Bringing new life to a D8R

May 25

The Caterpillar D8 has been the workhorse of our dirt moving operations for decades now. We have had several different models in that time including the H, the K, and currently the R models. In 2019, one of our R’s went through a partial rebuild and that has proven to be a great investment. With our other D8R reaching 19,000 hours, we decided it was time for that one to get a similar treatment. After discussing our options with our local CAT dealer, Cleveland Brothers, we choose to go with a CAT Certified PowerTrain Rebuild. This particular level of rebuild restores power to a like-new condition. We were confident that this was the best route for us to go with this machine, and we sent it to Cleveland Brothers in February.

Approximately 200 tests and inspections of the powertrain components were completed and documented, and nearly 3,000 parts were replaced, including powertrain electrical switches, sensors, sending units, electronic control modules, engine wiring harness, bearings, gaskets, seals, and coolant hoses. The components were completely disassembled and all critical engineering updates were incorporated. The REMAN engine was rebuilt, replacing the fuel, oil, and water pumps, the turbocharger, governor, muffler and engine control module. The transmission was worked over as well, including rebuilding the transmission pump and hydraulic controls. The torque converter, differential, transfer gear group, drive axles, and final drive were disassembled and rebuilt. The radiator and coolers were rebuilt. All electric controls and sensors that control the machine's movement were rebuilt as well. We just got it back yesterday.

The whole process took 15 weeks; from the time Cleveland Brothers received the machine, up to the time the dozer was back working on one of our sites. With the mechanical portion of the work being completed up the road from us at the Lancaster branch of Cleveland Brothers, we took the opportunity to visit regularly, discussing the progress as well as documenting the work being done. Seeing a machine that is one of our largest - being broken down to just the frame - was a pretty neat thing to see. The service tech doing the work, Allen Crouthamel, was always a pleasure to talk with and more than willing to accommodate our requests.

Included in the CAT Certified PowerTrain Rebuild is new paint; we decided to change the paint scheme from the original, adding some black accents to it, similar to what you will find on a newer machine. Heavy Equipment Loaders & Parts, Inc. was contracted for the painting. The D8 was transported to their facility near Somerset, PA where John Dickey and Brady Glessner were tasked with removing the old paint and applying the new. To accomplish this, they used coal ash to “sandblast” away the old paint - this process was intensive and quite messy. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit with John and discuss the paint, in addition to watching some of the processes that he used to undoubtedly transform this old and tired machine to one that makes you do a double take.

After a couple weeks with John, the D8R was ready to make its way back to us. Heavy Equipment Loaders & Parts, Inc. once again did the transport, making the long haul from Somerset. Upon arrival, we were able to witness first hand the culmination of all the hard work by Allen at Cleveland Brothers and John & Brady at Heavy Equipment; we are extremely happy with the results. As we look forward to utilizing the freshly rebuilt D8 to sculpt the earth for years to come, we must extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped along the way!