January 2012 DEALER INTERNAL USE ONLY

Undercarriage P A R T S C O M P A R I S O N B U L L E T I N

PEJJ0055 2012 Caterpillar

CAT

D6T SystemOne UNDERCARRIAGE

vs. KOMATSU PLUS UNDERCARRIAGE What Was Tested Detailed laboratory tests were conducted on Komatsu PLUS Undercarriage System (Parallel Link Undercarriage System) components available to fit on the Komatsu D51/D61/D65 Medium size track type tractors. Test results were compared with Cat D6T SystemOne Undercarriage specifications and random sample audit data. Random sample audit data are the cumulative results of testing Cat parts worldwide. Comparative testing is a routine part of Caterpillars efforts to help Cat machine owners get the longest service life and lowest cost per hour from their machines. The tests also provide information that Cat Undercarriage is designed to provide a system advantage for undercarriage life. The Komatsu PLUS parts tested correspond to the following Cat SystemOne Undercarriage parts:

Track Link (RH/LH) 234-9699 Track Pin N/A* Track Bushing N/A* Inserts N/A*

* Not serviceable parts Overview of Parts Tested Komatsu VS Cat 234-9699 TRACK LINK The Komatsu links were within the Caterpillar tolerances for heat treat specifications. The Komatsu links were taller than Cat links and they would not be able to be used on a Cat TTT. The Komatsu links were also significantly heavier than Cat links by 2.0 lbs. Komatsu uses additional steel to increase wear life on the link; Caterpillar uses a Center Tread Idler to increase wear life of the entire system, including: links, idlers, and sprockets.

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Komastu VS Cat Pin The Komatsu Pin is 25 mm longer than the Cat Pin resulting in a wider link box. The Komatsu pin did not meet the minimum Caterpillar hardness requirements for core hardness. They met the surface hardness requirements on outside diameter, but the hardened depth was excessive. The low body hardness and excessive hardened depth could make the pin susceptible to breakage. Komatsu VS Cat Track Bushing The Komatsu bushing is longer than the Cat bushing and creates a wider link box section. The hardness depth was beyond the Caterpillar maximum on the outside diameter and end face, which could lead to breakage. Caterpillar specifies a special coating on the bushing ends to prevent wear and maintain seal integrity; Komatsus bushing does not have this coating and would be more susceptible to bushing end grooving and seal failure. Komatsu VS Cat Link Retention System Caterpillar utilizes a link retention system to prevent link walking. This was not evident on the Komatsu retention system. Also, the material used for the Komatsu retention system has no special coating and would be more susceptible to pin galling, bushing end grooving, and seal failure.

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Conclusions Link Assembly: The link assembly is the complete system that includes: links, pins, bushings and seals. These components are designed to work as a system. Undercarriage components reviewed:

Links: The Komatsu links were within the Cat link tolerances; however, Komatsu uses conventional links and idlers. Results: Komatsu customers will have additional fuel burn and wear on transmission parts due to added weight. The use of a standard/conventional idler will lead to link scalloping. Caterpillar uses a CTI (center tread idler) which nearly eliminates link scalloping.

Komatsu Link Scalloping Pin: Hardness requirements and excessive hardened depth can lead to breakage. Results: Lower strength/ potential leaks and possible breakage. With Cat SystemOne Undercarriage, the superior cartridge design encloses all components and minimizes the risk of breakage and seal failure. This is a significant Cat Undercarriage system life benefit. Bushing: Komatsu has no special end coatings on bushing to help prevent end grooving. Results: Caterpillar specifies a special coating on the bushing ends to prevent wear and maintain seal integrity; Komatsus bushing does not have this coating and would be more susceptible to bushing end grooving and seal failure.

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Link Retention System: Lack of link retention system; in combination with steel material that causes end grooving. Results: Caterpillar utilizes a link retention system to prevent link walking, the Komatsu link retention system is susceptible to link walking and dry joints. The material used for the Komatsu retention system is vulnerable to bushing end grooving which can result in loss of face load on seals, end play generation, and loss of lubricant causing joint failure. Sprocket Segments: Cat Tough Steel Sprocket segments provide a 50% improvement in segment life and 10% improvement in bushing life. This combined with Cat Undercarriage components extends the system life and provides the customer the benefits of extended Undercarriage life and re-usability. With Cat SystemOne Undercarriage you are typically able to re-use sprocket segments for 2 sets of link assemblies; Komatsu would have to change sprockets more frequently and the bushings would wear out more quickly. In the end it allows the customer to achieve the lowest cost per hour with Cat Undercarriage. Center Tread Idler (CTI): Caterpillars use of a CTI (Center Tread Idler) provides superior benefits by eliminating link scalloping and up to 50% longer link wear life without additional steel. This allows Cat machines to effectively fine grade with the use of SystemOne undercarriage. Komatsu uses a conventional idler which creates link scalloping; they will have a harder time holding grade and impact the operator with a rough ride.

Cat undercarriage components are designed and manufactured to minimize the cost of operation. Consistent, high quality components, matched to work and wear as a system, help deliver maximum life and the lowest cost per hour. The Komatsu components tested did not meet many of the Caterpillar specifications during the random sample audit process. In similar applications, the Cat undercarriage components would provide increased wear life and reliability. The result is balanced wear, more uptime, and a lower cost per hour. The information in this bulletin came from tests on randomly sampled current Komatsu parts. The test procedures and result are on file and are certified to represent the parts actually tested. Caterpillar implies nothing further, and no one should infer that these parts typify the makers overall production. Any complete or partial reproduction of this release must include the above statements.

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