Caterpillar Inc.

Byron D Collis

Eric Wade Cler

Brian C Howson

Eric R O'Brien

Christopher P Cherwin

Yang-Kyoo Chang

Robin M Boroski

Miguel A Palacios

Todd R Okimoto

Marius G Enescu

Kevin L Duel

Jie Lu

Brian Naing

Huapei Wan

Christopher Arnold Junck

Joel P Busker

This disclosure describes, in part, systems and techniques for monitoring linkage joints of machines, such as earth-moving machines, using on-board sensors of the machines to identify linkage joints at risk of galling. The systems and techniques involve gathering sensor data and determining a galling risk score for each linkage joint. The galling risk score may then be used to alert an operator and/or maintenance system to determine when to take remedial action and/or perform maintenance while also avoiding costly downtime from galling failures.

Linkage pin monitoring and galling protection

A device for accessing an elevated entry position on a machine including an operator position includes a platform, which includes a step surface, configured to ascend and descend between a base position and the elevated entry position, wherein the platform remains within an existing envelope of the machine throughout ascent, descent, and storage of the platform, and wherein the ascending and descending proceeds along an axis substantially orthogonal to the step surface. The device may further include a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the machine and the platform.

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Byron D Collis