Conversion to Caterpillar undercarriage is
a commonly accepted practice among
many owners of competitive track-type
tractors, loaders and excavators.
Why Consider Undercarriage
Conversion?
Customers convert to Cat undercarriage
for many reasons including:
• Lower cost per hour
• Dealer Undercarriage Management
Program (CTS)
• Caterpillar product innovations
• Consistent parts quality
• Expertise of Caterpillar dealer
• Full quality repair, service
• Unmatched parts availability
• Caterpillar dealer is their One Safe
Source for undercarriages
• Better parts price than many OEMs
Converting a machine to Cat undercar-
riage can be as simple as wrapping a track
group on the competitive machine, or as
extensive as changing the track, sprocket
and rolling components. Some competi-
tive machines require no modification at
all while a few require extensive modifica-
tion. (Reference IRM UC96-12)
Determining Basic Convertibility
In The Field
Basic convertibility is defined as install-
ing a Cat track group with minimum, if
any, modification to the machine. This
may or may not require a change to Cat
sprockets. Basic convertibility can be
quickly and easily determined in the field
using only four measurements.
Track Group Convertibility
Measure
A. — Pitch
B. — Bushing O.D.
Result
These two dimensions determine if change
to Cat sprocket is required.
Measure
C. — Inside Rail Spread
D. — Outside Rail Spread
Result
These two dimensions determine if change
to Cat rolling components is required.
Pitch may vary by + or - .03" (.8 mm) and
the Cat bushing O.D. may be smaller by
.12" (3 mm). Rail spreads must fit within
outside roller flanges and clear inside
flange if double flange rollers are used.
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COMPETITIVE MACHINE UNDERCARRIAGE CONVERSION
Management & Merchandising