In March 2010 Caterpillar has released its new Machine Fluids Recommendations SEBU6250-17. This publication has the latest lubricant requirements in it for caterpillar off-highway equipment.

For all engines, used in off-highway equipment, Caterpillar uses the following recommendations:

Non-Road Tier 4 Certified engines
Preferred: Cat DEO-ULS
Commercial lubricants: Cat ECF-3/API: CJ-4*

Non-road Pre Tier 4 Certified engines
Preferred: Cat DEO-ULS, Cat DEO
Commercial lubricants: Cat ECF-3/API: CJ-4, Cat ACF-2, Cat ECF-1-a

* If oils meeting the Cat ACF-3 specification and the API: CJ-4 specifications are not available, oils meeting ACEA E9 may be used.

Caterpillar ECF (Engine Crankcase Fluids) definitions:

Cat performance requirement: Cat ECF-3 ->
Cat ECF specifications requirement: API: CJ-4 oil Category performance requirements. Oils that meet the API: CJ-4 oil category requirements are Cat ECF-3 specification compliant.

Cat performance requirement: Cat ECF-2 ->
Cat ECF specifications requirement: API: CI-4/CI-4 PLUS oil category performance requirements. Passing standard Cat C13 engine test per API requirements. Oils of sulfated ash > 1.50% are not allowed

Cat performance requirement: Cat ECF-1-a ->
Cat ECF specifications requirement: API: CH-4 oil category requirements. For oils that are between 1.30% and 1.50% sulfated ash, passing one additional Cat 1P SCOTE test (“ASTM D6681”) is required. Oils of sulfated ash > 1.50% are not allowed

Cat performance requirement: Cat ECF-1 (obsolete) ->
Cat ECF specifications requirement: Obsolete. The Caterpillar ACF-1-a and Cat ECF-2 specifications replaced this specification as of 1 March 2007. ECF-1 combined the qualifications outlined in API: CH-4 and CI-4 performance categories with additional requirements for optimum performance and durability of Caterpillar engines.