Achieving a Level Bucket Cutting Edge {6001, 6119, 6801} Caterpillar

Compact Track Loader

239D (S/N: CD41-UP; BL91-UP; T9S1-UP)

249D (S/N: AH91-UP; D9E1-UP; GWR1-UP)

259B3 (S/N: YYZ1-UP)

259D (S/N: LW51-UP; FTK1-UP; GTK1-UP; FTL1-UP)

279C (S/N: MBT1-UP)

279D (S/N: TP51-UP; GTL1-UP; PPT1-UP; RCX1-UP)

289C (S/N: JMP1-UP)

289D (S/N: WE51-UP; WCT1-UP; TAW1-UP; A9Z1-UP)

299C (S/N: JSP1-UP)

299D (S/N: GTC1-UP)

299D XHP (S/N: JST1-UP)

299D2 (S/N: FD21-UP; BY41-UP)

299D2 XHP (S/N: DX21-UP; DX91-UP)

Multi Terrain Loader

287C (S/N: MAS1-UP)

247 (S/N: CML1-UP)

247B (S/N: MTL1-UP)

247B3 (S/N: KB31-UP; ESL1-UP; TSL1-UP)

257 (S/N: CMM1-UP)

257B (S/N: SLK1-UP)

257B Series 3 (S/N: B7H1-UP)

257D (S/N: EML1-UP; FMR1-UP; D5T1-UP; EZW1-UP)

267 (S/N: CMP1-UP)

267B (S/N: CYC1-UP)

277 (S/N: CNC1-UP)

277B (S/N: MDH1-UP)

277C (S/N: JWF1-UP)

277D (S/N: NTL1-UP; FMT1-UP; MLT1-UP)

287 (S/N: CNY1-UP)

287B (S/N: ZSA1-UP)

287D (S/N: STK1-UP; TLK1-UP; HMT1-UP)

297C (S/N: GCP1-UP)

297D (S/N: BE71-UP)

297D XHP (S/N: HP71-UP)

297D2 (S/N: BL71-UP)

297D2 XHP (S/N: HP21-UP)

Skid Steer Loader

216 (S/N: 4NZ1-UP)

216B (S/N: RLL1-UP)

216B Series 3 (S/N: CD31-UP; JXM1-UP; DSN1-UP)

226 (S/N: 5FZ1-UP)

226B (S/N: MJH1-UP)

226B3 (S/N: AS21-UP; SNA1-UP; MWD1-UP)

226D (S/N: HR61-UP; HRD1-UP)

228 (S/N: 6BZ1-UP)

232 (S/N: CAB1-UP)

232B (S/N: SCH1-UP)

232D (S/N: EH21-UP; KXC1-UP; DPR1-UP)

236 (S/N: 4YZ1-UP)

236B (S/N: HEN1-UP)

236B3 (S/N: A9H1-UP)

236D (S/N: K2D1-UP; SEN1-UP; MPW1-UP; BGZ1-UP)

242 (S/N: CMB1-UP)

242B (S/N: BXM1-UP)

242B Series 3 (S/N: SRS1-UP)

242D (S/N: HFB1-UP; DML1-UP; DZT1-UP; A9W1-UP)

246 (S/N: 5SZ1-UP)

246B (S/N: PAT1-UP)

246C (S/N: JAY1-UP)

246D (S/N: PN51-UP; BYF1-UP; JSL1-UP; HMR1-UP)

248 (S/N: 6LZ1-UP)

248B (S/N: SCL1-UP)

252 (S/N: FDG1-UP)

252B (S/N: SCP1-UP)

252B Series 3 (S/N: TNK1-UP)

256C (S/N: DWS1-UP)

262 (S/N: CED1-UP)

262B (S/N: PDT1-UP)

262C (S/N: MST1-UP)

262D (S/N: RE51-UP; DTB1-UP; KTS1-UP; LST1-UP)

268B (S/N: LBA1-UP)

272C (S/N: RED1-UP)

272D (S/N: B5W1-UP)

272D XHP (S/N: ETL1-UP)

272D2 (S/N: BL21-UP)

272D2 XHP (S/N: MD21-UP)

Introduction

A level bucket cutting edge is essential for fine grading. This document contains flow charts for use as guides for checking the machine components that enable you to achieve a level bucket cutting edge. This document also contains the procedures for evaluating these components and for correcting conditions that prevent you from achieving a level bucket cutting edge.

