Cat® S•O•S FAQs

What is Cat SOS Services? 

The Cat SOS Program, offered by WesTrac, combines the simple process of fluid sampling with state-of-the-art analysis and clear reporting via VisionLink. By sending in your fluid samples to WesTrac for testing, you will receive a detailed report assessing your machine’s health to assist in detecting problems before they become serious.

How do I get started?

1. Create an account on VisionLink®.
2. Purchase one or more sampling kits from Parts.Cat.Com (PCC) or order them over the phone on 1300 881 064.
3. Take your sample/s.
4. Send those samples to WesTrac using the pre-paid postage bag inside the sampling kits you previously purchased from PCC.

Within 48 hours of the sample being received by our lab, you'll be able to access your fluid analysis results on VisionLink.

Where can I seek assistance with setting up my VisionLink account? 

Contact our dedicated support team Via email catconnect@westrac.com.au or 08 9377 8866. 

Once I have a VisionLink account, how do I submit my samples?

You can submit your samples using the “register sample” function in VisionLink.

To access the VisionLink user guide please click here.

If you are new to sampling, you need to purchase sample kits from (parts.cat.com) first, or by calling 1300 881 064. Take your sample and send it to the Western Australia or New South Wales Fluid Sampling labs for analysis in the pre-paid bag included with sample kits.   

Will my past data from S•O•S Web be transferred to VisionLink? 

Yes, once you have created a VisionLink account and your assets are linked to your account. All historic samples for the past five years will be available in VisionLink. 

How do I download VisionLink on my phone?

You can download VisionLink on your Apple phone here, and Android here.  

Which browser should I use to access VisionLink?

VisionLink is available as both a web application and app (IOS and Android). For the best possible experience using an Internet browser for VisionLink, we recommend Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. You can still access the interface using Microsoft Internet Explorer V10 or higher, or Microsoft Edge, but we do not recommend it.

What can I do with Cat S•O•S in VisionLink?

After you've registered via VisionLink and logged in, you'll have access to the following features:

• Data Analysis - Analyse your fluid data results to discover trends
• Sample Reports - Retrieve fluid sample reports  
• Dashboard Notifications - Quickly identify items requiring immediate attention
• Print Labels - Print fluid sample labels
• Management Reports - Produce reports for management
• Action Recording - Record actions and repairs
• View History - Access equipment/component history
• Manage Assets - You can add, delete and edit assets
• Manage Users - You can add, delete and edit users 

Is fluid sampling included in my FitFleet® Customer Value Agreement (CVA)?

Fluid health advice for preventative maintenance is included as part FitFleet Plus, Premium and Ultimate CVAs. To find out more, click here or contact the S•O•S Team here.

Are WesTrac labs ISO 9001 certified?

Yes, our state-of-the-art in-house laboratory is ISO 9001 certified, NATA accredited and staffed by specially trained technicians, who are all experienced in a wide range of equipment brands.

How fast will I receive test results?

The fluid analysis results are estimated to be available within 48 hours of arrival at the lab. 

What is detected when a test is conducted?

More than 30 characteristics are evaluated from each fluid sample. For example, when we test oil, we'll do four different types of analysis.

• Wear Analysis - monitors wear by detecting, identifying, and assessing the amount of additives and type of wear metal elements in the fluid.
• Oil Cleanliness Analysis - uses a Particle Count test for non-engine oil. It detects both metallic and non-metallic debris generated by wear, as well as outside source contaminates.
• Oil Condition Analysis - determines loss of the oil’s lubricating properties and whether the oil is performing up to specification during the entire oil change period using an infrared analysis instrument.
• Oil Contamination Analysis - determines the presence of external contaminants. Fuel, water, or glycol contamination indicates problems exist that require immediate correction.

How do I access my test results?

You can view and analyse your fluid sample information online using VisionLink. You'll be able to do this anywhere and anytime you have an internet connection. You can update your preferences in VisionLink to have your results emailed and/or sent via SMS.  

Does WesTrac offer assistance or training?

Yes, on request. If you contact our SOS Team here and request assistance or training. We can arrange various forms of assistance:

• Telephone Assistance
• Helpful How-To PDF Documents
• Training course via the WesTrac Institute  

I have a mixed fleet, is that a problem?

We offer fluid sampling for all Caterpillar equipment and other Original Equipment Manufactures (OEMs), supprting the construction, mining, agriculture, and marine industries. 

How many samples does WesTrac test every year?

Across Western Australia and New South Wales, WesTrac processes approximately 500,000 sample tests per year. 

When should I sample my equipment?

We recommend your samples are taken from fluid compartments as per the manufacturer's Operations Maintenance Manual. On highway trucks should be sampled every 25,000 km or at each oil change.