General Information for Lubricants
When the machine is operating 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. The footnotes are a key part of the tables. Read ALL footnotes that pertain to the machine compartment in question.
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 although 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.
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, API CJ-4, and the newer API CK-4, are required for use in the applications listed below. Cat DEO-ULS and oils meeting Cat ECF-3 specification, API CJ-4, the newer API CK-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, API CJ-4, the newer API CK-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, API CJ-4, or the newer API CK-4 qualified.
Failure to meet the listed requirements will damage aftertreatment-equipped engines and can negatively impact the performance of the aftertreatment devices.
Oils that are per API CI-4 or prior categories are not allowed. These oils have high ash and are not appropriate for use in engines with aftertreatment devices.
Cat Diesel Engines Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures(1)(2) | ||||||
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Compartment or System | Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
Engine Crankcase for all Direct Injection (DI) Engines | Cat DEO Cold Weather (API CK-4) | SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
Cat DEO-ULS SYN (API CK-4) | SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 50 | −22 | 122 | |
Cat DEO-ULS (API CK-4)
Cat DEO (API CI-4/CI-4 PLUS) |
SAE 10W-30 | −18 | 40 | 0 | 104 | |
SAE 15W-40 | −10 | 50 | 14 | 122 |
(1) | Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Engine Oil" for information on the recommended and required engine oils for Tier 4 emissions certified engines. |
(2) | Commercial oils of viscosity grades that are not included in this table may be used if the oils are per Cat ECF specifications. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Engine Oil" for more information. Commercial oils are second choice. |
Cat FDAO SYN, CatFDAOSAE 60, or commercial oil that meets Cat FD-1 SAE 60 is preferred in most Differential, Front Wheels, and Final Drives, particularly continuous operation.
If the ambient temperature is below
If the ambient temperature is below
For cold-weather applications where transmission oil SAE 0W-20 is recommended, Cat Cold-Weather TDTO is recommended.
797F Off Highway Truck 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 | |||
Power Shift Transmission and Torque Converter System | Cat TDTO
Cat TDTO-TMS Cat Cold-Weather TDTO Cat TO-4 |
SAE 0W-20 | −40 | 10 | −40 | 50 |
SAE 10W | −20 | 10 | −4 | 50 | ||
SAE 30(1) | 0 | 50 | 32 | 122 | ||
Cat TDTO-TMS | −10 | 50 | 14 | 122 | ||
Steering and Fan Hydraulic System | Cat Bio HYDO Advanced 30
BIO HYDO Advanced Cat TDTO 30 Cat TDTO-TMS Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO Cat DEO-ULS Syn Cat Cold-Weather DEO-ULS ECF-1a, ECF-2, ECF-3, CK-4 Cat TO-4 |
SAE 30(1) | −5 | 50 | 23 | 122 |
"ISO 46" Multi-Grade | −30 | 45 | -22 | 113 | ||
SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 40 | −22 | 104 | ||
SAE 15W-40 | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | ||
Multi-Grade | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | ||
SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
Hoist and Brake Hydraulic System | Cat TDTO
Cat Cold-Weather TDTO Cat TO-4 |
SAE 0W-20 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
SAE 10W(1) | −20 | 50 | −4 | 122 | ||
Differential, Front Wheels, and Final Drives | Cat FDAO
Cat FDAO SYN Cat FD-1 |
SAE 60(1) | −10 | 50 | 14 | 122 |
Multi-Grade | −25 | 50 | -13 | 122 | ||
Powered Stairway | Cat TDTO
Cat TO-4 |
SAE 10W | 0 | 50 | 32 | 122 |
Cat Cold-Weather TDTO | SAE 0W-20 | 0 | 50 | 32 | 122 | |
MIL-H-5606A | MIL-H-5606A(2) | -40 | 40 | -40 | 104 | |
Suspension and Link Pins | Cat GO | SAE 80W-90 | -20 | 40 | -4 | 104 |
SAE 85W-140 | -10 | 50 | 14 | 122 | ||
Cat Synthetic GO | SAE 75W-140 | -30 | 45 | -22 | 113 | |
API GL-5 gear oil | SAE 90 | 0 | 40 | 32 | 104 | |
SAE 75W-90 | -30 | 40 | -22 | 104 |
(1) | Factory fill oil for standard configuration machines. |
(2) | Current factory fill is Mobil Aero HFA. Shell Aeroshell Fluid 4 or equivalent oils are also acceptable. |
Type of Cat Grease for Off Highway Trucks | ||||||||
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Application Point(1) | Typical Load and Speed | % Load Factor | Ambient Temperature Range | NLGI Grade | Grease Type | |||
° C | ° F | |||||||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |||||
