TUBE 0044462 - Caterpillar

Illustration 1 g03112821
Extended Wear Life idler with circular side plate indentationsThe use of identification markings on certain Heavy Duty Undercarriage Extended Wear Life track idlers has changed. The markings have changed on 202-4296 Track Idler Gp and 202-4304 Track Idler Gp. The markings were required to visually identify the Extended Wear Life idlers when introduced in 2002. The identification markings are four 30 mm (1.2 inch) diameter circular indentations in the idler side plates. Refer to Illustration 1. Prior to 2002, the idlers did not have the Extended Wear Life design and did not have the indentations.
Illustration 2 g03112836
Extended Wear Life idler without circular side plate indentationsThe idler design prior to 2002 has not been manufactured in 10 years and field population is assumed to be minimal. Therefore, effective June 2012, the circular indentations are no longer required to differentiate the Extended Wear Life idlers. Refer to Illustration 2. However, some manufacturing facilities may still produce Extended Wear Life idlers with the markings. As a result, idlers on new machines and from the parts system may or may not have the indentations.The Extended Wear Life idlers without the identification markings are directly interchangeable with and are functionally the same as Extended Wear Life idlers with the markings. All serviceable part numbers for the idler groups, assemblies, and piece parts remain the same.