CAT Skid Steer Loader 257D

If a new belt is installed, check the belt adjustment after 30 minutes of operation. A belt is considered used after 30 minutes of operation.

1. Stop the engine in order to inspect the belt.

2. Open the engine access door. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Access Doors and Covers”.

3. Loosen the quarter-turn fasteners (1) on the front of the guard.

4. Remove the guard for the V-belt.

5. Inspect the condition of the belt and the adjustment of the belt. The belt should deflect 10 mm (0.39 inch) to 12 mm (0.47 inch) under a straight pull of 10 kg (22 lb). This measurement should be taken between the alternator pulley and the crankshaft pulley.

Note: A 144-0235 Borroughs Belt Tension Gauge may be used to measure belt tension. This measurement should be taken between the alternator pulley and the crankshaft pulley. Refer to the following table for belt tension.

6. Loosen the mounting bolt (4). Loosen the adjusting bolt (5).

Warning: Fingers can be burned from hot pins and bushings.

The pins and bushings in a dry joint can become very hot. It is possible to burn the fingers if there is more than brief contact with these components.

Use the recommendations to extend the life of the undercarriage. Use the recommendations to avoid excessive downtime.

During the machine operation, listen for unusual squeaking and for unusual squealing. This noise can indicate a dry joint.

Check the machine for dry joints weekly. Check for dry joints immediately after machine operation.

After machine operation, lightly touch the end of each track pin or bushing. Touch the track pin or the track bushing with the back of your hand. Make a mark on any dry track pin joint that is hot to the touch.

Consult the Custom Track Service expert at any Cat dealer if you detect dry joints or leaks. The Custom Track Service expert at the Cat dealer can perform track inspection.

Sign off on the 50 Hourly Skid Steer Loader Maintenance

Inspect the track visually for damage or missing fasteners

Replace any grousers that are damaged

Replace any fasteners that are missing

Loosen the greaser with an appropriate wrench or socket to relax the tension on the track

Tighten the greaser and apply grease to achieve proper tension

Check the torque for the track grouser bolts and the master link bolts

Engine Crankcase Breather - Replace

Note: Only applies to engines with aftertreatment.

Open the engine access door. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Access Doors and Covers”.

Tilt the radiator upward. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Radiator Tilting”.

The breather is located in the engine compartment on the right-hand side of engine. There is cap on the breather and a replaceable element inside.

Note: This service may be performed without removing the housing from the engine.

Remove the breather cap and remove the filter element.

Note: The C2.2 and C3.3B are equipped with cap on bottom portion of the canister. Use a wrench to remove the breather cap. The C3.8 is equipped with cap on top of canister, remove cap by applying downward pressure on the cap while turning.

Clean the housing and the cap for the breather.

Warning: Personal injury can result from hydraulic oil pressure and hot oil. Hydraulic oil pressure can remain in the hydraulic system after the engine has been stopped. Serious injury can be caused if this pressure is not released before any service is done on the hydraulic system. Make sure all of the attachments have been lowered, oil is cool before removing any components or lines. Remove the oil filler cap only when the engine is stopped, and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.

Start the engine and allow the engine to run for at least 15 seconds to recharge the accumulator.

Stop the engine. Keep the armrests in the LOWERED position. Turn the engine start switch to the ON position. Push the parking brake switch.

Move the electrohydraulic controls through all the positions.

Toggle the auxiliary switch multiple times.

Turn the engine start switch to the OFF position. The pressure in the hydraulic system has now been released.

Note: Some hydraulic lines on the downstream side of the accumulator may still contain pressurized oil. Use caution when you disconnect these hydraulic lines.

Sign off on the pressure release procedure