For scheduling maintenance, use fuel consumption, distance (odometer), service hours, or calendar time, whichever occurs first. Caterpillar recognizes that distance is most commonly used to schedule maintenance for on-highway vehicles. However, experience has shown that maintenance intervals are most accurately scheduled on the basis of fuel consumption.
Reduced Maintenance Intervals
Engines that operate in adverse operating conditions may require more frequent maintenance. Under severe or dusty conditions and where the average operating speed of the vehicle is less than 32 km/h (20 mph), reduce the maintenance interval by one-half of the distance interval. Some examples are garbage compactors, delivery vehicles, and drill rigs. For more information, refer to the Severe Service topic.
Engines that consume fuel with a sulfur content of five percent or more require reduced oil change intervals. For more information, refer to “Oil Change Intervals” under the “Engine Oil and Oil Filter – Change” topic in the Maintenance Section.
Extended Oil Change Intervals
Caterpillar recommends an S·O·S Oil Analysis Program to be used as a basis for extending oil change intervals. However, oil change intervals may also be adjusted according to the lubrication oil capacity of the engine and the amount of sulfur in the fuel that is consumed. For more information, refer to “Oil Change Intervals” under the “Engine Oil and Oil Filter – Change” topic in the Maintenance Section.
Engine Attachments
Several components that are listed in the Maintenance Schedule are installed by the OEM of the vehicle. The attachments may include the following components: air compressor, alternator, belts, engine air cleaner, fuel system primary fuel filter, hoses and clamps, radiator, starting motor, and water separator. Refer to the service information for the type or model of the component that is installed on the engine and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.