As I type this, my Caterpillar dealer is out here modifying the plumbing and power link jaw on my 336E's center-lock pin grabber coupler BECAUSE "use of certain hydro mechanical attachments can cause the coupler to open inadvertently". HOW? All my Caterpillar bucket couplers are plumbed the same, but only a few machine/ linkage models are under review/ revision.
And, Cat isn't kidding, as less than a month after receiving a " PI " notice, our 336E developed just such an anomaly.
Coupler cylinder checks out good...no bypassing internally.
Coupler cylinder check valve/ relief checks good...even swapped with known good valve.
Coupler electromechanical valve checks good...also swapped with known good unit.
Apparently, Cat has determined that an additional control valve needs to be installed to prevent unwarranted coupler activation.
Pictures to follow.
Even after their revisions, I am still left with a 3100 hour coupler with extensive mechanical parts damaged and or worn out.
First inspection upon uncoupling complaint revealed the loss of one "link" from the cylinder mount can arm to the safety jaw.
Further inspection, upon disassembly revealed can arm pivot bearing bores oversized, fractured cylinder mount bearings, cylinder side mounted bosses fractured loose from their welds and longer perpendicular to the bore, distorted bores under the cam arm saddle caps, damage to one safety jaw link anchor from cam plate to cylinder contact, sheared jaw to rod pin's roll pin (allowing said pin to walk side to side) and a few non-critical cracks in the coupler frame welds above the safety jaw.
Has anyone experienced issues with the center lock coupler?
Is there a more durable pin grabber coupler out there?
I've had saddle bolt issues (breakage) on both of my other center lock couplers, one requiring cylinder repair when the cylinder struck the stick tip, resulting in the crushing of the steel lines integral to the cylinder (on two separate occasions).
Also, "footballed" every bucket coupler cylinder on every Miller designed Cat pin grabber coupler here.
In summary...
Is there a better pin grabber coupler?
Or
Has anyone made changes to enhance the durability of the Caterpillar bucket couplers?
And, Cat isn't kidding, as less than a month after receiving a " PI " notice, our 336E developed just such an anomaly.
Coupler cylinder checks out good...no bypassing internally.
Coupler cylinder check valve/ relief checks good...even swapped with known good valve.
Coupler electromechanical valve checks good...also swapped with known good unit.
Apparently, Cat has determined that an additional control valve needs to be installed to prevent unwarranted coupler activation.
Pictures to follow.
Even after their revisions, I am still left with a 3100 hour coupler with extensive mechanical parts damaged and or worn out.
First inspection upon uncoupling complaint revealed the loss of one "link" from the cylinder mount can arm to the safety jaw.
Further inspection, upon disassembly revealed can arm pivot bearing bores oversized, fractured cylinder mount bearings, cylinder side mounted bosses fractured loose from their welds and longer perpendicular to the bore, distorted bores under the cam arm saddle caps, damage to one safety jaw link anchor from cam plate to cylinder contact, sheared jaw to rod pin's roll pin (allowing said pin to walk side to side) and a few non-critical cracks in the coupler frame welds above the safety jaw.
Has anyone experienced issues with the center lock coupler?
Is there a more durable pin grabber coupler out there?
I've had saddle bolt issues (breakage) on both of my other center lock couplers, one requiring cylinder repair when the cylinder struck the stick tip, resulting in the crushing of the steel lines integral to the cylinder (on two separate occasions).
Also, "footballed" every bucket coupler cylinder on every Miller designed Cat pin grabber coupler here.
In summary...
Is there a better pin grabber coupler?
Or
Has anyone made changes to enhance the durability of the Caterpillar bucket couplers?
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