How to: 500-Hour Planned Maintenance (PM2)

Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Keeping your Cat® equipment in top condition requires regular maintenance. The 500-hour planned maintenance, also known as PM2, is a crucial service milestone. This guide walks you through PM2 for a Cat 299D3 Compact Track Loader and provides general steps for servicing your other Cat equipment.

Safety First

Begin by parking your machine on a dry, level surface. Put your machine in park, lower implements to the ground and lock out the hydraulics. Visually inspect 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

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

   

 

 

How to Service Cat Equipment

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 the Engine Oil and Filter

Locate the crankcase drain on the oil pan, remove the panel and drain the oil into a suitable container. 

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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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.

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 refer to your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for fuel system priming instructions.

Inspect the 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.

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. 

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.

Inspect Hoses and Hydraulic Tank Breather

Lift the cab and check all hoses for cracks or wear. Replace damaged hoses and clamps.

While the cab is lifted, replace the hydraulic tank breather. Then you can return the cab to operating position. 

Inspect, Adjust Rubber Tracks

  • Lift one track 50 mm (2 inches) off the ground, and measure the sag from the middle roller.

  • To adjust tension, open the panel on the undercarriage: Release grease from the fitting to reduce tension. Pump grease in to increase tension.

  • Check for damage or loose bolts and repeat for the other track.

Follow these steps for your 500-hour service so that your Cat equipment will stay productive and efficient. For specific instructions or additional support, refer to your OMM or contact your Cat dealer.

 

 

 

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