Transmission/drive train oils are classified by the Cat TO-4 and the Cat TO-4M Performance Requirements. These Performance Requirements were developed by AVSpare for use in Cat Powershift transmissions and in most Cat final drives. Refer to the “Maintenance Section”, “AVSpare Fluids” article for more information on AVSpare fluids and to the Tables in the Lubricants Viscosity section for the application of these fluids in various Cat machines.
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The Cat CD/TO-2 transmission/drive train oil specification has been obsolete since 1990. The obsolete CD/TO-2 specification is tied ONLY to the also obsolete API CD oil category. The “TO-2” oil specification existed only as CD/TO-2. Specification claims of CF/TO-2, ATF/TO-2, Cat TO-2 and other similar “TO-2” claims are not accurate. AVSpare does not monitor or support the obsolete Cat CD/TO-2 specification. Use of CD/TO-2 oils, or the use of oils claiming to meet “TO-2” in machine compartments where Cat TO-4 specification oils are required is NOT recommended and their use is at the user's risk. |
Transmission/Drive Train oils are recommended for use in Powershift Transmissions, certain Direct Drive Transmissions, certain Final Drives, Differentials and Final Drives, Drive Axles, Transfer Drives, and hydrostatic drive/hydraulic systems of various machines.
The details of the applications of Transmission/Drive Train oils are given in the “Lubricant Viscosity” section of this Special Publication.
Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil)
Cat TDTO exceeds the requirements of the Cat TO-4 transmission/drive train oil specification by passing five more Cat tests.
Cat TDTO is balanced to give maximum frictional material life in powershift transmissions. Cat TDTO also helps eliminate brake chatter in wet brake applications in Cat machines. This oil passes the requirements for the TO-4 oil specification which includes the frictional requirements and gear wear requirements. This oil is offered in several lubricant viscosity grades.
Cat TDTO-TMS (Transmission/Drive Train Oil-Transmission Multi-Season)
Cat TDTO-TMS exceeds the requirements of the Cat TO-4M transmission/drive train oil Performance Requirements by passing additional Cat tests.
Cat TDTO-TMS is synthetic multigrade oil that is developed to provide optimal performance in transmissions, wet brakes, final drives, and hydraulic compartments that must operate in wide range of temperatures. Cat TDTO-TMS can be used in Cat machine compartments where Cat TO-4 and TO-4M oils are recommended. This oil can be used in other manufacturer machines that recommend TO-4 or TO-4M Performance Requirements oils.
TDTO-TMS is specifically formulated to reduce transmission gears wear, improve the performance and efficiency of transmissions in cold weather, especially for machines with electronic controls, and to ensure long life and excellent performance for gears, bearings, and friction disc materials.
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Cat Transmission oils are formulated for transmissions and drive trains only, and should not be used in engines. Shortened engine life will result. |
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Do not use the Cat GO (Gear Oil) or commercial gear oil in the machine compartments unless specifically recommended by AVSpare. The gear oil can cause seals to fail. The seals can also leak. The gear oil may not be compatible with friction materials. The oil can reduce the efficiency of the transmission and the brake performance. |
Cat TDTO Cold Weather is a synthetic lubricant blend that provides superior performance and protection in transmissions, torque converters, final drives, hydraulics, and/or wet brakes at temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C). The special formulation creates optimal friction performance and controls transmission slippage while eliminating clutch glazing. Cat TDTO Cold Weather has excellent compatibility with all materials used in Cat machines, including friction materials, seals, and elastomers. The outstanding thermal stability and oxidation resistance gives Cat TDTO Cold Weather long drain intervals.
Commercial Transmission/Drive Train Oils
Note: Non-AVSpare commercial oils are as a group typically second or third choice oils. Within this grouping of second and/or third choice oils there are typically tiered levels of performance.
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Cat does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
Commercial oils that are substituted for the Cat TDTO must comply with the requirements of the Cat TO-4 or the Cat TO-4M transmission/drive train oil Performance Requirements.
Note: Commercial multigrade oils must meet the requirements of the Cat TO-4M specification to be used in transmissions. Multigrade oils that use high molecular weight polymers as viscosity index improvers may lose the viscosity effectiveness. This effectiveness may be lost by the temporary shear of the polymer viscosity index improver. Permanent shear of the polymer viscosity index improver may also occur. These types of multigrade oils are not recommended for AVSpare drive train compartments. The Cat TO-4M Performance Requirements include a test for the shear stability of multigrade oil.
