General Information for Lubricants
When you are operating the machine in temperatures below
For cold-weather applications where transmission oil SAE 0W-20 is recommended, Cat Cold Weather TDTO is recommended.
Refer to the “Lubricant Information” section in the latest revision of the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for a list of Cat engine oils and for detailed information. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
To select the proper oil for each machine compartment, refer to the “Lubricant Viscosity for Ambient Temperature” table. Use the oil type AND oil viscosity for the specific compartment at the proper ambient temperature.
The proper oil viscosity grade is determined by the minimum ambient temperature (the air in the immediate vicinity of the machine). Measure the temperature when the machine is started and while the machine is operated. To determine the proper oil viscosity grade, refer to the “Min” column in the table. This information reflects the coldest ambient temperature condition for starting a cold machine and for operating a cold machine. Refer to the “Max” column in the table for operating the machine at the highest temperature that is anticipated. Unless specified otherwise in the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature.
Machines that are operated continuously should use oils that have the higher oil viscosity in the final drives and in the differentials. The oils that have the higher oil viscosity will maintain the highest possible oil film thickness. Refer to “General Information for Lubricants” article, “Lubricant Viscosities” tables, and any associated footnotes. Consult your Cat dealer if additional information is needed.
NOTICE |
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Not following the recommendations found in this manual can lead to reduced performance and compartment failure. |
Cat oils have been developed and tested to provide the full performance and life that has been designed and built into Cat engines.
Cat DEO-ULS or oils that meet the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 are required for use in the applications listed below. Cat DEO-ULS and oils meeting Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 and ACEA E9 oil categories have been developed with limited sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur. These chemical limits are designed to maintain the expected aftertreatment devices life, performance, and service interval. If oils meeting the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 specifications are not available, oils meeting ACEA E9 may be used. ACEA E9 oils meet the chemical limits designed to maintain aftertreatment device life. ACEA E9 oils are validated using some but not all ECF-3 and API CJ-4 standard engine performance tests. Consult your oil supplier when considering use of an oil that is not Cat ECF-3 or API CJ-4 qualified.
Failure to meet the listed requirements will damage aftertreatment-equipped engines and can negatively affect the performance of the aftertreatment devices. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) will plug sooner and require more frequent DPF ash service intervals.
Typical aftertreatment systems include the following:
- Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
- Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
Other systems may apply.
Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Engine Crankcase | Cat DEO-ULS Cold Weather | SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
Cat DEO-ULS | SAE 10W-30 | −18 | 40 | 0 | 104 | |
Cat DEO-ULS | SAE 15W-40 | −9.5 | 50 | 15 | 122 |
Refer to the “Lubricant Information” section in the latest revision of the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for detailed information. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
The following are the preferred oils for use in most Cat machine hydraulic systems:
- Cat HYDO Advanced 10 SAE 10W
- Cat HYDO Advanced 30 SAE 30W
- Cat BIO HYDO Advanced
Cat HYDO Advanced fluids have a 50% increase in the standard oil drain interval for machine hydraulic systems (3000 hours versus 2000 hours) over second and third choice oils when you follow the maintenance interval schedule for oil filter changes and for oil sampling that is stated in the Operation and Maintenance Manual for your particular machine. 6000-hour oil drain intervals are possible when using S·O·S Services oil analysis. Consult your Cat dealer for details. When switching to Cat HYDO Advanced fluids, cross contamination with the previous oil should be kept to less than 10%.
Second choice oils are listed below.
- Cat MTO
- Cat DEO
- Cat DEO-ULS
- Cat TDTO
- Cat TDTO Cold Weather
- Cat TDTO-TMS
- Cat DEO-ULS Cold Weather
Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Hydraulic System | CatHYDO Advanced 10
Cat TDTO |
SAE 10W | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 |
Cat HYDO Advanced 30
Cat TDTO |
SAE 30 | 0 | 50 | 32 | 122 | |
Cat BIO HYDO Advanced | "ISO 46" Multi-Grade | −30 | 45 | −22 | 113 | |
Cat MTO
Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO |
SAE10W-30 | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | |
Cat DEO-ULS
Cat DEO |
SAE15W-40 | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | |
Cat TDTO-TMS | Multi-Grade | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | |
Cat DEO-ULS Cold Weather | SAE0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | |
Cat TDTO Cold Weather | SAE 0W-20 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
Refer to the “Lubricant Information” section in the latest revision of the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for detailed information. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
When you are operating the machine in temperatures below
Do not use Cat FDAO (Final Drive Axle Oil), Cat FDAO SYN, or Cat FD-1 in compartments containing clutches and/or brakes. Cat TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, or commercial oil that meets Cat TO-4 oil types must be used in any compartment containing friction material unless specified otherwise by Caterpillar.
