Caterpillar crankshaft

The Cat crankshaft is one of the most critical and expensive structural components of an internal combustion engine. It converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into torque. The crankshaft is subject to cyclically varying loads from gas pressure and inertial forces from moving and rotating masses. The engine crankshaft is usually a solid structural element. The shaft is made of forged steel or cast iron. Diesel and turbocharged engines use stronger steel crankshafts. The crank pin is located between the cheeks, called the kneecap. The location of the inflection point depends on the number, location and sequence of operations of the cylinders and the engine stroke. The knee position should ensure engine balance, even ignition, minimal torsional vibration and bending moments. The rotation of the crankshaft in the bracket and the connecting rod in the crankpin is ensured by sliding bearings. The bearings used are split thin-walled bushings made of steel strip coated with an anti-friction layer. The liner is prevented from rotating around the neck by tabs that secure the liner to the support. To prevent axial movement of the crankshaft, thrust plain bearings are used, which are mounted on the middle or end-most main journal. Power is obtained from the rear end (shank) of the crankshaft, which is connected to the flywheel. At the front end (toe) of the crankshaft are seats on which are mounted the camshaft drive gear (sprocket), the auxiliary drive pulley, and in many designs a torsional damper. By design, they are two discs and an elastic material connecting them (rubber, silicone liquid, spring) that absorbs shaft vibrations due to internal friction.

Small list of CAT engine crankshafts you can find online in our store