We've been in the equipment repair business for around 15 yrs. now and have been repairing damaged parts and making new ones from time to time. We're now looking at putting a few small items into production. Just looking to get a few ideas from the different equipment communities as to what everyone would like to see made available. We are currently working on bearing and seal interchanges. Any information on this subject would also be helpful. Thanks.

I'd put engine bearings at the top of the list.
Particularly for the D3400, D4400, D311 and even the D315 and D318 engines
as well as pony motor crank & rod bearings.
Also cylinder liners for the early engines.
Some governor springs are no longer available.
I frequently get asked for sources of complete engine kits for these same engines.

Maybe a more reasonable approach is to have you explain some of the capabilities of your operation.

Bearing (ball & roller) and seal interchanges already exist between most Cat and after market suppliers.

Good point on the capabilities Old Magnet. We're really not equipped to manufacture many engine parts. Our capabilities are geared more toward machine work such as pins, bushings, adjusting links Etc. and anything that can be produced from billet materials.

Some examples of some of the things we have made in the past are: Brackets, shaft, bushings and wheel center for Koehring 6612 front idler (not available oem, aftermarket or used at the time). Hydraulic pump drive for IH 500. Steering clutch adjusting links for IH 500. Hydraulic cylinder pistons and glands. Countless pins and bushings.

Some of our repairs have been: Late 80's Trojan off road truck rear stub axles that break. We weld them back together, remachine for bearings and seals. Bearing bores in final drive housings. Bulid up or sleeve and remachine hydraulic cylinder rod ends. Just to name a few.

We don't get into casting ourselves but I would consider having it done for us if the qty's were right. We are also considering the manufacturing of replacement brake bands. I realize that some are available but there are others that are not. And we are not limiting this to Cat but are looking into all manufacturers. As we all know the supply of aftermarket parts is greatest for Cat but some of the others have been left behind. As far as the bearing/seal interchange goes, I know that most suppliers have their own cross reference information, however many seals and bearings, especially for IH, have no cross reference information readily available, and in many cases no way to get what you need without researching by size and type. Just trying to fill in the gaps.

Thanks for the description:) .......I was naturally thinking more Caterpillar but you are right, there are a lot of orphans out there that don't enjoy the availability of the Cat market.