Belt Tightener, Drive Shaft Slip Spline, Fan Drive Pulley, Hoist Control Bellcrank, Hoist Cylinder Bearing, Front and Rear Axle A-Frame Bearing, Steering Cylinder End, Steering Linkage, Steering Tie Rod and Pin Bearings, Swaybar, Tachometer Drive | High | 40-50 | −35 | 40 | −31 | 104 | 1 | Extreme Application Grease |
−30 | 50 | −22 | 122 | 2 | ||||
Medium | 30-40 | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | 2 | Prime Application Grease | |
Low | 20-30 | −30 | 40 | −22 | 104 | 2 | Utility Grease | |
Fan Drive Bearings | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | 2 | Ball Bearing Grease | ||
Extreme Temperature Conditions | High
Medium Low |
-50 | 20 | -58 | 68 | 0 | Extreme Application Grease - Arctic | |
-20 | 60 | -4 | 140 | 2 | Extreme Application Grease - Desert |
(1) | Typical examples. Not all machines will have the same application points. |
Grease for the Autolube System
The grease used with the automatic lubrication system must not contain any graphite or PTFE.
Note: Pumpability is based on "US Steel Mobility and Lincoln Ventmeter Tests". Performance may vary depending on lubrication equipment and the length of the lines.
Recommended Grease for the Autolube System | ||||
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Compartment or System | Grease Type | NLGI Grade | °C | °F |
Min | Min | |||
Cat Autolube System | Cat Prime Application Grease | NLGI Grade 2 | −18 | 0 |
Cat Extreme Application Grease(1) | NLGI Grade 2 | −7 | 20 | |
NLGI Grade 1 | −18 | 0 | ||
NLGI Grade 0 | −29 | −20 | ||
Cat Extreme Application Grease - Arctic | NLGI Grade 0 | −43 | −45 | |
Cat Extreme Application Grease - Desert | NLGI Grade 2 | 2 | 35 |
(1) | Preferred grease for most Off-highway Truck applications. |
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.
Diesel fuel must meet “Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Fuel” and the latest versions of "ASTM D975" or "EN 590" to ensure optimum engine performance.
The preferred fuels are distillate fuels. These fuels are commonly called diesel fuel, furnace oil, gas oil, or kerosene. These fuels must meet the “Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for Off-Highway Diesel Engines”. Diesel Fuels that meet the Caterpillar specification will help provide maximum engine service life and performance.
Misfueling with fuels of high sulfur level can have the following negative effects:
- 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
- Negatively impact engine emissions
Failures that result from the use of improper fuels are not Caterpillar factory defects. Therefore the cost of repairs would not be covered by a Caterpillar 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.
Follow operating instructions and fuel tank inlet labels, if available, to ensure that the correct fuels are used.
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.
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: Up to B20 biodiesel blend level is acceptable for use in Medium Wheel Loader engines.
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.
Reference: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information about fuels. 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).
DEF Recommendations for Diesel Engines
For use in Cat engines, DEF must meet all the requirements defined by the "ISO 22241-1" standard.
The caps of DEF tanks are blue, as required by emissions regulations. Fill DEF only in clearly marked DEF tanks that have the blue cap.
Caterpillar recommends the use of DEF available through the Cat parts ordering system for use in Cat engines equipped with SCR systems. Refer to Table 5 for part number information:
Cat Part Number
(32.5% Urea) |
Container Size |
---|---|
350-8733 | 2.5 gal bottle |
350-8734 | 1000-L tote |
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. Most SCR systems are designed to operate only on DEF concentration of 32.5 percent. 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.
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.
NOTICE |
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Storing Diesel Exhaust Fluid in high heat areas is not recommended. Do not store DEF in high heat generating areas on the machine, such as the pump compartment or the engine compartment. The quality of the DEF can degrade when exposed to high temperatures. |
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 |
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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.
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. |
Reference: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information about coolant. This manual may be found on the web at Safety.Cat.com.