For the Final Drives in severe usage or in continuous operations, WARMUP is required. Exercise the final drives for several minutes with the engine at a partial throttle to warmup the oil prior to production operation
Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | |||||||
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Compartment or System | Application | Oil Type and Classification | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | ||||
Final Drive | Moderate Usage or Intermittent Operation | Cat TDTO COLD WEATHER
Cat TDTO Cat TDTO-TMS commercial TO-4 |
SAE 50 | −15 | 32 | 5 | 90 |
SAE 30 | −25 | 15 | −13 | 59 | |||
Cat TDTO-TMS | −35 | 15 | −31 | 59 | |||
Severe Usage or Continuous Operation (Multiple Shifts/Day) | Cat TDTO COLD WEATHER
Cat TDTO Cat TDTO-TMS commercial TO-4 |
SAE 50 | −33 | 14 | −27 | 58 | |
SAE 30 | −40 | 0 | −40 | 32 | |||
Cat TDTO-TMS | −40 | 0 | −40 | 32 |
Cat Synthetic GO is an SAE 75W-140 viscosity grade oil.
Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | |||||||
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Compartment or System | Application | Oil Type and Classification | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | ||||
Track Pins | Normal | Cat GO
Cat Synthetic GO commercial API GL-5 gear oil |
SAE 75W-90 | −30 | 40 | −22 | 104 |
SAE 75W-140 | -30 | 45 | -22 | 113 | |||
SAE 80W-90 | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | |||
SAE 85W-140 | −10 | 50 | 14 | 122 | |||
SAE 90 | 0 | 40 | 32 | 104 | |||
Winches (hydraulic drive) | Normal | Cat TDTO
Cat TDTO-TMS commercial TO-4 |
SAE 0W20 | −40 | 10 | −40 | 50 |
SAE 0W30 | −40 | 20 | −40 | 68 | |||
SAE 5W30 | −30 | 20 | −22 | 68 | |||
SAE 10W | −20 | 10 | −4 | 50 | |||
SAE 30 | 0 | 43 | 32 | 110 | |||
Cat TDTO-TMS | −10 | 35 | 14 | 95 | |||
Pivot Shaft Bearings | Normal | Cat TDTO
Cat TDTO-TMS Cat Arctic TDTO commercial TO-4 |
SAE 0W-20 | −40 | 0 | −40 | 32 |
SAE 0W-30 | −40 | 10 | −40 | 50 | |||
SAE 5W-20 | −35 | 0 | −31 | 32 | |||
SAE 10W | −30 | 0 | −22 | 32 | |||
SAE 30 | −20 | 25 | −4 | 77 | |||
SAE 40 | −10 | 40 | 14 | 104 | |||
SAE 50 | 0 | 50 | 32 | 122 | |||
Cat TDTO-TMS | −25 | 25 | −13 | 77 | |||
Track Idlers and Track Rollers | Normal | Cat DEO
Cat ECF-1 API CG-4 API CF |
SAE 30 | −20 | 25 | −4 | 77 |
SAE 40 | −10 | 40 | 14 | 104 | |||
SAE 5W-40 | −35 | 40 | −31 | 104 |
To use a non-Cat grease, the supplier must certify that the lubricant is compatible with Cat grease.
Each pin joint should be flushed with the new grease. Ensure that all old grease is removed. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to failure of a pin joint.