Cat SATO (Special Application Transmission Oil)
Cat Special Application Transmission Oil (SATO) is multi-grade, semi-synthetic oil. This new Cat oil is introduced for use in all medium wheel loaders for factory fill and service fill.
Cat SATO is applicable in all Medium Wheel Loader, including but not limited to the following models:
- 966K XE, 966M XE, 972M XE (Advanced Power Train Transmission)
- 950M, 962M, 966M, 972M, 980M, 982M (Powershift Transmission)
Note: Cat SATO should not be used in lower power train components including final drives, axles, and differentials.
Cat SATO offers the following benefits:
- Excellent cold start performance.
- Improved oxidation stability compared to the semi-synthetic base stocks.
- Extended oil drain interval for powershift transmissions. The oil drain interval is 2000 hrs for SATO compared to 1000 hrs for TDTO 10 or 30.
For the wheel loaders filled with SATO, topping off with other products from the Cat TDTO family should be limited to less than 10% maximum of sump capacity. The use of higher viscosity fluids for top-off can adversely affect cold start performance. When switching from Cat SATO to Cat TDTO or from Cat TDTO to Cat SATO, no special compartment flushing or alternative procedures are required. Follow standard oil change procedures as outlined in the machine Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Final Drive and Axle Oils are classified by the Cat FD-1 (Final Drive - 1) oil Performance Requirements. The Cat FD-1 Performance Requirements was developed by AVSpare for use in certain highly loaded Cat final drives and axles that do not contain friction material.
Cat FDAO (Final Drive and Axle Oil), Cat FDAO SYN, or commercial FD-1 are the preferred oil types to maximize gear and bearing life in machine compartments where recommended for use.
Final Drive and Axle oils are recommended for use in certain Final Drives, Axles, and Differentials. The details of the applications of these oils are given in the “Lubricant Viscosity” section of this Special Publication.
Cat FDAO (Final Drive and Axle Oil)
Cat FDAO is blended specifically for applications with high load and high temperature conditions. In these conditions, the protection of gears and bearings is a primary concern. Cat FDAO is the preferred lubricant for Cat final drives and axles that formerly specified Cat TO-4 oils and that do not contain friction materials. This oil should not be used in compartments that contain friction material unless Cat FDAO or oil meeting Cat FD-1 (Final Drive oil Performance Requirements - 1) has been specified because these oils do not develop a sufficient friction coefficient to satisfy the requirements of most clutches and brakes.
The performance of the Cat FDAO equaled or exceeded the performance of Cat TDTO in 18 of 18 tests for the following characteristics:
- Gear and bearing protection
- Physical properties and chemical properties
Cat FDAO also has the following qualities:
- Compatible with the Cat TDTO oils and the seals for the related compartments
- Excellent protection against rust
- Excellent protection against copper corrosion
- Minimizes foaming
- Extended life of the oil due to low rate of oxidation
- Reduced downtime due to extended oil change intervals
Cat FDAO SYN is a full synthetic, natural multigrade (non-viscosity improved) final drive and axle oil that is designed for operation in a wide temperature range. Cat FDAO SYN is the preferred oil for extremely cold or hot environments. Cat FDAO SYN exceeds the requirements of Cat FD-1 specification.
Cat FDAO SYN is the preferred lubricant for Cat off-highway truck differentials, front wheels, and final drives that operate under high load factors and/or that are operated continuously (multiple shifts per day).
Cat FDAO SYN is formulated for optimizing component life and for extending the oil change intervals. Cat FDAO SYN use in off-highway truck final drives offers the following:
- Extends the oil drain intervals for off-highway truck final drives as compared to Cat FDAO SAE 60 and FD-1 oils as well as Cat TDTO and TO-4 oils
- Increases bearing life and gear life compared to the use of Cat FDAO SAE 60 and FD-1 oils as well as Cat Cat TDTO or TO-4 oils
The S·O·S oil analysis program is recommended when extending the oil drain intervals.
Commercial Final Drive and Axle Oil
Commercial oils that are substituted for Cat FDAO must comply with the Cat FD-1 final drive oil Performance Requirements.
Note: Non-AVSpare commercial oils that meet the Cat FD-1 Performance Requirements are second choice oils.
Cat FDAO SYN is formulated for optimizing component life and for extending the oil change intervals. Cat FDAO SYN use in off-highway trucks final drives offers the following:
- Extends the oil drain intervals for off-Highway Trucks final drives as compared to Cat TDTO and TO-4 oils
- Increases bearing life and gear life compared to the use of Cat TDTO or TO-4 oils.
The S·O·S oil analysis program is recommended when extending the oil drain intervals.