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The Top 9 Myths About Cat^® Reman

Think you know Cat^® Reman? Through its state-of-the-art remanufacturing process, Caterpillar offers a variety of Cat Reman parts designed to perform like new. But with its far-reaching, global footprint, there’s a chance some facts get misunderstood. That’s why we’re clearing up these common myths to help you grasp the full value of Cat Reman.

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

Myth 1: Using Cat Reman Products is the Same as Performing a Rebuild

First things first, “Cat Reman” and “rebuilds” are not interchangeable. Since each Cat Reman part is salvaged, reassembled, remanufactured and rigorously tested to meet original Caterpillar performance specifications, they come as drop-in ready solutions designed to perform like new and integrate alongside genuine new Cat parts and other Cat Reman components. That said, Cat Reman parts can be used in repairs, rebuilds or Cat Certified Rebuilds.

With a rebuild, you’re restoring a component or a piece of equipment to provide more uptime for a lower cost than when replacing the component or equipment. With a Cat Certified Rebuild, a Cat dealer disassembles the equipment, system or component before reassembling it to like new condition. Frequently, rebuilds will incorporate Cat Reman parts because of the like new performance as well as the additional savings when customers return acceptable end-of-life parts — also referred to as core.

Considering a rebuild or Cat Reman component? Your local authorized Cat dealer can help you find the right solution for your needs.

Myth 2: I Can’t Get a Core Deposit if My Core is Damaged

Not all core damage is the same, but you’re in luck. Cat Reman has flexible Core Acceptance Criteria¹ that identify two types of damage. Operational damage that occurred during normal use — like when a turbocharger has a broken shaft or cracked housing — can be accepted in exchange for a full core deposit. Think of it as normal wear and tear.

Core with nonoperational damage — such as fire damage or excessive rust and corrosion — is typically not accepted for a full core deposit. That said, a partial deposit may be available. Bring your core to your local authorized Cat dealer and they can review its acceptability during their inspection. If approved, your core deposit will go toward the cost of the Cat Reman product, saving you money.

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Myth 3: You Don’t Have Cat Reman Options for Me

This myth is busted. Whether you need options for construction, mining, energy & transportation, on-highway truck engines or other equipment, there’s a drop-in Cat Reman solution for most of the industries served by Caterpillar.

Need a repair? We have over 8,000 parts designed to deliver like new performance and help lower your total cost of ownership. If you’re unsure which option is best for your operation, contact your local Cat dealer for assistance.

Myth 4: Cat Reman Products Cannot Be Used for Machinery From Other OEMs

Even if you don’t have Cat equipment, you can save money and repurpose used core by selecting Cat Reman products. When equipment from other OEMs have Cat engines, Cat Reman components can be used for repairs or complete engine replacements for long blocks or short blocks.

When your engine or parts reach the end of their lifecycle, you can’t afford downtime. That’s why Cat Reman products are a straightforward option — regardless of OEM. From agriculture to railway and more, Cat Reman remanufactures parts for equipment of all sizes, backed by a 12-month, same-as-new Caterpillar Limited Warranty.²

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Myth 5: Cat Reman Products Are Designed to Save Money but Not Time

This one’s false. Cat Reman products perform like new, without breaking the bank. But they’re also designed to save you time, which translates to jobsite productivity. With drop-in solutions delivered right to you, Cat Reman products are assembled, packaged and ready to install with no need for rebuilding.

Through our state-of-the-art process, we've done the hard part for you. Now you just need to install it — reducing your repair time and getting you back up and running.

Myth 6: Cat Reman Injectors Don’t Meet My Engine’s Quality Standards

Not true. Cat Reman injectors save you money and match the performance specifications of new injectors. Just like new parts, Cat Reman injectors incorporate critical engineering updates and adhere to strict emissions and performance standards — all to meet the tight requirements of today’s engines.

Inside a Cat Reman injector is a combination of remanufactured products and new products. This process makes sure you’ll receive like new horsepower, fuel efficiency and fuel economy to get your engine running like new, without the new price tag.

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Myth 7: Cat Reman New With Core Products Are Not Entirely New

The truth is: We can't start remanufacturing a product until it's reached the end of its life. So, a remanufactured replacement part might not be available right away for a newer product.

That’s where Cat Reman New with Core products come in. They’re not remanufactured. Instead, Cat Reman New with Core products are entirely new, with 100% genuine Cat components. Customers can return core in exchange for Cat Reman New with Core parts for up to 85% the cost of new¹, backed by Caterpillar Limited Warranty.² This gives you the cost-effective repair option you need earlier in your equipment’s lifecycle.

Myth 8: Piston Rings Shouldn’t Rotate While the Engine is Running

False! Cat Reman piston rings do rotate around the cylinder one or two times per minute.

When you open your engine, you may see the ring gaps lined up on one cylinder, but your piston rings are still rotating. That’s because the gaps are designed to regulate oil consumption and limit deposits. This allows the rings and liner to break in smoothly while maintaining a good seal.

But don’t worry — they’ll start rotating again when you start the engine.

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Myth 9: Cat Reman Doesn’t Use Less Energy Than New Manufacturing

The Cat Reman business model helps us keep our supply chain strong by using 65-87% less process energy and 80-90% less new material than the manufacturing of new parts.³ By remanufacturing returned core, we can extend the lifecycle of parts. In the process, we’re offering sustainability benefits that help make sure drop-in ready solutions are available for customers all over the world.

Now that these Cat Reman myths are debunked, it’s the perfect time for you to see which remanufactured products are available for your fleet. Whether you need a repair or replacement, Cat Reman is here to support your business needs. To find more information about the remanufacturing process, core criteria and other Cat Reman details, check out the Cat Reman hub.

^{¹Additional requirements apply. Contact your authorized Cat dealer for more information.

²Warranty can vary by model and application, limitations apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.

³Represents U.S. environmental impacts comparing "gate-to-gate" remanufacturing and manufacturing processes for engines and components. Based on 2018 external study of Cat engines, alternators and turbochargers. Does not include impacts elsewhere in our value chain.}

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Head to the Cat Reman homepage to learn more about the parts and processes behind remanufactured Cat products.

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Cat Reman

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