Linkage Pins and Bearings
Linkage Pins and Bearings
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Cat® Linkage Pins and Bearings

Cat® linkage pins and bearings keep your machine and your work moving, all day, every day. Cat linkage pins and bearings are designed with the machine to strict Caterpillar specifications. That means every joint is a precision fit delivering enhanced productivity and long life and keeping operating costs low.

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Overview

OUTSTANDING STRENGTH AND RESISTANCE TO WEAR
 

Cat linkage pins and bearings are designed for outstanding strength and resistance to wear from abrasive and high-load conditions. Because of their long-lasting performance, you get high productivity at a lower cost.

 

 

 

IMPROVED WEAR RESISTANCE
Cat linkage pins have enhanced strength and fatigue life. They are manufactured with increased heat treat depth for strength in high-load conditions. This high surface hardness leads to improved water resistance to abrasive wear.

PROVEN DESIGN
Cat linkage pins are engineered to match specific machine and application requirements. They are designed together as a system so the linkage pins, bearings, and seals fit within a fraction of a millimeter.

ULTRA-FINE FINISH
The surface of Cat linkage pins makes them highly resistant to abrasive wear. Ultra-fine surface finishes give smoother performance and lower wear rates.

 

 

Linkage Pin Kits

Conveniently repair your excavator’s linkage pin and bearing system with a single part number. Because Cat Linkage Pin Kits include everything you need—pin, sleeve bearings, seals, and hardware—you can be confident you have the right repair parts on-hand.

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Linkage Pins
Linkage Pins

Cat® Linkage Pins And Bearings

 

How do I know when to replace linkage pins?


Watch for excessive movement, visible wear (like grooves or galling), or difficulty maintaining tight tolerances. If the pin joint squeals, grinds, or feels loose during operation, it’s likely time to replace your linkage or bucket pin.

 

 

How often should I grease pins and bushings?

Grease daily or every 8–10 hours of operation to prevent wear. If working in wet or sandy conditions, reapply every 4 hours to protect against contamination and abrasion.

 

 

What causes linkage pins and bushings to wear out quickly?

 Fast wear is usually caused by poor lubrication, dirt or debris buildup, misalignment, or using low-quality or incorrect parts. Regular maintenance and using properly hardened pins and bushings can significantly extend service life.

 

 

Can I reuse old pins and bushings after cleaning or machining?


If the pin is ‘like new’ after cleaning, it can be reused. Otherwise, reuse is not recommended. Even cleaned or machined pins may fall outside manufacturer specs, leading to poor fit, faster wear, and potential damage to your equipment.

 

 

What’s the difference between OEM and aftermarket pins and bushings?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) pins are built to exact specifications for your machine, offering fit, durability, and performance matched to your machine. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper but often lack proper heat treatment and dimensional accuracy, which can lead to premature failure.

 

 

How do I measure a pin or bushing to find the correct replacement?

First, check for a part number stamped on the pin or listed in your equipment manual. If unavailable, use calipers to measure the pin’s diameter and length, and the bushing’s inner and outer dimensions. Always compare with manufacturer specifications before ordering.

 

 

What are the signs that a pin or bushing needs replacement?


Common signs include excessive play, visible damage like grooves or spalling, difficulty maintaining alignment, or unusual noises during movement. These symptoms indicate the bucket pins or bushings are worn and should be replaced.

 

 

Are bucket pins and linkage pins the same thing?

Bucket pins are a type of linkage pin specifically used to connect the bucket to the machine’s arm or linkage system. While all bucket pins are linkage pins, not all linkage pins are used on buckets. They can also be found in other pivot points on the machine. Many types of machines, including excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, backhoe loaders, and dozers have linkage pins.

 

 

 

GALLERY

Cat® Linkage Pins and Bearings

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When it comes to removing and installing a linkage pin, Caterpillar wants you to feel prepared to do it yourself. And this video shows you what you need to know!

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We know how important it is to keep your Cat equipment on the job. Doing your own maintenance can help you reduce downtime and save on total cost of ownership — so we've made some videos to guide you on these essential procedures. Here, we go through how to inspect and grease your linkage pins.

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Linkage Pins and Bearings
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Cylinders and Rods
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Cat Construction Equipment Maintenance: Do It Yourself Articles

Proper maintenance keeps your equipment reliable and job-ready. Check out these articles for hands-on tips to extend the life of your machine.

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Your Equipment. One Smart Hub.

Cat® Central is your one stop solution that takes the guesswork out of equipment ownership. Cat Central provides all the resources and knowledge you need to operate, maintain, and shop for your equipment while helping you engage with your local Cat dealer. *Available in designated countries.

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Warranty
Warranty

An Easy Decision for Peace of Mind

The 12-month Caterpillar Limited Warranty covers resultant damaged Cat parts in the event of an applicable failure.*

*Warranty can vary by model and applications; limitations may apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.

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Man Servicing hose on a mini excavator
Man Servicing hose on a mini excavator

Customer Value Agreement

Keep your Cat machines and engines ready to work with a flexible, hassle-free plan for parts delivery, service, data access and more. CVAs are available for your new, and not-so-new Cat machines and engines.

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Customer Value Agreement (CVA)
Customer Value Agreement (CVA)

Cat Rewards

Get rewarded for the work you do. Join Cat Rewards to earn and redeem rewards when you purchase Cat parts and services.

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Cat employee smiling at camera

Exclusive Savings for Cat® Commercial Account Members 

Get 0% financing for 6, 12, 24 or 36 months on Cat® parts and service. Explore options and take advantage of limited-time offers, exclusively for Cat® Commercial Account members.   

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Cat Commercial Account
Cat Commercial Account

DISCUSS LINKAGE PINS AND BEARINGS WITH YOUR CAT DEALER

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Seals and O-Rings
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Seals and O-Rings

Cat seals are made with materials matched to the fluid types, temperatures and pressures found in Cat machines. They resist deterioration and failure, prevent fluid contamination and maintain sealing force over time for longer, leak-free performance.

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Hardware and Fasteners
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Hardware and Fasteners

Cat fasteners are designed to withstand the stresses of machine applications and hold the line on productivity. Choose from bolts for normal applications, high-strength bolts for demanding applications and a wide selection of washers, nuts, clips, clamps and other hardware.

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CAT FLUIDS
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CAT FLUIDS

Cat Fluids are designed to help your system run cleaner, your machine perform better and your components last longer.

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