Tag: #usedmachinery

How to change the hour meter on a Caterpillar excavator?

Changing the hour meter reading at Caterpillar

How is it possible to edit the hour meter on my CAT machine? Is there a possibility to change hour reading on the ECM or ECU of the machine? Can I do this with the CAT Electronic Technician? Will it be possible to see the attempt to change the hours? 

Do I need a factory passkey?

Some interesting questions, do you agree? I wonder why someone is asking Google for it. Does he want to betray a potential buyer? Some forums are full of those questions. Obviously many people have an interest to reduce the hour meter reading.

If you go to Google and start a search Google-Instant will show you the most relevant entries. It means Google proposes what many others are looking for. The screenshots I made are shoing there is a high interest in this issue. Most relevant search is Caterpillar Hour Meter Reset 🙁

How can you avoid to become a victim of hour meter fraud?

The answer is easy. Send a professional inspector to check the machine on your behalf before you purchase it. I will keep this post updated how many clicks it got from the Google search. It will show how many people are looking for this topic.

Hour meter of a Caterpillar wheel loader

Is it possible and legal to change the hour meter reading?

Yes, it is technically possible to change the service hour meter reading on a used heavy machine. However, it is illegal in many jurisdictions as it involves tampering with the machine’s records, which could be considered as fraud or misrepresentation.

In some countries, tampering with hour meter readings is a serious violation of the law and can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.

It is always recommended to buy used heavy equipment from a reputable source and have a thorough inspection performed by a professional inspector to ensure accurate hour meter readings and the overall condition of the machine.

What to check before starting an excavator or wheel loader?

Free pre-operational checklist for machinery operators

Do you know what to check at the machine before you start working? We have a free checklist for heavy equipment operators. You can use it to make sure, that you do not forget to check important items. You can download it here.

Mevas free daily checklist for machinery operators

What should the operator of an excavator or wheel loader check before he starts machine at begin of his shift?

Before starting an excavator or wheel loader at the beginning of a shift, the operator should perform a pre-operational inspection to ensure the machine’s safety and readiness for work. The following is a general guideline of the items to be checked:

  1. Fuel and oil levels – Check that there is enough fuel and oil to run the machine for the shift and top up if necessary.
  2. Engine performance – Start the engine and check that it runs smoothly, with no unusual sounds or vibrations.
  3. Hydraulic system – Check for any leaks in the hydraulic system and verify that all hydraulic components are functioning properly.
  4. Tires – Check the tire pressure and inspect for any damage or excessive wear.
  5. Lights and alarms – Check the machine’s lights, alarms, and warning signals to ensure that they are functioning properly.
  6. Control systems – Ensure that all control systems are working correctly and that the operator has full control of the machine.
  7. Attachments – Inspect all attachments, such as buckets or hammers, to ensure that they are properly secured and free of any cracks or damage.
  8. Safety features – Check the seatbelt, rollover protection system, and other safety features to ensure that they are working correctly.

By performing a pre-operational inspection, the operator can identify any potential issues with the machine before starting work, which helps to prevent accidents, equipment damage, and costly downtime.