Caterpillar track tractors.

Standard Number: 1910.267

October 15, 1981

Mr. J. E. Carr
Senior Staff Engineer
Caterpillar Company
100 North East Adams
Peoria, Illinois 61629

Dear Mr. Carr:

This is in response to a telephone conversation between you and a member of my staff Mr. Simms on October 2, 1981, concerning caterpillar track tractors.

It has been brought to our attention by our field staff that the "power shift" model caterpillar track tractors when operating on inclines in excess of 30 degrees above the horizontal plane may become hazardous. It has been alleged that a design deficiency of the oil pumps and the lack of adequate transfer of information to operators contribute to possible lost forward motion and free wheeling. A recent fatality and information received during interviews with individuals familiar with the operation of caterpillar track tractors appears to support the position that it is hazardous to operate caterpillar tractors on steep grades.

This office has been requested to develop a safety alert notice to inform our field staff of the above mentioned alleged dangers involving the use of caterpillar track tractors. Any information you could provide concerning this matter will be appreciated. In the meantime, however, an alert will not be sent to our field staff.

Sincerely,

John K. Barto Chief,
Division of Occupational Safety Programming