How To: 2,000-Hour Planned Maintenance (PM4)

Estimated read time: 4 minutes

Keeping your Cat® equipment in top condition requires regular maintenance. The 2,000-hour planned maintenance, also known as PM4, is a crucial service milestone. This guide walks you through PM4 for a Cat 299D3 Compact Track Loader.

Safety First

Before any preventive maintenance, park your machine on a dry, level surface. Lower implements to the ground and lock out the hydraulics. Look around and under your machine for leaks, rust or damage. Look for worn parts, loose bolts or any other potential issues that need attention.

Order Parts and Tools

Check out Parts.Cat.com to find all the parts and tools you’ll need for maintenance. By entering your machine’s serial number, you can view the recommended parts and Self-Service Options (SSOs), which include step-by-step instructions and tooling recommendations.

   

 

 

Cat Equipment Maintenance Steps

First, take engine and hydraulic oil samples while the engine is warm.

Use a pump to take the engine oil sample from the dipstick opening and the hydraulic oil sample from the port on the cooling fan.

Let the system cool before taking a coolant sample from the radiator.

Label all samples and send them to the lab for analysis.

Change Engine Oil, Filter

Drain the engine oil by removing the panel and the plug on the oil pan. Collect the oil in a suitable container, and dispose of it according to local regulations.

Remove the old engine oil filter, and apply clean oil to the o-ring of the new filter before installing it. Fill the engine with new oil, check for leaks after warming it up and inspect the used filter for debris.

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Service Hydraulic Oil Tank

If equipped with a nonmetallic tank, remove the fill cap and then pull the drain hose through the access panel in the belly guard. For a metallic tank, check your service instructions.

Drain the oil into a suitable container, replace the plug and retract the hose.

Replace the hydraulic oil filter and refill the tank, following your OMM for the correct oil type and amount.

Inspect Engine Belt

  • Loosen fasteners and remove the guard to inspect the belt.

  • Adjust the belt tension using your OMM for proper measurements. Replace damaged belts as needed. 

Replace Air Filters

  • Remove the engine air filter housing cover and wipe it clean. Replace the primary and, if needed, the secondary air filter.

  • Clean the housing cover and reinstall it.

Check Engine Valve Lash

Contact your Cat dealer for a qualified technician to inspect and adjust the engine valve lash.

Replace the Primary Fuel Filter

Disconnect the water-in-fuel sensor and drain the water and fuel. Clean the mounting base, lubricate the seal with clean fuel and install the new filter.
Reinstall the water bowl and plug, and check your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for fuel system priming instructions.

Replace Cabin Filters

  1. Replace the fresh air cabin filter on the back left of the cab.

  2. Inside the cab, replace the recirculating air filter if dirty or damaged.

Change Final Drive Oil

Position the final drive so the drain plug is at the bottom. Drain the oil and check for metal particles.
Refill with new oil and repeat on the other final drive.

Inspect Hoses, Hydraulic Tank Breather

Lift the cab and check all hoses for wear or damage. Replace them as needed.
Replace the hydraulic tank breather before returning the cab to operating position.

Inspect, Adjust Rubber Tracks

  • Lift one track 50 mm (2 inches) off the ground.

  • Measure the sag from the middle roller.

  • If it’s too tight, release grease from the grease fitting on the undercarriage. If it’s too loose, add grease.

Follow these preventive maintenance steps so that your Cat equipment can continue to perform on the job. For specific instructions or additional support, refer to your OMM or contact your Cat dealer.

 

 

 

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