Perfect Parts for Your Tractor: Caterpillar Equipment
Caterpillar tractors are the go-to vehicle for modern-day heavy work, and now that the spring has sprung, it may be time to get a few replacement components. Caterpillars are known for their work diversity, so it should go without saying that these tractors should have easily replaceable and upgraded parts. Fortunately, there is a wide array of aftermarket and OEM components that you can find now that the warm weather is here.
Can I replace the stereo inside the cab of my Caterpillar?Even when you're on the worksite getting the job done, you or your operators may want to listen to a few tunes. Like an automobile stereo system, you can swap out the stereo inside the cab of your tractor with relative ease. The stereo system even has the same type of connectors that you might find in your smaller vehicle. You can purchase an aftermarket variation or buy a stereo designed for Cat heavy equipment vehicles like the Challenger. Here are a few features that you can expect from an OEM unit:
- AM/FM – Some people may want classic rock options or just want to listen to talk radio. Just about any stereo replacement will have this feature.
- USB – A USB interface allows you to plug in a smartphone or key drive with music files into your system. From there, the stereo's software will allow you to play music in MP3 or other audio formats.
- AUX-In - For those with devices with 3.50-inch audio jacks like CD players and MP3 players, you can just plug in these devices to the AUX-in line. Of course, you'll need a wire with two 3.5-inch end pieces.
Water pumps are one of the most integral parts of Caterpillar engines because they are needed to help the coolant circulate through your tractor. When the water pump is working correctly, it pushes coolant from the radiator to the engine block and back to the radiator again. As the coolant passes the engine, it leeches heat, which is then dispersed back into the air through the radiator. When this system doesn't work, the coolant doesn't move, and you'll start to experience a lot more heat at the heat plate. This excess heat will do damage to the engine. Spring is a good time to replace this before the heat of summer arrives.
Can you replace leaky backhoe stabilizers?For the backhoe to function correctly, it needs a hydraulic line to deploy the stabilizers. The stabilizers press into the ground to provide traction as your Cat digs into the soil. To function, these stabilizers have two hydraulic inputs that allow you to extend and retract the hydraulic cylinder's telescoping sections. These work by alternating hydraulic fluids into the inputs, and over time, the internal connections may cause leaks to form. When these form, you can either opt to replace the whole stabilizer or have the leaky sections of the stabilizer sealed.
Is it obvious that a resealing or replacement is needed?There are a few telltale signs that you can follow to determine if your stabilizer hydraulics need to be resealed or replaced. The most obvious of these is that you'll see hydraulic fluid leaking from the edges of the cylinder. Another vital sign to look out for is the stabilizers will start to creep downwards on their own when they are in the upward position.
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