COUPLER AR- 2797096 - Caterpillar

Introduction
This Special Instruction gives the necessary information to reinforce a platform assembly and repair cracks (if necessary) on the machines listed above.Do not perform any procedure, outlined in this publication, or order any parts until you have read and understood the information contained within. All parts must be fabricated.Reference: Service Manual, Parts BookNecessary Parts
Fabrication of Parts
1. Fabricate three gussets (1) at the dimensions shown.2. On two of the gussets, install one 1F0750 Weld Nut over each hole. The third gusset does nut require weld nuts. 3. Fabricate two plates (2) at the dimensions shown. 4. Fabricate one strip (3) at the dimension shown. Start with a development length of 838.6 mm (33.02"). Strip (3) must be bent on the ends as shown for a correct fit.5. On the bottom side of strip (3) install one 1F0750 Weld Nut over each hole. The holes in the strip will be located on the bottom and to the right side of the machine when installed.Necessary Removals
1. Remove the seat, seat platform assembly, covers, door channel (threshold) and any other parts needed to complete this modification. 2. Remove the floorplates and the handles. 3. Remove bolt (1) from the clip that holds brake air line (2) in place.Installation and Modification Procedure
An accumulation of any flammable substance may ignite and cause personal injury. Wipe away any spilled oil or other flammable substance before burning with a cutting torch or similar tool.
Use a suitable fireproof material to protect hydraulic lines, transmission and surrounding area when cutting with a torch and when welding.
1. With a cutting torch, remove strip (5) from the front of the kick plate. Grind the edge smooth.2. Remove lug (6) and the bracket (used for brake air line clip mounting) located on the bottom. Keep the lug and bracket as they will be used again on fabricated strip (3). 3. On the right side of the platform at area (A), remove section (B) from the channel at the dimensions shown. Grind the area smooth. 4. Install fabricated strip (3) at the dimension shown and make welds using the following locations and dimensions given.* (E) - 3 mm (0.12") square groove weld (grind flush).* (F) - 5 mm (0.20") bevel groove weld - two places (grind flush).* (G) - 5 mm (0.20") fillet weld - two places.* (H) - 3 mm (0.12") fillet weld 50 mm (2.0") long, with a 50 mm (2.0") space between each weld.* (J) - 3 mm (0.12") fillet weld - both sides.* (K)* - 3 mm (0.12") fillet weld - both sides.* (L) - 3 mm (0.12") fillet weld [location (X)] at a length of 150 mm (6.0") - both sides.*Use the brake air line and the clip as a guide to locate bracket (7) on the bottom of strip (3). Grind existing weld flush before installing plate (2).5. Install plate (2) [one each side] as shown and make 5 mm (0.20") fillet welds at locations (M) and a 5 mm (0.20") square groove weld at location