Cat^® Telehandler Maintenance: 500-Hour Service Check

When you first put your Cat telehandler into service, its moving parts need to adjust for optimal performance. This is known as the initial break-in period. During this time, working surfaces like bearings, bushings, cylinders and gears wear and self-polish. The rate of wear during the initial break-in starts high but declines as surface imperfections are worn away.

Different components of your telehandler break in at different rates. For the 250-hour interval, you changed your axle and wheel-end oil. Once you hit 500 hours, a different set of fluids needs to be changed or topped off, now that another break-in period has lapsed.

Transmission and Transfer Case

500 hours marks the end of the break-in period for the transmission and transfer case. The transmission oil and filter should be changed, along with the transfer case oil. After this first change, further maintenance will only be needed every 1,000 hours.

For models TL642, TL943, TL1055, TH336 and TH337, the following oil types can be used, based on environmental temperature:

• Cat MTO
• Cat TDTO
• Cat TDTO Cold Weather
• Cat TDTO-TMS
• Cat ATF

For models TH406, TH407, TH514/417 and TL1255, the following oil types can be used, based on environmental temperature:

• Cat TDTO
• Cat TDTO Cold Weather
• Cat TDTO-TMS

Refer to your OMM for temperature-specific viscosities.
 

Engine Oil and Filter

Every 500 hours, your telehandler’s engine oil and filter need to be fully replaced. Cat engine oil for your telehandler has special additives to increase performance that are depleted over time. Filters remove contaminants and lose performance over time. The engine oil fill point is located at the top of the engine compartment, and the filter is accessible towards the bottom left.

It's recommended that you use Cat Diesel Engine Oil (DEO). Refer to your OMM for specific instructions regarding engine oil viscosity based on temperature. 
 

Fuel Filters

Fuel filters also need to be changed at each 500-hour mark, as they keep impurities from damaging your telehandler’s engine.

The filter shown in the video is the 7W-2326: Engine Oil Filter. Be sure to consult the OMM for your telehandler model’s proper oil filter.
 

Hydraulic Oil and Filter

Please note that the filter-change interval for the hydraulic oil filter is now 750 hours. But, you should check your hydraulic oil level and add oil, if necessary. The hydraulic oil fill point, filter and level are on the side opposite the operator’s cab.
 

Once you make sure your telehandler’s fluids and filters are in good shape, check the lug nut torque to ensure it’s within specifications.

Like all heavy equipment, your Cat telehandler requires preventative and interval maintenance. Your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) lists filter schedules, oil specs, fluid intervals and average temps. You should also visually inspect your telehandler’s tires, rods, seals, lines and boom for signs of damage daily. Look for scratches or hydraulic fluid on the rods and boom, ballooning of the hydraulic lines and leaking or corrosion of couplers and fittings.

What might appear to be a minor issue, like a cracked or punctured tire, can quickly become a jobsite hazard by changing how your telehandler behaves.

So, be sure you consult your OMM to determine the optimal settings for your machine and attachments and your machine’s recommended maintenance routine. If you have additional questions, your Cat dealer will be happy to assist.