Thompson CAT - Giving You More Since 1944

Power Train

Caterpillar 3408E and 3412E engines with hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled unit injector fuel system and eight-speed power shift transmission combine to form a responsive, highly fuel efficient power train.

Engine

Proven Cat engines provide the power and torque rise for excellent lugging in tough loading conditions. They are designed for long hours of continuous operation, with high displacement and low rpm ratings.

Fuel System

The fuel system and Electronic Control Module on the 3408E tractor engine economically and precisely deliver fuel. The system features hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled unit injectors for improved fuel economy, reduced engine operating noise and low emissions. The engine meets all CARB and EPA requirements.

Injection Pressures

High injection pressures, independent of engine speed, decrease smoke and emissions while improving response.

Variable Injection Timing

Variable injection timing and duration improve fuel efficiency and cold starting, decrease smoke and emissions.

Injection Rate Shaping

Injection rate shaping reduces emission and engine noise.

Mechanical Parts

Fewer mechanical parts in the fuel system improves reliability.

Electronic Control

Electronic control provides automatic altitude deration; automatic air filter restriction deration; elevated low idle; improved cold weather starting; acceleration delay on startup to reduce engine wear; and advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Multiple Horsepower Ratings

Multiple horsepower ratings limit output in first and second gears unless the operator has the auger or elevator engaged. In that case, additional horsepower is available, as it is in higher gears.

Neutral Start Control

Neutral start control prevents engine from starting unless transmission is in neutral.

Throttle Back-up

Throttle back-up provides the operator with a preset engine speed control in the event of a throttle input failure.

Throttle Lock

The throttle lock allows the operator the capability of locking both engines at any operating level.

Directional Shift Management

Directional shift management prevents the operator from shifting out of neutral when engine rpm is above a preset level. The throttle is interrupted, allowing engine speed to drop, before completing the directional change.

Controlled Throttle Shifting

Controlled throttle shifting increases drivetrain life by reducing the fuel injection rate just prior to shifting.

Automatic Ether Starting Aid

Automatic ether starting aid greatly improves cold weather starting. Operator may inject additional ether, but the system regulates the maximum amount.

Electronic Ground Level Shutoff

Electronic ground level shutoff enables the operator to stop the engine from the ground with the flip of a switch.

Steel Spacer Plate

Steel spacer plate between the block and head eliminates the need for counterbores and helps prevent associated cracking problems.

Oil-Cooled Pistons

Oil-cooled pistons and full-length water-cooled cylinder liners provide maximum heat transfer for longer component life.

Aftercooler

The aftercooler lowers intake charge air temperature to increase power and reduce thermal stresses that can cause premature wear of pistons, rings, and liners.

Engine Oil Cooler

Engine oil cooler maintains optimum oil temperature for proper cooling and longer lubricant life.

Laminated Thermo-Shield

Laminated thermal-shield improves tractor protection by reducing the temperature of exposed engine surfaces, cools engine and operating compartments, extends hose and wiring life.

Standard Hydraulic Retarder

An optional hydraulic retarder can extend brake life.

Transmission

Eight-speed power shift transmission provides automatic, on-the-go shifting for simple, reliable operation. It also eliminates torque converter drive at haul road speeds. Individual clutch modulation makes for smooth shifts, increases component life and improves ride. Transmission will not shift above gear selected by the operator.

First, Second and Reverse Gears

First, second and reverse gears are torque converter drive for high rimpull and full hydraulic power when loading or ejecting.

Third - Eighth Gears

Third through eighth gears are direct drive for efficiency and maximum, usable haul road speeds.

Transmission Hold Switch

Transmission hold switch overrides automatic shifting, holds transmission in current gear. Electronic control can override transmission hold to help prevent engine overspeed.

Neutral Coast Inhibitor Control

Neutral coast inhibitor control helps prevent the transmission from shifting to neutral at speeds above 8.1 km/h (5 mph). This protects the transmission against operating with insufficient lubrication. The neutral coast inhibitor control helps prevent possible transmission damage by inhibiting shifts into neutral and it helps prevent transmission overspeed, and maintain adequate cooling oil flow while coasting in neutral.

Top Gear Control

Top gear control helps prevent shifting above a programmed gear to better regulate haul road speeds.

Electronic Programmable Transmission Control (EPTC II)

Electronic Programmable Transmission Control (EPTC II) records both current and intermittent faults. Some status information can be accessed through the alphanumeric display on the control itself while other data is only retrievable using the Electronic Technician (ET).

Electronically Controlled Cushion Hitch

Accumulator system dampens road shocks, helps prevent loping at high haul road speeds, locks out for precise control when loading and dumping.

Design

The Caterpillar electronically controlled cushion hitch design dampens shocks to provide a smoother ride. The result is higher speed capability, less machine wear and increased productivity.

Nitrogen Accumulators

Nitrogen-over-oil accumulators absorb and dampen road shocks. A restricting orifice in the oil line reduces bounce-back from the accumulators to help prevent machine loping or bouncing at high haul road speeds.

Cushion Hitch Lock

Electronically controlled cushion hitch locks down for positive control of the cutting edge during loading and dumping.

