Operating Tips and Points of Interest

for Cat® 700 Family Articulated Trucks

Make it your goal to be one of the best Cat operators in the business.

®
 INDEX
Page Description
1 Cover
2 Index
3 Introduction
4 Safety
5 Product
6 Operator Tips
7 Start-Up Procedure
9 Engine Shut Down Procedure
10 Dash Mounted Control Switches
12 Electronic Monitoring System
18 Engine Over-Speed Protection
19 Differential Lock Operation
25 Actual Gear Indicator (AGI)
26 Retardation Systems
28 Transmission Hold
29 High Gear Selection
30 Secondary Steering System
31 Body Hoist
32 Tailgates
2
 INTRODUCTION
This booklet is to be used as a basic guideline to maximizing machine
operating technique and is meant to be used in conjunction with the
Caterpillar Operation and Maintenance Manual. Take the time to read
through the O&MM for detailed operating instructions and pay particular
attention to the safety and operating sections as well as the
maintenance information.

3
 SAFETY
OBSERVE BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Always use three points of contact when
mounting or dismounting machines
Be alert! Be aware! Be careful!

Read the Off-Highway Dump Truck Safety Manual

Identify text and locations of warning signs

and labels on the machine
4
 PRODUCT

725 – 26 ton/23.6 tonnes 730 – 31 ton/28.1 tonnes

735 – 36 ton/32.7 tonnes 730 Ejector – 31 ton/28.1 tonnes

740 Ejector – 42 ton/38 tonnes 740 – 43.5 tons/39.5 tonnes 5

 OPERATOR TIPS
Daily Inspection of the Machine

Individual operators should take a few minutes to inspect the machine

before every shift:
• Inspect the following for leaks or damage: axles, transmission, engine,
hydraulic tank, fuel tank, hoses, tubes, plugs, couplings and fittings.
• Inspect tires for damage and correct inflation.
• Inspect body for damage.
• Check hydraulic tank oil levels.
• Check engine, coolant and transmission oil levels.
• Inspect cooling system for any leaks or faulty hoses and remove any
debris from the radiator.
• Grease machine if not fitted with an auto-lube at the scheduled time.
6
 START-UP PROCEDURE
725, 730 and 730 Ejector
Step 1. Outside the Cab
Ensure the battery disconnect and the engine shutdown switches are
in the ON position

Location Battery disconnect switch

Ensure the battery
disconnect switch is
switched OFF after use.

Location Engine fuel shut off switch

Step 2. Inside the cab
Ensure the Park Brake is ON (control switch pulled up)
N Ensure the Gearshift is in Neutral (N)
Ensure the Hoist Lever is in the HOLD position
ON Ensure the machine is clear of personnel
before starting engine 7
 START-UP PROCEDURE
735, 740 and 740 Ejector
Step 1. Outside
Ensure the battery disconnect and engine shutdown switches are in the
ON position
Engine fuel shut off switch

Ensure the battery

disconnect switch is
switched OFF after use.
Location Battery disconnect switch

Step 2. Inside the cab

Ensure the Park Brake is ON (control switch pulled up)
N
Ensure the Gearshift is in Neutral (N)
Ensure the Hoist Lever is in the HOLD position
ON Ensure the machine is clear of personnel
before starting engine
8
 ENGINE SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE
It is recommended to park the machine on a level place.
Parking area must be free of personnel and obstacles.
Machine should be left with the body down.
Apply “Service Brakes” by pressing the service brake pedal.
Put the transmission in neutral (N).
Apply the park brake and release the service brakes.
Allow the engine to low idle for five minutes before turning the engine
start switch to the “Off” position and removing the key.
If the machine is not going to be operated for an extended period of time,
turn the battery disconnect to the off position.
Please refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual prior to machine
start up and operation.

9
 DASH MOUNTED CONTROL SWITCHES

Cross-Axle Lock Air Conditioning

Secondary Steering

Fan Speed

Ignition Temperature Control

10
DASH MOUNTED CONTROL SWITCHES

Headlight Rear Work Light

Rear Wiper

Hazard Warning
Cigarette Lighter

11
 ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Gauge Cluster

Engine Coolant Torque Converter

Temperature Tachometer Oil Temperature

Speedometer Actual Gear Indicator

Service Meter

Engine Oil Pressure Fuel Level

12
 ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Alert Indicators
Left Indicator Right Indicator

Secondary
High Beam
Steering

Primary Transmission
Steering Hold
Loss
Transmission Fault Charging System
Filter Warning
Front & Rear
Brake Temp
(735/740 only)
Park Brake Differential Lock
Retarder

Brake Oil
Pressure
Machine Security Body Not In Float Drive Train
System (N/A) Over Speed
Action Lamp 13
 ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Warning Categories
Category 1