Read this document before you begin adjustment of the lift arms. In addition, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual and the Disassembly and Assembly Manual for your machine, as needed.

Flow Charts

Two flow charts are provided. One chart is for use with Skid Steer Loaders and a second chart is for use with Multi Terrain Loaders. Use the flow chart that is applicable for your machine.

Note: The procedures that are referenced in the flow charts are provided in this special instruction.

Illustration 1	g06205351
Flow chart for use for Skid Steer Loaders

Illustration 2	g01899593
Flow chart for use for Multi Terrain Loaders

Procedures

While the tolerance for "bucket gap" is listed as 13 mm (0.5 inch), several factors can affect the measurements. Consider the following factors when you evaluate the measurements.

• the flatness of the measuring surface

• the flatness of the bucket cutting edge

• the variation in measurements by different people

Checking "Bucket Gap"

Illustration 3	g01012612
The bucket is resting on level ground.

Illustration 4	g01004465
(X) Gap between the cutting edge and ground

"Bucket Gap" is the maximum gap (X) that exists between the cutting edge and ground with the bucket at rest on level ground. See Illustration 3 and Illustration 4.

1. Attach the bucket to the coupler.

2. Move the machine to level ground or to a level surface. A concrete floor is preferable.

3. For wheel machines, ensure that the pressures are equal in all four tires.

4. Perform Step 4a through Step 4e in order to enable the lift arms to slide freely on the stops.

   1. Raise the lift arms slightly off the stops.

   2. Turn off the machine.

   3. Turn the key back to the ON position.

   4. Disengage the parking brake and lower the lift arms onto the stops.

   5. Then, turn off the machine.

      Note: Do not power the lift arms onto the stops.

5. Tilt the bucket forward and lower the bucket until the cutting edge contacts the ground.

6. Measure the maximum gap (X) that is between the cutting edge and the ground.

   A gap that is less than or equal to 13 mm (0.5 inch) is within tolerance for a level bucket cutting edge.

Checking "Bucket Pin (B-Pin) Height"

Illustration 5	g01064651

"Bucket Pin (B-Pin) Height" is the height (W) between the bucket pin (B-Pin) and ground. See Illustration 5.

1. Remove the bucket from the coupler.

2. Move the machine to level ground or to a level surface. A concrete floor is preferable.

3. For wheel machines, ensure that the pressures are equal in all four tires.

4. Perform Step 4a through Step 4e in order to enable the lift arms to slide freely on the stops.

   1. Raise the lift arms slightly off the stops.

   2. Turn off the machine.

   3. Turn the key back to the ON position.

   4. Disengage the parking brake and lower the lift arms onto the stops.

   5. Then, turn off the machine.

      Note: Do not power the lift arms onto the stops.

5. Measure the maximum gap (W) between the center of the B-Pin and ground on both sides of the machine.

6. Compare the measurements and determine the difference in the measurements. A difference that is less than or equal to 7 mm (0.28 inch) is within tolerance.

Checking "Coupler Height"

"Coupler Height" is the height (V) between the top edge of the coupler and ground. See Illustration 5.

1. Remove the bucket from the coupler.

2. Move the machine to level ground or to a level surface. A concrete floor is preferable.

3. For wheel machines, ensure that the pressures are equal in all four tires.

4. Perform Step 4a through Step 4e in order to enable the lift arms to slide freely on the stops.

   1. Raise the lift arms slightly off the stops.

   2. Turn off the machine.

   3. Turn the key back to the ON position.

   4. Disengage the parking brake and lower the lift arms onto the stops.

   5. Then, turn off the machine.

      Note: Do not power the lift arms onto the stops.

5. Measure the maximum gap (V) between the top edge of the coupler and the ground on both sides of the coupler.

   A gap (V) that is less than or equal to 6 mm (0.25 inch) is within tolerance.

