Cat® Mulcher Teeth Maintenance: Ground Engaging Tools
Estimated read time: 2 minutes
Caterpillar offers multiple types of mulcher teeth for your compact track loader or mini hydraulic excavator. Let’s look at what is available, proper maintenance and how to install them.
There are four primary options. Note that some of these have different submodels, such as chisel standard and chisel blade.
Chisel teeth provide a consistent cut and finished product and are best used in general-purpose applications.
Carbide teeth are designed for extra wear and extended life. They are also more rock resistant.
Rock resistant teeth provide maximum rock resistance. With even more carbide surface, they are ideal when working in rocky substrate.
Side cutting teeth are designed to improve efficiency. They help prevent material from bypassing the main teeth.
Check out this video and then keep reading to get the information you need about maintenance and replacement.
Maintenance
Maintenance and inspection should begin at the drum rotor.
Keep the drum rotor free of debris and make sure there is no buildup along the side bearings.
Also remove any mud that has gotten packed inside the mulcher.
When inspecting teeth, make sure the carbide has not broken off.
If the carbide or any teeth are missing, replace them. And replace any damaged holders.
Chisel teeth should be sharpened daily.
However, reversible chisel teeth should not be sharpened.
A grinding template helps you measure sharpness. If it fits the fourth slot or lower, you can sharpen it.
To sharpen a tooth, remove it and grind the top flat surface until the edge is sharp.
Check the teeth holders for damage or wear. Damaged holders must be replaced.
Finally, check hoses, grease bearings and make sure all parts are intact.
Replacing Mulcher Teeth
Order your replacement mulcher teeth. Then, to replace worn mulcher teeth:
Loosen and remove the nuts, bolts and spring washers.
Remove the tooth from the tooth holder.
Place the new tooth in the holder and fully seat it.
Install the nuts, bolts and washer through the holder into the tooth.
Tighten to the proper torque.
Note: The side scraper teeth require different steps for sharpening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulchers
Q: What types of Cat mulcher teeth are available?
A: Caterpillar offers four main mulcher teeth: chisel, carbide, rock resistant and side cutting. Each is designed for specific ground conditions and job needs.
Q: When should Cat mulcher teeth be replaced?
A: Replace mulcher teeth if carbide is worn down or missing, if teeth holders show damage or if cutting edges no longer perform effectively.
Q: Can Cat mulcher teeth be sharpened?
A: Yes. Remove the tooth and grind the top flat surface until sharp. Always follow safety procedures in your Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Q: What is the difference between carbide and rock resistant mulcher teeth?
A: Carbide teeth provide extra wear and are more rock resistant than chisel teeth. Rock resistant teeth have even more carbide surface, making them the best choice in rocky conditions.
Q: How do I replace Cat mulcher teeth?
A: Loosen and remove the nuts, bolts and spring washers. Take out the old tooth from the holder, insert the new tooth, then reinstall and torque to spec.
Explore more Cat ground engaging tools and parts. For more information and support, contact your Cat dealer.
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