Every component manufactured by Caterpillar forms part of an integrated system designed to work optimally, which in turn depends on a contamination-free environment, areas where Cat filters play such a critical role.

Another quality feature is the heavy gauge can on every Cat filter. The one-piece design ensures greater burst pressures, better performance during cold starts, plus leaks are virtually eliminated.

"Significantly, Cat filters can be relied upon to perform throughout the entire recommended filter change interval, without jeopardizing component life," points out Barloworld Equipment group product specialist, Reuben Phasha. "This can mean fewer oil changes per year, decreased downtime and lower overall operating costs."

He says only Cat filters have these unique design features:

• One-piece molded polyurethane end caps that prevent leaks: On other non-Cat filters, end caps are metal and are glued directly to the filter pleats. This can cause gaps between the metal and the pleats that could allow contaminants to leak between the filter media and the end cap. In contrast, the structural integrity of Cat filters is superior because the filter pleats are actually inserted into the liquid urethane as the end caps are being formed. As the polyurethane hardens an impenetrable bond is formed between the pleats and the end caps. 
• Acrylic beads that prevent pleat bunching, a common problem experienced by non-Cat filters: When pleats bunch, the available filter area drops significantly. As a result, a filter can go into bypass, allowing contaminants to enter the engine or other component systems. However, with Cat's acrylic beads, pleat spacing is rigidly maintained to maximise the surface area throughout the life of the filter. Maximum surface area means maximum filter dirt-holding capacity. 
• A spiral roving design that keeps pleats from ‘moving': Cat filters feature a unique fibreglass spiral roving design that keeps pleats stable and in place, allowing for better filtration. However, with other filter brands, these pleats are able to move or ‘flex'. This can release contaminants into the oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluid and cause premature wear. 
• A fibreglass-reinforced nylon centre tube and one-piece aluminium base plate to further protect components from leaks and ferrous metal contamination: Conventional non-Cat filters have metal centre tubes, which can leave metal contaminants from the manufacturing process inside the filter. If released, these metal fragments could lead to scored bearings and cause damage to other critical system components. Cat non-metallic centre tubes are 30% stronger than typical metal tubes to help prevent collapse during pressure spikes and cold oil start-ups.

"With Cat filters the differences are visible," says Phasha. "And the end goal? To ensure that Cat engine, fuel and power train components are protected as well on the day before an oil change as the day after."