What model of Caterpillar gear oil should be used?
2 Answers
85-90w or 80-90w. Gear Oil: Gear oil mainly refers to the lubricating oil for transmissions and rear axles. Its primary functions include lubricating gears and bearings, preventing wear and rust, and assisting in heat dissipation for gears. Maintenance of Excavator Transmission: When maintaining the transmission, check the transmission oil level and lubricant quality, and replenish or replace the lubricant as needed. Inspect all seals and oil seals in the transmission for leaks. Ensure the vent hole on the transmission cover is unobstructed; clear it if necessary. Check the shifting performance of all transmission gears to see if there are any difficulties in shifting or abnormal noises during gear changes. If any of the above issues are present, repairs should be conducted through additional operations. Carefully inspect the transmission for any abnormal noises, diagnose the location and cause of the noise, and repair if necessary. Examine the ball pin fit clearance at each hinge of the transmission operating mechanism linkage system for cracks or other defects.
Last time when operating a Caterpillar excavator at the construction site, the dashboard kept alarming. It turned out to be due to using the wrong gear oil specification. Most Cat equipment requires TO-4 standard oil. For common models like the 320D, the manual specifies SAE 80W-90 viscosity. When working in Northeast China during winter, you need oil with good low-temperature fluidity, while switching to 85W-140 in summer provides better high-temperature resistance. There was a case when Old Wang's loader transmission developed abnormal noises after using off-brand oil, which eventually damaged the gears. The issue was resolved only after switching back to factory-certified TO-4 oil. The oil change interval is approximately 1,000 operating hours. If you find emulsification when checking the dipstick, replace the oil immediately.
