General Information
The information that is provided is the latest recommendations for Caterpillar engines and for Caterpillar machine compartments. This information supersedes all previous recommendations which have been published for Caterpillar machines. Special lubricants are required for some machine compartments and it will be necessary to continue to use these special products.
This information is only for Caterpillar machines. For more lubricant recommendations, see Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluid Recommendations", Special Publication, SEBU6385, "Caterpillar On-Highway Diesel Truck Engine Fluid Recommendations", Special Publication, SEBU6400, "Caterpillar Gaseous Fueled Spark Ignited Engines Lubricant Recommendations", and Special Publication, SEBU7003, "Caterpillar 3600 Series Diesel Engine Fluid Recommendations" .
Engine Oil
The Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System by the American Petroleum Institute is recognized by Caterpillar. For detailed information about this system, see the thirteenth edition of the "API publication No. 1509". Engine oils that bear the API symbol are authorized by API. Examples of the API symbol are shown in Illustration 1.
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| Illustration 1 | g00106742 |
Diesel engine oils CD, CD-2, and CE have not been API authorized categories since 1January 1996. Caterpillar will only reference those categories that are authorized by the API. Table 1 summarizes the status of the categories.
| Current | Obsolete |
| CF-4, CG-4 | CE |
| CF | CC, CD |
| CF-2 (1) | CD-2 (1) |
| ( 1 ) | CD-2 and CF-2 are categories for two-cycle diesel engines. Caterpillar does not sell engines that utilize CD-2 and CF-2 oils. |
Note: CF is not the same classification as CF-4. API CF oils are only recommended for Caterpillar machine engines with noncurrent precombustion chamber fuel systems (PC).
In previous editions of this document, Caterpillar referred to the US Military oil specifications (MIL-L-XXXX ) and to the European CCMC oil specifications. These specifications do not provide performance that is identical to API CF-4 engine oils or to API CG-4 engine oils. Caterpillar will not make reference to military specifications or to CCMC specifications in this document.
Transmission/Drive Train Oil
Transmission/drive train oils are classified by the TO-4 specifications. The specifications are developed by Caterpillar for use in Caterpillar transmissions and in Caterpillar final drives.
Grease
The classifications for grease are based on the "ASTM D2718" worked penetration characteristics, which are given a defined consistency number.
Terminology
Certain abbreviations follow the nomenclature of "SAE J754". Some classifications follow "SAE J183" abbreviations. Definitions that differ from Caterpillar definitions will assist you when you purchase lubricants. Refer to the topic "Lubricant Viscosities" for the recommended oil viscosities.
Caterpillar Fluids
Caterpillar fluids have been approved by Caterpillar in order to increase the performance of Caterpillar components and the life of Caterpillar components. Caterpillar fluids that are currently used for engines and for machines are offered by Caterpillar dealers. Caterpillar fluids are also offered for continued refills. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information on these Caterpillar fluids.
Caterpillar recommends the use of the following Caterpillar fluids:
- Caterpillar Multigrade Diesel Engine Oil (DEO)
- Caterpillar Transmission/Drive Train Oil (TDTO)
- Caterpillar Multipurpose Tractor Oil (MTO )
- Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil (HYDO)
- Caterpillar Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil (HEES)
- Caterpillar Multipurpose Lithium Grease (MPG)
- Caterpillar Multipurpose Molybdenum Grease (MPGM)
- Caterpillar Special Purpose Grease (SPG)
- Caterpillar Premium Grease (CPG)
- Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant (ELC)
- Caterpillar Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant (DEAC)