Recommended Grease | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Grease Type | NLGI Grade | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
External Lubrication Points
End Pin Joint for the Equalizer Bar Track Adjuster C Frame and Blade Pins |
Cat Advanced 3 Moly | NLGI Grade 2 | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 |
Cat Ultra 5 Moly | NLGI Grade 2 | −30 | 50 | −22 | 122 | |
NLGI Grade 1 | −35 | 40 | −31 | 104 | ||
NLGI Grade 0 | −40 | 35 | −40 | 95 | ||
Cat Arctic Platinum | NLGI Grade 0 | −50 | 20 | −58 | 68 | |
Cat Desert Gold | NLGI Grade 2 | −20 | 60 | −4 | 140 |
Reference: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information about grease. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
Illustration 1 | g02157153 |
Illustration 2 | g02052934 |
Diesel fuel must meet “Cat Specification for Distillate Fuel” and the latest versions of "ASTM D975" or "EN 590" to ensure optimum engine performance. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for the latest fuel information and for Cat fuel specification. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
NOTICE |
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Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel 0.0015 percent (≤15 ppm (mg/kg)) sulfur is required by regulation for use in engines certified to nonroad Tier 4 standards (U.S. EPA Tier 4 certified) and that are equipped with exhaust aftertreatment systems. European ULSD 0.0010 percent (≤10ppm (mg/kg)) sulfur fuel is required by regulation for use in engines certified to European nonroad Stage IIIB and newer standards and are equipped with exhaust aftertreatment systems. |
Misfueling with fuels of higher sulfur level will invalidate the warranty and have the following negative effects:
- Shorten the time interval between aftertreatment device service intervals (cause the need for more frequent service intervals)
- Adversely impact the performance and life of aftertreatment devices (cause loss of performance)
- Reduce regeneration intervals of aftertreatment devices
- Reduce engine efficiency and durability.
- Increase the wear.
- Increase the corrosion.
- Increase the deposits.
- Lower fuel economy
- Shorten the time period between oil drain intervals (more frequent oil drain intervals).
- Increase overall operating costs.
Failures that result from the use of improper fuels are not Cat factory defects. Therefore the cost of repairs would not be covered by a Cat warranty.
Caterpillar does not require the use of ULSD in off road and machine applications that are not Tier 4/Stage IIIB certified engines. ULSD is not required in engines that are not equipped with after treatment devices. For Tier 4/Stage IIIB/Stage IV certified engines always follow operating instructions. Fuel tank inlet labels are installed to ensure that the correct fuels are used.
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for more details about fuels, lubricants, and Tier 4 requirements. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a liquid that is injected into the exhaust system of engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. SCR reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in diesel engine exhaust.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is also known under other names including Aqueous Urea Solution (AUS) 32, AdBlue, or generically referred to as urea.
In engines equipped with SCR emissions reduction system, DEF is injected in controlled amounts into the engine exhaust stream. At the elevated exhaust temperature, urea in DEF is converted to ammonia. The ammonia chemically reacts with NOx in diesel exhaust in the presence of the SCR catalyst. The reaction converts NOx into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O).
For use in Cat engines, DEF must meet all the requirements defined by "ISO 22241-1" Requirements.
Caterpillar recommends the use of DEF available through the Cat parts ordering system for use in Cat engines equipped with SCR systems.
In North America, commercial DEF that is API approved and meets all the requirements defined in "ISO 22241-1" may be used in Cat engines that are equipped with SCR systems.
Outside of North America, commercial DEF that meets all requirements defined in "ISO 22241-1" may be used in Cat engines that are equipped with SCR systems.
The supplier should provide documentation to prove that the DEF is compliant with the requirements of "ISO 22241-1".
NOTICE |
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Cat does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
NOTICE |
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Do not use agriculture grade urea solutions. Do not use any fluids that do not meet "ISO 22241-1" Requirements in SCR emissions reduction systems. Use of these fluids can result in numerous problems including damage to SCR equipment and a reduction in NOx conversion efficiency. |
DEF is a solution of solid urea that is dissolved in demineralized water to produce a final concentration of 32.5% urea. DEF concentration of 32.5% is optimal for use in SCR systems. DEF solution of 32.5% urea has the lowest attainable freeze point of
Caterpillar offers a refractometer, Cat part number 360-0774, that can be used to measure DEF concentration. Follow the instructions provided with the instrument. Appropriate commercial portable refractometers can be used to determine urea concentration. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
DEF solution is typically colorless and clear. Changes to color or clarity are indicators of quality issues. Quality of DEF can degrade when stored and handled inappropriately or if DEF is not protected from contamination. Details are provided below.
If quality issues are suspected, testing of DEF should focus on urea percentage, alkalinity as NH3 and biuret content. DEF that does not pass all these tests or that is no longer clear should not be used.
DEF is corrosive. Due to the corrosion caused, DEF must be stored in tanks constructed of approved materials. Recommended storage materials:
Stainless Steels:
- 304 (S30400)
- 304L (S30403)
- 316 (S31600)
- 316L (S31603)
Alloys and metals:
- Chromium Nickel (CrNi)
- Chromium Nickel Molybdenum (CrNiMo)
- Titanium
Non-metallic materials:
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polyisobutylene
- Teflon (PFA)
- Polyfluoroethylene (PFE)
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Materials NOT compatible with DEF solutions include Aluminum, Magnesium, Zinc, Nickel coatings, Silver, and Carbon steel and Solders containing any of the above. Unexpected reactions may occur if DEF solutions come in contact with any non-compatible material or unknown materials.