Park Brake Charging Differential Hoist

System Lock Control

Fuel Level Retarder Transmission Filter

Hold Warning

In this category the fuel gauge will be in the red zone or the appropriate
alert indicators will illuminate.
This alert indicator identifies the machine system that needs attention.
This warning level Category 1 requires operator awareness
14
 ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Warning Categories
Category 2
Coolant Transmission Oil
Temperature Temperature
Secondary
Steering

Drive Train Action Lamp

Over Speed
(S/N: B1L1-2099: B1M1-2275: Filter Warning
B1N1-1328: B1P1-4218:
B1W1-366: B1R1-465)

In this category one of the gauges will be in the red zone or the appropriate
alert indicators will illuminate and the following conditions will occur:
• The action light will flash
This alert indicator identifies the machine system that needs attention.
This warning level Category 2 requires a change in
machine operation or indicates that maintenance
is required to eliminate the problem 15
 ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Warning Categories
Category 2S

Engine Over Speed Front & Rear Brake Park Brake Action Lamp
(S/N: B1L2100-Up: B1M2276-Up: Temp (735/740 only)
B1N1329-Up: B1P4219-Up:
B1W367-Up: B1R466-Up)

In this category the appropriate alert indicators will illuminate and the
following conditions will occur:
• The action light will flash
• The steady action alarm will sound
This alert indicator identifies the machine system that needs attention.
This warning level Category 2S requires an
immediate change in machine operation

16
 ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Warning Categories
Category 3

Transmission
Fault Engine Oil
Machine Filter Warning Pressure

Primary Brake Oil Charging System Action Lamp

Steering Loss Pressure Status

In this category the engine oil pressure gauge will be in the red zone or
the appropriate alert indicators will illuminate and the following conditions
will occur:
• The action light will flash
• A pulsing action alarm will sound
This alert indicator identifies the machine system that needs attention.
This warning level Category 3 requires an immediate
shutdown of the machine to prevent damage! 17
 ENGINE OVER-SPEED PROTECTION
Action or Alert Indicator Tachometer

Transmission Fault

Warning Indicator

Drive Train Over Speed

If the machine approaches an engine over-speed condition the

transmission will automatically up-shift one gear or drop into torque
converter drive if it is currently in the top gear.
The retarder will momentarily disengage if the transmission makes
a change.
Prevent a potential engine over-speed condition by using the service
brakes to slow the machine.
Travel down a grade in a controlled manner and use the retarder
as required.
18
 DIFFERENTIAL LOCK OPERATION

Traction Control
The traction control system is comprised of a wet clutched inter-axle
differential lock and three wet clutched cross-axle differential locks.
All differential locks can be engaged and disengaged on-the-go for
maximum versatility.
When used together the differential locks provide 100 percent
driveline locking.
Traction Control Modes
Mode #1 – DISENGAGED
Mode #2 – Inter-axle Differential Lock ENGAGED
Mode #3 – Inter-axle Differential Lock & Cross-axle Differential Locks
ENGAGED (100%) 19
 MODE #1 – INTER-AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS DISENGAGED
All machines are in permanent 6-wheel drive for normal operations when
ground conditions are good.
(1)
All differential locks are in the disengaged mode
Switch (1) must not be pressed down
Indicator (2) will not be illuminated (2)
NOTE: If traction is lost wheel spin may occur

Inter-axle
Differential
Lock

The inter-axle differential lock is disengaged and the

cross-axle differential locks are disengaged

20
 INTER-AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK

Located in the output transfer gear the inter-axle differential divides

the torque between the front and rear drives with “lock-up” capability.
Use the inter-axle differential lock to provide improved traction when
climbing steep grades or when negotiating poor underfoot conditions.
Lock up is engaged and disengaged “on the go” with instant response
at the press of the switch located at the footrest for ease of operation.
Use the inter-axle differential lock only in conditions where wheel spin has,
or will be encountered. If wheel spin has already developed, release pressure
from the accelerator pedal and allow the engine speed to fall sufficiently
to stop wheel spin before engaging the inter-axle differential lock.
Failure to follow this procedure can result in machine damage. 21
 MODE #2 –
INTER-AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS – ENGAGED
When operating in soft underfoot conditions the operator can get
additional traction by engaging the inter-axle differential lock.
(1)
The panel switch (1) must be in the DISENGAGED (down) position
The foot switch (2) must be pressed and held down
(2)
The alert indicator (3) is illuminated
Disengage the differential lock by releasing the
foot switch, when ground conditions improve.

