1978/10/23 Caterpillar

In the future all Caterpillar-built machines will use a common warning system in operator stations. The system will use a horn, large warning light, indicator lights, and gauges to warn the operator. The horn and large warning light will indicate a severe problem, e.g., loss of oil pressure. The indicator lights will give the location of the problem. The indicator lights can come on with the horn and large warning light, or they can come on separately, depending upon the severity of the problem. The gauges available as attachments (normally to be used only for heat indication) will permit a change in machine operation before an "alarm" condition starts.

The new all-in-one warning system will decrease the operation costs for the owners by providing:

1. A common procedure of operation that will decrease the amount of time needed for operator training on all machines in the fleet.

2. A common method for repair and troubleshooting that will decrease down time.

The new warning system also will increase the service life of Caterpillar machines by telling the operator there is a problem before there has been any damage to the machine.

The Operator's Guide will give complete instructions on how the warning system is to be used when it is available. A few examples of conditions and possible causes are as follows:

1. Condition: Horn sounds, large warning light is on, and the indicator light is on.

If all these conditions are present, the operator must stop the machine and stop the engine.

Possible causes for the conditions are:

a) Loss of oil pressure

b) Loss of brake pressure

c) Loss of hydraulic system oil.

d) Loss of coolant flow

e) Emergency brake on when starting to operate

2. Condition: Large warning light is on and indicator light is on.

With these conditions, the operator must change method of operation to correct condition.

Possible causes are:

a) Cooling system overheated

b) Hydraulic system overheated

c) Converter overheated

d) Retarder overheated

3. Condition: Indicator light on.

With this condition, operation can continue (stay in use), but the problem will have to be corrected in the near future.

Possible causes are:

a) Alternater not charging

b) Low fuel level

When attachment gauges are used, their primary function will be to permit a change in machine operation before an "alarm" condition starts.