Cat Certified Rebuild Program Celebrates 25 Years
July 14, 2010
Caterpillar initiated the Cat Certified Rebuild (CCR)
Program in 1985, and this year, 2010, the 5,000th machine will be rebuilt under
the program. In 2009 alone, Cat dealers
worldwide completed 500 total-machine rebuilds, which, on average, cost each
machine owner 40 to 50 percent less than buying a comparable new machine—even
though the process involves disassembling the machine to the bare frame, then
rebuilding to like-new specifications. The major structures and components of a
Cat machine are designed to maintain their fundamental integrity throughout a
lifetime of service, allowing the machine to be rebuilt, economically, under
the strict guidelines of the CCR Program.
The long-term success of the CCR
Program prompted Caterpillar to add the Certified Power Train (CPT) Program in
2001. The concept of the CPT Program is the same as that of the CCR Program,
but CPT is limited to the machine power train. Most customers who opt for the
power-train rebuild, however, usually have additional work performed on the
machine.
The extensive Cat Certified Rebuild
programs incorporate the very latest Cat technology and critical engineering
updates into each machine or power train at a fraction of the cost of buying
new. Only trained dealer service professionals and only Cat parts are used to
complete a certified rebuild. The result is an array of proven options for Cat
customers when it comes time to make the decision to repair, rebuild or
replace.
Attention to detail
Each CCR or CPT begins with a
thorough inspection and evaluation of the machine and components. Testing in
the CCR process (evaluation, in-process and final) involves more than 350
detailed checks, and the CPT process involves more than 200 tests. Based on
evaluation testing, the Cat dealer (certified by Caterpillar to perform
authorized rebuilds) then develops a customized rebuild plan for the machine,
together with a cost estimate.
The CCR process includes automatic
replacement of more than 7,000 parts (including wiring harnesses), and more
than 3,000 parts are replaced in a power-train rebuild. Remaining parts are
measured against Caterpillar strict reusability guidelines, and those not
measuring up are either replaced with new or Cat Reman Parts, or reconditioned
to meet specifications.
Total-machine rebuild includes work
typically not part of an "overhaul." The CCR can include procedures
such as straightening and reinforcing frames; replacing worn linkage pins and
shaft bearings; restoring hydraulic systems to original levels of performance,
reliability and cleanliness (ISO 18/15); and replacing electronic control
modules and software. Integrating significant technical enhancements, such as
emissions control, is a critical aspect of the rebuild process.
New paint and a new serial number
complete the CCR process. All replacement parts carry a new parts warranty, and
the like-new condition of the machine qualifies it for available Extended Power
Train Coverage from Cat Insurance.
More Certified Rebuild possibilities
Since 2005, the Certified Engine
Rebuild (CER) Program has allowed owners of Cat engines in other manufacturers’
systems (i.e., locomotives, ships, generating plants and pumping stations) to
rebuild these power plants to like-new specifications. The primary focus of the
CER Program is 3500 and 3600 Series engines.
The Certified Hydraulic Rebuild
(CHR) Program, added in 2007, allows economic rebuild of the complete hydraulic
system in certain Cat hydraulic excavators. Then, to complete the range of Cat
Certified Rebuild Programs, a Certified Machine Component Rebuild (CMCR)
Program was initiated in 2008, allowing machine users to have individual
components, such as engines and transmissions, rebuilt to like-new
specifications.
For more information about Cat Rebuild Programs,
customers should visit with their local Cat dealer. A detailed list of machines qualifying for
the CCR and CPT Programs is available by clicking on Machine Cat Certified Rebuild (CCR) and Cat Certified Power Train (CPT)
(page 7) under Certified Rebuild
Reference Materials at the following Caterpillar website: www.cat.com/parts/cat-certified-rebuild
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