New Cat track wear sensor reduces downtime

A new system by Caterpillar for its dozer and tracked loader ranges alerts operators to different stages of track wear to aid them in making timely maintenance decisions.

Monitored within the Cat Wear Management System, the new Cat Track Wear Sensor (CTWS) wirelessly communicates critical track link wear information from the machine to the dealer for monitoring.

Timed alert intervals – a 40 per cent wear alert for possible bushing turns, 70 per cent to signal for measuring and replacement part ordering, and 100 per cent for required replacement – improve inspection scheduling and streamline ordering of replacement parts.

The real-time track wear status enables no-touch track link measurements, increases fleet coverage by automating inspections, provides visibility to track wear when operating in remote locations and allows for prioritised timing of service visits by helping optimise manual inspections.

Field tested for reliability throughout the expected track life, more than 2000 Cat machines have been shipped with the innovative sensor technology. The small electronic sensor installs in a customized pocket in the track link for protection. Each link assembly includes a smart link, resulting in two sensors on a machine, one on each side.

The CTWS survives high frequency shock loads and meets sensor functional and environmental tests, Caterpillar added. Subject to operating conditions, sensor battery life has been shown to last up to seven years.

The wear sensor is standard on new Cat D5, D6 and D8 dozers, and 953 and 963 track loader models in select regions with planned expansion to models in the dozer line in the future. It can also be retrofitted on eligible dozer undercarriages.

For more information about the new Cat Track Wear Sensor, visit Caterpillar’s website.