The interval between these inspections depends on the following factors:
- The age of the machine
- The severity of the application
- The condition of the haul road
- The amount of routine servicing that has been carried out
- The operator skill and technique
These inspections should be carried out at intervals no longer than 500 service hours. 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 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 Cat dealer if repairs are necessary. Your Cat dealer is qualified to carry out repairs on your behalf.
All repairs should be carried out by a Cat dealer. If you carry out your own repairs, contact your Cat dealer for advice about proper repair techniques.
The primary method of inspection for this procedure is visual inspection. Examine components for any gouging, paint cracking around welds, voids or fractures within or near any welds, or other obvious signs of damage. Paint cracking along a weld is not a definite sign of the presence of a crack but is an indication that damage may be present. Magnetic particle or dye penetrant methods may be used to confirm the existence of any cracks.
Check for cracks in welds at the following locations and on both sides of the frame where applicable.
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| Illustration 1 | g06109608 |
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| Illustration 2 | g06109610 |
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| Illustration 3 | g06109611 |
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| Illustration 4 | g06109620 |
Inspect the rear frame around the axle cutouts on both sides of the frame. Check the boss and plate welds on both hitches.
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| Illustration 5 | g06109623 |
Check the welds around the front and rear trunnion mount on both side of the frame.
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| Illustration 6 | g06109628 |
On both sides of the frame, check the welds around the rear side of the steering casting and lower hitch.
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| Illustration 7 | g06109630 |
Inspect the welds around the front side of the steering castings on both sides of the frame.