Experiences with the overhaul of an excavator's hydraulic pump
In the winter of 2024–2025, Keträlän Murske Oy chose to have the hydraulic pump of their Cat 349D excavator overhauled at the same time as the engine refurbishment. The overhaul resulted in improved machine performance, and the excavator is now reliably back at work feeding the crusher.
Can an excavator be given a new life?
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In 2024, Caterpillar introduced a new certified machine component overhaul – hydraulic pump overhaul – for selected Cat® hydraulic excavators. This proactive solution was developed in response to customer demand for a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new excavator.
The new modular overhaul solution makes it possible to extend machine life with the support of an optional EPP (Extended Protection Plan), while offering a financially attractive alternative to investing in a new machine.
One of the First Hydraulic Pump Overhauls in Europe Carried Out in Finland
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At the turn of the year, one of the first Cat-certified hydraulic overhauls in Europe was carried out at Avesco’s Oulu workshop.
The customer was Keträlän Murske Oy, which decided to have their Cat 349D excavator overhauled after logging 17,450 operating hours.
Keträlän Murske Oy is based in Kärsämäki, Northern Ostrobothnia, and operates a crushing plant in Kemi. The company had already been planning to replace the hydraulic pump, but an unexpected engine failure accelerated the start of the project. The overhaul was carried out comprehensively – both the hydraulic pump and the engine were refurbished simultaneously at Avesco’s Oulu workshop.
At the same time, the company expanded its fleet by acquiring a used Cat 336 from Avesco. With two excavators now in operation, work efficiency has improved even further.
Juha-Pekka Junno, the company’s site manager, says he is very satisfied with the collaboration with Avesco’s Oulu team. According to him, expectations were met, and the machine’s performance improved significantly as a result of the overhaul.
How is an excavator "rebuild" overhaul carried out?
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A certified hydraulic pump rebuild includes the replacement and inspection of critical components to maximize machine performance and extend its service life. As part of the overhaul:
- High-pressure hoses, hydraulic oil filters, and the hydraulic pump coupling are replaced with new parts.
- All low-pressure hoses and hydraulic accumulators are inspected and replaced if necessary.
- The hydraulic system is thoroughly filtered to remove contaminants and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Avesco offers certified hydraulic rebuild overhauls at its facilities in Oulu, Kuopio, Pirkkala, and Kerava.
More Productive Hours with a Cat Certified Rebuild
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Cat® hydraulic pumps and motors are the beating heart of your excavator. Restore your machine’s heart to peak performance with a Cat® Certified Rebuild.