Checking "Lift Arm Tolerance"

1. Measure the distance (S) from the center of the B-Pin to the center of the A-Pin or L-Pin on both sides of the machine. See Illustration 5.

2. Compare the measurements and determine the difference in the measurements. A difference that is less than or equal to 4 mm (0.16 inch) is within tolerance.

Checking "(A-Pin) / (M-Pin)" Height

1. Move the machine to level ground or to a level surface. A concrete floor is preferable.

2. For wheel machines, ensure that the pressures are equal in all four tires.

3. Raise the lift arms slightly off the stops.

4. Turn off the machine.

5. Turn the key back to the ON position.

6. Disengage the parking brake and lower the lift arms onto the stops.

7. Turn off the machine.

8. Measure the distance (R) from the ground to the center of the "(A-Pin) / (M-Pin)".

Checking for Variations of the Axles onMulti Terrain Loaders

The axles on some Multi Terrain Loaders may vary causing the lower frame to be uneven with respect to the ground surface. Refer to Special Instruction, REHS2213, "Checking for Variations of the Axles" for the procedures to check for variations of the axles.

Checking "Step Gap"

Illustration 6	g01012613
Lift Arms (A) are lowered onto the stops (B).

Illustration 7	g01004457
(Y) Gap between the lift arm (A) and the stop (B)

"Step Gap" is the gap (Y) that may exist between the lift arm (A) and the stop (B) with the lift arms at rest on the stops. Check the "Step Gap" on both sides of the step. See Illustration 6 and Illustration 7.

1. Remove the bucket from the coupler.

2. Move the machine to level ground or to a level surface. A concrete floor is preferable.

3. For wheel machines, ensure that the pressures are equal in all four tires.

4. Move the right joystick to the FLOAT position and allow the lift arms to lower onto the stops.

   Note: Do not power the lift arms onto the stops.

5. With the lift arms at rest on the stops, check for any gap Y that is between the lift arm and the stop for both step assemblies.

   Gaps less than 3 mm (0.12 inch) are within tolerance.

   Note: Gaps less than or equal to 3 mm (0.12 inch) do not pose any concerns structurally. The lift arms and the stops will wear over time until the surfaces even out.

Checking the Step Assemblies

Show/hide table

Illustration 8	g01004462
(Z) Thickness of the stop

1. Check that the correct step assemblies are installed on your machine. This check can be accomplished in two ways.

   • Checking the thickness (Z) of the stops

   • Checking the part numbers for the step assemblies

   Note: The part number for the step assembly is stamped into the back side of the back plate. You must remove each step assembly in order to check the part number. When you reinstall the step assemblies, tighten the bolts to a torque of 100 ± 20 N·m (74 ± 15 lb ft).

   The correct thickness of the stops and the correct part numbers of the step assemblies are provided in Table 2.

   Show/hide table

   Table 2

   Models	Stop Thickness (Z)	Part Number
   		Step As Left Hand	Step As Right Hand
   216 216B3 226 226B3 228 232 242 247 257 216B 226B 232B 242B 242B3 247B 247B3 257B 257B3 259B3	35 ± 2 mm (1.4 ± 0.1 inch)	142-9177 or 207-9731	152-1171 or 207-9732
   236 236B3 246 248 252 252B3 262 267 277 287 236B 246B 248B 252B 262B 268B 267B 277B 287B	25 ± 2 mm (1.0 ± 0.1 inch)	154-3957 or 207-9733	154-3958 or 207-9734

Installing Shims

If the "Coupler Gap" and the "Bucket Gap" are within tolerance, you can eliminate "Step Gap" by installing shims.

1. Remove the step assembly.

2. Place 228-9222 Shims between the step assembly and the frame, as needed.

3. Reinstall the step assembly. Tighten the bolts to a torque of 100 ± 20 N·m (74 ± 15 lb ft).

Appendix

Notices

• DO NOT use shims between the lift arm and the outside tower in order to attempt to shift the lift arms. The outside plate of the upper frame is not designed as a load bearing member.