Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 257B3

Note: Operating the machine in conditions that are muddy or sandy will cause accelerated wear on the sprocket and other undercarriage components. It is important to clean the undercarriage of the machine daily in order to maximize component life.

Sleeves meet the minimum thickness?

If the sleeves do not rotate freely, refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Sprocket - Inspect” for information about the inspection of the sprocket assembly.

Sign off on the Skid Steer Loader Maintenance

The plugs for the drive chain cases as the plugs are viewed from the underside of the machine.

1. Remove the drain plug for the left drive chain case and the right drive chain case. Allow the oil to drain into a suitable container.

2. Apply 169-5464 Quick Cure Primer and 5P-3413 Pipe Sealant to the threads on the drain plugs. Install the drain plugs.

3. Remove the filler plug for the right side drive chain case. Fill the drive chain case with oil to the bottom of the threads on the fill port. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Lubricant Viscosities” and Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Refill Capacities”.

4. Apply 169-5464 Quick Cure Primer and 5P-3413 Pipe Sealant to the threads on the filler plug. Install the filler plug.

5. Repeat the process for the left side drive chain case.

The breathers for the drive chain cases are located underneath the cab (1). Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Cab Tilting”.

Refer to the Service Manual for the complete adjustment procedure for the engine valve lash.

A qualified mechanic should adjust the engine valve lash and the fuel injector timing because special tools and training are required.

See your Cat dealer for this service.

Air Cleaner Dust Valve - Clean/Inspect

Service the air filter elements when the alert indicator for air filter restriction lights. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Alert Indicators” for information about the indicator.

1. Open the engine access door.

2. The air filter housing is located in the engine compartment.

3. Check the air cleaner dust valve after every ten service hours or at the end of each day. Actuate the valve by squeezing the lips of the valve in order to remove any accumulated debris.

Apply lubricant to all grease fittings.

WARNING: Pressurized system: Hot coolant can cause serious burn. To open cap, stop engine, wait until radiator is cool. Then loosen cap slowly to relieve the pressure.

NOTICE: Mixing ELC with other products will reduce the effectiveness of the coolant. This could result in damage to cooling system components.

Note: The machine was shipped from the factory with Extended Life Coolant (ELC) in the cooling system.

For information about the addition of Extender to your cooling system, see the Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Cooling System Coolant (ELC) Extender - Add” or consult your Caterpillar dealer.

Drain the coolant whenever the coolant is dirty or whenever the coolant is foaming.

The radiator cap is located under the radiator guard on the top of the engine compartment.

Allow the machine to cool before you change the coolant.

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

Raise the radiator guard. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Radiator Tilting”.