(3)

Inter-axle
Differential
Lock

The inter-axle differential lock is engaged and the

cross-axle differential locks are disengaged
22
 CROSS-AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS

The axle differential divides the torque between the left and right final drives and is equipped
with “lock-up” capability in all three axles.
Use the cross axle differential lock to equalize the torque distribution delivered to each final
drive for unmatched traction with 100% lock up when working in the worst conditions.
Make a pre-selection with the switch mounted on the dash. Lock up is engaged and
disengaged “on the go” with instant response at the press of the switch located at the
footrest for ease of operation. Use the cross-axle differential lock only in conditions where
wheel spin has, or will be encountered. If wheel spin has already developed, release pressure
from the accelerator pedal and allow the engine speed to fall sufficiently to stop wheel spin
before engaging the cross-axle differential lock.
Failure to follow this procedure can result in machine damage.
Keep steering maneuvers to a minimum when the cross-axle differential lock is engaged.
Steering maneuvers with the cross-axle differential lock engaged can result in machine damage.
The cross-axle differential locks will automatically disengage above 10 km/h (6 mph) and
re-engage below 10 km/h (6 mph). 23
 MODE #3 – INTER AND CROSS-AXLE
DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS – ENGAGED
When operating in very soft ground conditions, (1)
the engagement of the inter-axle differential lock and
the cross-axle differential locks may be necessary.
The panel switch (1) must be in the ENGAGED position
The foot switch (2) must be pressed and held down (2)
The alert indicator (3) is illuminated
Disengage all differential locks by releasing the
foot switch, when ground conditions improve.

(3)

Inter-axle
Differential

The inter-axle differential lock and the cross-axle

differential locks are engaged for 100% lock-up
24
 ACTUAL GEAR INDICATOR (AGI)

Actual Gear Indicator

Provides a digital display of the gear that is currently engaged.

Use in conjunction with the retarding system to confirm correct gear
when making a transmission pre-selection.
Use to confirm high gear selection when using top gear limit function.
Use to confirm desired gear when using the transmission hold function.
Also displays machine ground speed and direction.

25
 RETARDATION SYSTEMS

Use to slow down while making a descent, approaching a stop area

or prior to any braking requirements.
Always make a transmission pre-selection – 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear
before making a steep descent and confirm pre-selection with the
actual gear indicator.
Never go down a steep hill in drive when retardation is a requirement.
A basic guideline is to engage the same gear going down hill, fully loaded,
as you would use to go up the same or similar hill when empty.
26
 RETARDATION SYSTEMS

Operates only when the switch position is selected for the degree
of retardation and the accelerator pedal is released.

TRANSMISSION HYDRAULIC RETARDER ENGINE COMPRESSION BRAKE

725, 730 & 730 Ejector 735, 740 & 740 Ejector

STAGE 1 – OFF POSITION STAGE 1 – OFF POSITION

STAGE 2 – Low STAGE 2 – Low

STAGE 3 – Medium STAGE 3 – Medium

STAGE 4 – Maximum STAGE 4 – Maximum

27
 TRANSMISSION HOLD

Use this feature to hold the gear currently engaged to prevent constant
transmission shifting or when using the retarder.
Simply press the transmission hold button once to make a selection
when in the required gear.
An alert indicator will illuminate.
Visually check the actual gear indicator for gear selection verification.
Press the button a second time to release.
The transmission will automatically downshift at very low engine rpm
then hold in that particular gear.
28
 HIGH GEAR SELECTION

Use this feature to set the top gear.

With the engine switched off, turn ignition switch to auxiliary
and select drive.
Press the high gear selector button and after five seconds the actual
gear indicator will begin to scroll through the range of gears available.
When the required top gear flashes in the AGI display panel then release
the button to make a choice. Start the engine and begin operation.
Run through the same procedure again to revert back to normal running
or switch off the ignition.
29
 SECONDARY STEERING SYSTEM

If the primary steering system fails the secondary system will

automatically become active.
A warning category 3 will be given by the Monitoring System.
Secondary steering must only be used in order to steer the machine
to a stop.
Secondary steering can be activated, with the ignition switch set at
auxiliary and by pressing the center switch on the dash control module.
Only to be used when recovering a disabled machine in order to clear
the haul road.
30
 BODY HOIST

Make the approach to the tipping area while observing site conditions.
Always park in the straight ahead position and follow banksman’s
directions. Never tip over an unprotected or unsafe edge!
Hoist at maximum RPM until the cylinders are almost fully extended then
lower the RPM accordingly.
Move the machine forward, in a straight ahead position, till the load
clears the body.
Lower the body before moving off by powering down at maximum RPM.
As the body approaches the frame release the hoist control lever to float
the body down onto the frame at low idle.
Always run with the hoist control lever in the float position. 31
 TAILGATES
There are 2 types of tailgate available with Cat ® Articulated Trucks all
of which can contribute to increased volumetric capacity.
Standard ejector tailgate – 740 Ejector & 730 Ejector for load retention
and even material distribution when ejecting.
Optional scissor tailgate – 740, 735, 730 & 725 machines for maximum
load retention especially on steep grades.
The scissor tailgate is a free swinging, top mounted, pivoting design.

Material must be free flowing to

eliminate “hang-up” at the gate!
32
OPERATING TIPS AND POINTS OF INTEREST

33
 CAT, CATERPILLAR, SAFETY.CAT.COM, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the
“Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are
trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

TEJB9237-01
© December 2009
Caterpillar Inc. ®
All Rights Reserved
Printed in U.S.A.