With 120 years of undercarriage experience, Caterpillar continues to innovate, ensuring customers maximize their investment. The proprietary Cat Track Wear Sensor (CTWS), exclusive to Cat machines and undercarriages, is the latest advancement. This technology remotely monitors undercarriage wear, facilitating better wear prediction, maintenance planning, and increased machine uptime.
The CTWS is integrated within the Cat Wear Management System and wirelessly communicates crucial track link wear information from the machine to the dealer for continuous monitoring. The system provides timed alerts at specific wear intervals: 40 percent wear for possible bushing turns, 70 percent wear to signal measuring and ordering replacement parts, and 100 percent wear indicating required replacement. These alerts enhance inspection scheduling and streamline the ordering process for replacement parts, according to the company.
Real-time monitoring of track wear status enables no-touch track link measurements, expanding fleet coverage by automating inspections. It also provides visibility into track wear when operating in remote locations and allows for prioritized service visits, optimizing manual inspections.
Field-tested for reliability throughout the expected track life, over 2,000 Cat machines have been shipped with this innovative sensor technology. The small electronic sensor is installed in a customized pocket within the track link for protection. Each link assembly features a smart link, resulting in two sensors per machine, one on each side.
The CTWS is designed to withstand high-frequency shock loads and meets rigorous sensor functional and environmental tests. Depending on operating conditions, the sensor battery life can last up to seven years.
This wear sensor is standard on new Cat D5, D6, and D8 dozers, as well as the 953 and 963 track loader models in select regions. There are plans to expand its availability to additional models within the dozer line. Additionally, the sensor can be retrofitted on eligible dozer undercarriages.
Caterpillar’s introduction of the Cat Track Wear Sensor demonstrates their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By providing real-time data and alerts, the CTWS helps customers optimize their maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of their equipment. This technology marks a significant step forward in undercarriage management, offering enhanced efficiency and reliability for operators working in various conditions.
Fulian Operation Team
2024.8.12
