the Lifecycle of a Cat Reman Component

The Various Stages in the Lifecycle of a Cat Reman Component

Cat Reman has been implementing Caterpillar’s “sustainability ethos” for half a century by refurbishing used components to a like-new state. This not only provides added value to customers but also reduces waste. In 2022, Cat Reman received 140 million pounds of materials. To witness the transformation of a component, let’s follow it through the process.

Every machine and component bearing the Cat® brand represents our commitment to product excellence. Our design philosophy not only focuses on performance, but also on durability. For over 50 years, Cat Reman has played a pivotal role in our quality assurance strategy by offering customers a wide range of remanufactured products to choose from.

Cat Reman sets itself apart from other processes such as rebuilding, refurbishing, repairing, recycling, or reconditioning. It is a cutting-edge, comprehensive process that leverages the original manufacturer’s exclusive expertise. The outcome is a component that looks and performs like new, while also conserving new materials as we reuse the existing core.

To enhance our understanding of how Cat Reman generates value by extending the lifecycle of components, let’s take a theoretical example based on real processes and explore it in detail.

The Birth of an Engine Block

The lifecycle of our component began at Caterpillar’s engine plant in Seguin, Texas, where a collaborative team of nearly 100 individuals combines advanced technology with traditional teamwork. From engine block to head, various components are assembled to create a fully functioning engine. The C9.3 ACERT™, an industrial diesel engine renowned for its exceptional power and reliability, is painted Caterpillar’s signature yellow before it undergoes its first power-up in Hot Test. Throughout the assembly phase, the team assigns a distinct serial number to the engine, which service specialists employ to monitor its performance and condition.

Caterpillar D6T

Constructing Essential Community Infrastructure for a Prolonged Lifespan

Similar to previous Cat engines, this particular one was designed for excellence and was installed in a D6 medium dozer by the engineers. A civil construction company located near Bloomington, Indiana, whose dedicated crew worked six days a week, provided it with a new home. They required a robust, high-performing, and extremely adaptable machine that could assist them in completing almost any task.

The dozer lived up to its expectations by being deployed for a long-term infrastructure initiative that aimed to enhance a heavily used road that had deteriorated. The crew utilized the machine for tasks like dozing, finish grading, land clearing, and more. They successfully finished the project on schedule and under budget, resulting in a safer road for commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians. Later on, when a storm caused significant flood damage, the crew used the D6T to assist in the community’s rebuilding efforts. They kept the engine running smoothly for numerous years and many initiatives through proactive maintenance and management, coupled with the reassurance of Caterpillar’s Limited Warranty.

Conclusion of the Component’s Initial Lifecycle

When the engine’s prolonged use started to impact the dozer’s overall performance, the crew encountered an urgent issue. They required the D6T for a vital new project, but a new engine would not be accessible within the timeframe. Investing in a new component at that time would also be expensive, given the company’s tight budget. Despite achieving outstanding outcomes, they were hesitant to settle for a subpar quality and service level that a new product might provide.

The business sought advice from their nearby Cat dealer, who suggested an alternate solution. The service representative explained that through Cat Reman, the firm could swap their used engine for a component that resembled a new one. The refurbished engine came with the most recent enhancements and a warranty that was equivalent to that of a brand new part. Moreover, it was promptly available for installation, prompting the company to place an order immediately. Simultaneously, the Cat dealer inspected the original component, preparing it for its transformation upon return.

Caterpillar D6T

Cat Reman initiates a fresh lifecycle

The first stop on the remanufacturing process for the component was Cat Reman’s facility in Corinth, Mississippi. The team conducted additional inspections before disassembling the engine into its tiniest components. At this point, the engine no longer retained its original identity, and the block was now prepared for its reconstruction.

The Cat Reman team utilized a multi-part cleaning process to revive the engine block, removing even the tiniest debris molecules. They then performed a thorough inspection of the block, checking for any cracks or imperfections before utilizing advanced salvage techniques to reconstruct it into a component that is as good as new. The team also made several upgrades to enhance its performance and reliability. Finally, they conducted extensive testing to guarantee that the remanufactured component met the same standards as a brand new one.

The remanufactured C9.3 ACERT engine entered its second life cycle when it was installed in a 336 excavator in Oahu, Hawaii. The excavator played a crucial role in building several new solar sites, making the component a valuable asset that contributed to the development of the region’s infrastructure. Instead of being discarded in a scrap yard or a landfill, the engine continued to serve a useful purpose and created added value at every stage of its journey.