Caterpillar’s Recent Invention to Monitor Equipment Undercarriage

  • Editorial Team
  • News
  • 2 August 2024

One thing that has always been overlooked in equipment maintenance is its undercarriage. This ground base of every piece of equipment needs equal attention and care for better efficiency and performance. To make things easier for the equipment owner, Caterpillar has launched its latest invention in this regard. A CAT Track Wear Sensor (CTWS), is fixed under the equipment and will provide accurate data on undercarriage wear and need for the maintenance.

How does this tiny sensor work?

The CTWS is a groundbreaking invention by Caterpillar which is smaller in size and effective in its function. This sensor is fitted into a special compartment in the CAT machine’s track links. It was made sure by the engineers that the sensor stays safe in the track link location so that it may keep providing the information.

Every link assembly in tracked equipment has a smart link, thus every machine has two sensors, one on each side. With the help of these two sensors, the undercarriage is thoroughly monitored, and the equipment owner receives all the necessary data right away.

The sensor functions inside the Cat Wear Management System, giving the dealer wireless access to serious track link wear data. The information is smoothly able to be transferred and lets the owner plan for the repair and maintenance. Whereas, the equipment owner gets the alert notification at a specific interval about the repairs. For example, a 40% wear alert may indicate that bushing twists could occur, a 70% alert may indicate that replacement parts need to be measured and ordered, and a 100% alert may indicate that replacement is necessary. These notifications enable the operator and owners to know better about the undercarriage system and take quick and timely decisions.

Why you should install this real-time sensor in track equipment?

This invention by Caterpillar is one of its kind making the equipment handling better and more efficient. If you have a used track excavator for sale, consider upgrading it with this sensor to boost its resale value right away.

No manual measurements

This sensor restricts the mechanic from taking manual measurements further reduces the chances of human error and saves a lot of time and money.

Optimize fleet maintenance

With this automatic sensor system, fleet owners are able to monitor multiple equipment at once.

Remote visibility

This feature allows operators to see track wear data even while the machines are working in far-off places, guaranteeing ongoing observation.

Optimized service visits

This tiny sensor system helps reduce equipment downtime and regulates the maintenance plan by carefully assessing the undercarriage.

Field testing

The Caterpillar invests a rigid amount on the launch of this groundbreaking inventions. The CTWS has undergone a series of field testing to finally come out for final usage. This sensor technology has already been installed in over 2,000 Cat machines, proving its dependability and efficiency.

The sensor has also been tested against high-frequency shock loads and it has successfully passed to stand firm. The incredible team has also made sure to make its battery life last for about 7 years, considering the reliability and performance of tracked equipment.

The most selling new Cat D5, D6, and D8 dozers, as well as 953 and 963 track loader models already come with the CTWS as a built-in feature. Whereas, Caterpillar has a plan to make this sensor available on a larger scale in the coming years. The integration of this sensor will not only optimize the efficiency of the equipment but will bring further transformation to the equipment industry. Cost-effectiveness and reliability will not be an issue for the fleet managers shortly.

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