Getting the correct parts for your machine can prolong the life of your equipment significantly. Making sure you have all of the right information about your machine is incredibly important when you are buying replacement parts. Here is a list of five things to have when buying parts to help make your purchasing experience easier. 

The machine model number: 

You can find the machine model number on the ID plate. These are typically located on the machine’s frame. If you’re having issues identifying where this is you can go here for a more in depth guide. 

The serial number for your machine:

First locate the serial number plate on your machine (this is typically located on the outer frame as well). Then find the product identification number (PIN). All machines built after 2002 have 17 characters, the last eight characters of the PIN are the serial number. Be aware that if there is a label titled “serial number” this could be your engine serial number, not your machine’s serial number. Your serial number is made up of three alphanumeric characters (the prefix) and ends with five numbers (the sequence ID) to make up the eight character serial number. 

Know what function you’re running when having issues:

This is extremely important to share with your parts consultant. You want to be able to articulate exactly what is the issue so that they can identify what parts you are going to need. 

Multiple pictures:

Pictures of the issue can help you and your parts team solve the problem. You can take an up-close photo of the problem, but make sure that you also take one further away to show how the issue is affecting the entire machine. This will allow the parts consultants to identify the issue easier. 

Utilize parts.cat.com:

Parts.cat.com is an excellent resource to find what parts you need for your specific equipment. If you know the part name or number, you can look it up and order it online. This is an easy way to get your parts as soon as possible. If you are unsure of what specific parts you need you can add your equipment by model or serial number in the top search bar and browse parts that are specific for your machine type.