These inspections are particularly important for this type of machine as the machines can experience difficult work cycles.
Regular inspections can minimize the risk of accidents. Regular inspections can reduce down time.
The interval between these inspections depends on the factors that follow.
- The age of the machine
- The severity of the application
- The loads that have been carried on the machine
- The condition of the haul road
- The amount of routine servicing that has been carried out
These inspections should be carried out at intervals no longer than 1000 service hours or six months. Older machines, or machines that are operating in severe applications will require more frequent inspections.
If the machine has been involved in a collision, or if the machine has been involved in any kind of accident, the machine must be inspected thoroughly. Inspect the machine regardless of the date of the last inspection.
The machine must be clean before the machine is inspected.
Proper repair of frames and structures requires specific knowledge of the following subjects.
- Materials that have been used to manufacture the frame members
- Frame member construction
- Repair techniques that are recommended by the manufacturer.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer if repairs are necessary. Your Caterpillar dealer is qualified to carry out repairs on your behalf.
All repairs should be carried out by a Caterpillar dealer. If you carry out your own repairs, contact your Caterpillar dealer for advice about proper repair techniques.
Particular attention should be given to all welded structures. The following items should be thoroughly inspected for cracks and for defects:
- Front frame
- Front suspension arms
- Rear frame
- Oscillating hitch
- A-frames
- Dump body
| NOTICE |
|---|
The areas highlighted are of particular importance but other areas must not be neglected. The entire structure must be carefully examined. |
Front Frame
 | |
| Illustration 1 | g00601530 |
Inspect the following areas:
- Front engine mounting (1)
- Two rear engine mountings (2)
- Steering cylinder lugs (3)
- Cab mounts (4)
 | |
| Illustration 2 | g00601590 |
- Suspension towers (5)
- Mounting bosses (6) for the Front suspension arms
- Rear subassembly and hitch lugs (7)
Front Suspension Arms
 | |
| Illustration 3 | g00601626 |
Front suspension arms (8) should be thoroughly inspected.
Oscillating Hitch
 | |
| Illustration 4 | g00601643 |
The entire oscillating hitch should be thoroughly inspected. Hitch pin lugs (9) and steering cylinder lugs (10) are particularly important, but all areas of the oscillating hitch must be checked.
Rear Frame
 | |
| Illustration 5 | g00601650 |
Inspect the following areas:
- Oscillating hitch tube (11)
- Front plate (12)
- Mounting pivots (13) for the dump body
- Mounting brackets (14) for the hoist cylinders
A-Frames
 | |
| Illustration 6 | g00601672 |
Inspect the following areas:
- Axle mountings (15)
- The pivots for the A-frames (16)
Dump Body
 | |
| Illustration 7 | g00601682 |
Inspect the following areas:
- The mounting brackets for the hoist cylinders (17)
- The mountings for the dump body (18)