Double Kingbolt Design

Double kingbolt design withstands high external forces and allows easy installation and removal.

Hitch Castings

Extensive use of steel castings eliminates many welded joints, making a strong hitch.

Scraper Bowl

Low and extra wide design contributes to large volume loads. Caterpillar designed and manufactured auger system is built tough for the most demanding applications.

Bowl

Caterpillar Coal Scraper bowls come from the factory especially built for coal handling.

Design

The coal scraper design makes the 637E II longer than their earthmoving counterparts.

Sides and Apron

For heaping loads, the bowl sides and apron are higher.

Plate

An angled, reinforced plate has been added to the base of the ejector for easy loading and unloading of the longer bowl.

Auger Mechanism

An auger mechanism in the bowl improves self-loading capabilities by lifting material off of the cutting edge and carrying it to the top of the load.

Efficiency

Quick loading and unloading.

Minimize Dust and Noise

An auger mechanism minimizes dust and noise during loading.

Hydraulically Driven

The auger mechanism is hydraulically driven and controlled by a switch on the apron lever in the operator's compartment.

Durability

The auger mechanism in the bowl is Cat designed and built for durability.

Tandem Power

A coal-handling scraper has to keep working around the clock, in all kinds of weather and conditions.

Efficiency

Cat tandem-power Coal Scrapers give you power and traction on both ends, at all wheels, to load coal more efficiently.

Traction

Extra power keeps you moving in slippery, loose coal when you have big loads.

Performance

More power means fast cycles and dependable performance in bad weather with poor underfoot conditions.

Operator's Station

Convenient control placement and a comfortable work environment are keys to high productivity. Cab is rubber mounted to reduce sound and vibration.

Cab

Standard rubber-mounted cab reduces noise and vibration for comfortable, shift-long operation.

Controls

Low-effort controls are easily accessible for sure, precise operation.

Steering

Hydraulic servo-steering system provides low-effort automotive feel and excellent maneuverability.

Steering Column

Tilt steering column adjusts to five different positions for operator comfort and control.

Seat

A suspension seat delivers a comfortable ride.

Electronic Monitoring System

The Electronic Monitoring System checks important machine systems and provides a three-level warning.

Radio

The operator's station includes radio compatible wires in the cab.

Features

Standard features on the 657E cab are air conditioning to keep the operator comfortable and productive and turn signals.

Serviceability

Simplified service means more productive uptime.

Fuel Tank

Scraper-mounted fuel tank improves access to tractor engine compartment.

Wiring Harness

Improved wiring harness incorporates color coded and numbered circuits for quick identification, minimum 10-amp fuses and improved connectors.

Diagnostic Connector

Diagnostic connector, with the aid of a service tool, allows quick analysis of the starting and charging circuits.

O-Ring Face Seals

O-ring face seals help keep these machines 'dry'.

Centralized Lubrication Blocks

Centralized lubrication blocks for the hitch and steering reduce lube time.

Service Points

Service points for the engine are grouped on the right side for easy access.

Service Platforms

Service platforms and numerous handholds improve access and safety.

Parts Availability

Increased component commonality with other Caterpillar scrapers/machines improves parts availability.

Engine Shut-offs

Electronic ground-level engine shut-offs for convenient operator and services areas.

Radiator

Folded core radiator allows individual cores to be replaced as modules, reducing service time and expense.

Reliability

Cat is committed to provide the most dependable machines on the market.

Retarder

The hydraulic retarder extends brake life when working on severe, downhill slopes.

Bumpers

Rounded off bumpers reduce hooking into high walls.

Castings

Extensive use of castings in the frame, hitch and bowl provide long service life.

Wiring Harness and Hose Assemblies

Wiring harness and hose assemblies run down the draft arms to eliminate the need for "jump-over" line which can reduce hydraulic system efficiency.

Tires

Standard tires provide the maximum flotation of the available options.

Scraper Driveline Guard

Scraper driveline guard protects the output case, differential and ejector cylinder to help minimize driveline maintenance costs.

Laminated Thermo-Shield

Laminated Thermo-Shield helps keep surface temperatures in the engine compartment below the flash point of diesel fuel.

Complete Customer Support

When you buy a Cat machine, you get Caterpillar's total commitment to customer support.

Caterpillar Dealer

Your Caterpillar Dealer offers a wide range of services that can be set up under a customer support agreement when you purchase your equipment. The dealer will help you choose a plan that can cover everything from machine and attachment selection to replacement, to help you get the best return on your investment.

Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. How long do the components last? What is the cost of the preventive maintenance? What is the true cost of lost production? Your Cat dealer can give you precise answers to these questions.

Purchase

Look past the initial price. Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. This is also the time to look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run.

Operation

Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has training videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity.

Maintenance

More and more equipment buyers are planning for effective maintenance before buying equipment. Choose from your dealer's wide range of maintenance service at the time you purchase your machine. Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling and Technical Analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs.

Replacement

Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the costs involved so you can make the right choice.

Product Support

You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealer utilize a world-wide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. Save money with remanufactured parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products cost savings of 40 to 70 percent.

Operating Specifications

Engine

Weights

Fuel Tank