GEAR-DRIVING 5362557 - Caterpillar

Table 1
Compartment     Recommended Sampling Interval     Sampling Valve    
Engine     250 Hours     Yes    
Power Train     500 Hours     Yes    
Hydraulics     500 Hours     Yes    
Final Drive     250 Hours     No    Consult your Caterpillar dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing an S O S program for your equipment.More Frequent S O S Sampling Improves Life Cycle Management
Traditionally, the suggested S O S sampling intervals have been at each oil change, 250 hours for engines, or every 500 hours for all other compartments. However in severe applications, more frequent oil sampling is recommended. If the machine is operated under a high load and/or high temperature condition, sample all compartments at every 250 hours of operation.Application
Studies have revealed that obtaining oil samples at every 500 hours is too long a time interval in some applications in order to predict potential failure modes. A sampling interval at every 250 hours provides more data between oil change intervals. More data increases the chance for detecting a potential failure.Determining Optimum Oil Change Intervals
Sampling the compartments at every 250 hours provides information for oil condition and for oil performance. This information is used to determine the optimum usable life of a particular oil. Also, more points of data will allow closer monitoring of component wear rates. Close monitoring also allows you to obtain the maximum use of the oil. For detailed information on extending oil change intervals, please contact your Caterpillar dealer.Optimizing Component Life
An increase in the number of oil samples provides a better definition of the trends in data between oil change intervals. More oil samples will allow you to closely monitor wear patterns of components. This action will ensure that the full life of the components are achieved.The standard interval that is used between S O S oil samples is 250 hours for all Caterpillar engines. While 500 hour intervals remain acceptable for nonengine compartments, these intervals are not necessarily optimum. If the machine is operated under a high load and/or high temperature condition, sample all compartments at the 250 hour interval.