Follow all local regulations covering bulk storage tanks. Follow proper tank construction guidelines. Tank volume typically should be 110% of planned capacity. Appropriately vent indoor tanks. Plan for control of overflow of the tank. Heat tanks that dispense DEF in cold climates.
Bulk tank breathers should be fitted with filtration to keep airborne debris from entering the tank. Desiccant breathers should not be used because water will be absorbed, which potentially can alter DEF concentration.
Follow all local regulations covering transport and handling. DEF transport temperature is recommended to be
- Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
- Fluoroelastomer (FKM)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
The condition of hoses and other nonmetallics that are used with DEF should be monitored for signs of degradation. DEF leaks are easily recognizable by white urea crystals that accumulate at the site of the leak. Solid urea can be corrosive to galvanized or unalloyed steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Leaks should be repaired immediately to avoid damage to surrounding hardware.
Contaminants can degrade the quality and life of DEF. Filtering DEF is recommended when dispensed into the DEF tank. Filters should be compatible with DEF and should be used exclusively with DEF. Check with the filter supplier to confirm compatibility with DEF before using. Mesh-type filters using compatible metals, such as stainless steel, are recommended. Paper (cellulose) media and some synthetic filter media are not recommended because of degradation during use.
Care should be taken when dispensing DEF. Spills should be cleaned immediately. Machine or engine surfaces should be wiped clean and rinsed with water. Caution should be used when dispensing DEF near an engine that has recently been running. Spilling DEF onto hot components will cause harmful vapors.
DEF fluid is stable when stored and handled properly. The quality of DEF rapidly degrades when stored at high temperatures. The ideal storage temperature for DEF is between
The length of storage of DEF is listed in the following table:
Storage Temperature | Expected DEF Life |
---|---|
Below |
18 months |
|
12 months |
|
6 months |
Above |
test quality before use |
Refer to "ISO 22241" document series for more information about DEF quality control.
Note: Dispose of all fluids according to applicable regulations and mandates.
Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner and Cat Fuel System Cleaner are available for use when needed. These products are applicable to diesel and biodiesel fuels. Consult your Cat dealer for availability.
Usage of fuel additives must maintain the overall sulfur level within Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur or less, per "ASTM D975" specifications.
Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from various renewable resources that include vegetable oils, animal fat, and waste cooking oil. Soybean oil and rapeseed oil are the primary vegetable oil sources. To use any of these oils or fats as fuel, the oils or fats are chemically processed (esterified). The water and contaminants are removed.
U.S. distillate diesel fuel specification "ASTM D975-09a" includes up to B5 (5 percent) biodiesel. Currently, any diesel fuel in the U.S. may contain up to B5 biodiesel fuel.
European distillate diesel fuel specification "EN 590" includes up to B5 (5 percent) and in some regions up to B7 (7 percent) biodiesel. Any diesel fuel in Europe may contain up to B5 or in some regions up to B7 biodiesel fuel.
Note: The diesel portion used in the biodiesel blend must be Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur or less, per "ASTM D975"). In Europe the diesel fuel portion used in the biodiesel blend must be sulfur free diesel (10 ppm sulfur or less, per "EN 590"). The final blend must have 15 ppm sulfur or less.
Note: Up to B20 biodiesel blend level is acceptable for use in the D6K Tier IV machine engine.
When biodiesel fuel is used, certain guidelines must be followed. Biodiesel fuel can influence the engine oil, aftertreatment devices, non-metallic, fuel system components, and others. Biodiesel fuel has limited storage life and has limited oxidation stability. Follow the guidelines and requirements for engines that are seasonally operated and for standby power generation engines.
To reduce the risks associated with the use of biodiesel, the final biodiesel blend and the biodiesel fuel used must meet specific blending requirements.
All the guidelines and requirements are provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
The information provided in this “Coolant Recommendation” section should be used with the “Lubricants Information” provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.
The following two types of coolants may be used in Cat diesel engines:
Preferred - Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant)
Acceptable - Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant)
NOTICE |
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Never use water alone as a coolant. Water alone is corrosive at engine operating temperatures. In addition, water alone does not provide adequate protection against boiling or freezing. |