" warning turn ignition to "Off" position and remove cover (B) and panel (C).

Remove nut (D) and rotate switch (E) 180 degrees.

Proper orientation of switch can be determined by ensuring that Tang (G) is fitted in hole (H) when reinstalling switch.
Install nut (D) to secure switch (E). Install panel (C) and cover (B). Pull the switch upward and move the switch toward the operator (to the left). Verify that safety alarm is audible and monitor displays "Quick Coupler Unlock" warning (as shown below).

When switch is returned to original position; away from the operator (to the right) the safety alarm should no longer be audible and the "Quick Coupler Unlock" warning should no longer be present on the monitor.