PR-450 PAVEMENT PROFILER Compressed Air System Caterpillar


Compressed Air System
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The compressed air system engages and disengages the clutch in the power take-off. The air system also powers the air operated tools supplied with the machine to make changing of cutter bits as easy and fast as possible. The system includes an air compressor, a reservoir, a filter-regulator, a lubricator, a hose with a quick disconnect coupling, an air hammer, and a punch that fits the air hammer.

The two-cylinder compressor is mounted on the rear (right side) of the engine and is lubricated by the engine system. Coolant flows from the engine cooling system through a connecting hose, through the compressor head water jacket, and back to the engine. Additional cooling is provided by the air from the engine fan flowing across the external fins on the crankcase.

The compressor is in operation whenever the engine is running and discharges air to the reservoir until the air pressure reaches 90 to 95 psi. A governor and unloader system then lift the compressor inlet valve to prevent any further discharge of air until the pressure falls again.

From the reservoir the air flow passes through a shutoff valve, the filter-regulator and the lubricator to a quick disconnect coupling half or to the power take-off clutch control valve. The shutoff valve makes servicing of the filter-regulator and lubricator possible without dumping all the air from the reservoir. The filter-regulator and lubricator ensure that the air flow is at a set pressure, is clean and water free and carries a small amount of oil vapor to lubricate the air operated tools. The air operated tools are connected to the system by the quick disconnect coupling half.


NOTICE

THE DUST COVER SHOULD BE INSTALLED ON THE COUPLING HALF ANYTIME THE HOSE IS DISCONNECTED. IF THE DUST CAP IS LEFT OFF, DIRT WILL GET INTO THE COUPLING HALF AND WILL BE CARRIED INTO THE AIR HAMMER, EVENTUALLY DAMAGING THE AIR HAMMER MOTOR.