CAT-E374RC/J700/E385RC 4T4702RC Forged Bucket Teeth manufacture and supplier in Quanzhou China
Product Specifications
1. Comprehensive Overview & Identification
The CAT-E374RC 4T4702RC refers to a specific, heavy-duty forged bucket tooth system designed by Caterpillar for their excavators. This part number is part of Caterpillar's proprietary naming system:
CAT: Manufacturer (Caterpillar Inc.)
E374RC: This is the "Tie-Back" style adapter (also called the shank), which is welded onto the bucket itself. It is the base that the tooth locks onto.
4T4702RC: This is the part number for the actual tooth point (the wearable, replaceable tip) that attaches to the E374RC adapter.
RC: The suffix commonly stands for "Rock," indicating that this tooth and adapter system is engineered for severe-duty applications like mining, trenching in rocky terrain, and heavy rock excavation. RC teeth are typically shorter, wider, and made from a tougher, more abrasion-resistant alloy than general-purpose (GP) or earth (ES) teeth to handle high-impact loads and resist breaking.
System Function: This is a two-part system.
The E374RC Adapter is permanently welded to the excavator bucket's lip.
The 4T4702RC Tooth Point is slipped onto the adapter and secured with a mechanical lock (a pin and retainer). The tooth point is the consumable part that takes the direct abrasion and impact; it is designed to be replaced multiple times while the adapter remains on the bucket.
2. Technical Specifications & Design Features
Manufacturing Process: Forged. The teeth are created by heating high-strength alloy steel to a high temperature and forming it under immense pressure in a die. This process aligns the grain structure of the metal, creating a part that is incredibly strong, tough, and resistant to impact and abrasion compared to cast teeth.
Material: High-carbon, high-alloy steel, heat-treated to achieve an optimal balance of hardness (for wear resistance) and toughness (to resist chipping and breaking).
Design:
Short, Wide Profile: The RC design prioritizes strength and durability over penetration. The wider nose spreads impact forces over a larger area, reducing point load and the chance of failure.
Robust Locking System: The tooth is secured by a lock that passes through aligned holes in the tooth and adapter. Caterpillar systems are known for their secure, reliable locking mechanisms that prevent the tooth from coming loose during operation.
Compatibility: This specific tooth system (E374RC adapter with 4T4702RC point) is designed for certain Caterpillar excavator buckets, typically on larger models. It is absolutely critical to verify compatibility with your specific bucket model. Using the wrong tooth can lead to poor performance, rapid wear, and potential damage to the bucket.
3. Applications & Advantages
Primary Application: Extreme, abrasive, and high-impact conditions.
Mining (ore, hard rock)
Heavy rock excavation
quarrying
Trenching in rocky or frozen ground
Advantages:
Superior Strength: The forging process makes these teeth highly resistant to breakage.
Excellent Wear Life: The specialized RC alloy provides extended service life in the most demanding environments, reducing downtime and cost per hour of operation.
Efficient Power Transfer: The secure fit on the adapter ensures that digging force is effectively transferred from the machine to the working face.
Easy Replacement: The system allows for quick change-out of worn points in the field with basic tools (a hammer and punch), minimizing maintenance time.
4. Maintenance, Inspection & Replacement
Inspection:
Regularly check the condition of both the tooth point (4T4702RC) and the adapter (E374RC).
Tooth Point: Look for wear that reduces the point's length by approximately 25-30%. Excessive wear leads to inefficient digging and exposes the adapter to unnecessary abrasion, which is much more expensive to replace.
Adapter: Check for wear at the nose where the tooth fits. If the adapter nose becomes significantly worn or "hooked," it will not hold the new tooth securely, leading to rapid tooth loss and potential damage.
Locking Mechanism: Ensure the lock (pin and retainer) is always secure and intact. A lost lock will result in a lost tooth.
Replacement Procedure:
Tools: Typically requires a sledgehammer, a punch or drift pin, and possibly a new lock kit.
Removal: Drive out the old lock pin from the side using the punch and hammer. Once the pin is removed, the worn tooth point can be driven off the adapter nose.
Installation: Clean the adapter nose of any packed dirt or debris. Slide the new 4T4702RC tooth point onto the adapter. Align the holes.
Securing: Insert the new lock pin through the holes. Many Caterpillar systems use a rubber retainer that fits into a groove on the pin to hold it securely in place. Ensure the lock is fully seated.
Warning: Always follow proper safety procedures during replacement. Wear safety glasses and gloves, and ensure the bucket is securely positioned on the ground.
5. Sourcing & Procurement Options
Genuine Caterpillar (OEM):
Source: Any authorized Caterpillar dealer.
Advantage: Guaranteed to meet all Caterpillar specifications for material, heat treatment, and fit. Full warranty and traceability. Highest quality and performance.
Consideration: This is the most expensive option.
Premium Aftermarket (Will-Fit):
Source: Reputable manufacturers of ground engaging tools (GET) such as Hensley, ESCO, Black Cat Blades, and many others.
Advantage: High-quality products that are often direct equivalents to the CAT specification. They may offer advanced metallurgy or designs (e.g., ESCO's Nemesis style) and are typically more cost-effective than OEM.
Consideration: Must be carefully cross-referenced to ensure perfect compatibility with the E374RC adapter. Quality can vary between brands.
Standard Aftermarket:
Source: Various generic manufacturers.
Advantage: Lowest initial cost.
Consideration: Quality and consistency can be highly variable. Softer steel may wear faster, and poor fit can lead to premature adapter wear or lost teeth. Not recommended for severe-duty RC applications where reliability is critical.
