Reassembly in the Main Shop
(Left: The re-machined pivot shaft fits perfectly within the new bores on the frame. The pivot shaft carries the weight of the D10N.
The frame comes back to the main shop first. Soon after, the metal panels that form the outer structure of the cab return from the Paint Shop. While one Technician rebuilds the cab, others install components as they arrive from the various specialty shops.
The pivot shaft is reinstalled in the frame first. The engine and transmission are next, followed shortly by the ripper, the final drives, radiator, body panels and hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and hoses.
Once the engine and transmission are in place, the unit starts looking a little like a track-type tractor again. 
A pair of Technicians guide the final drive into position on the left side of the frame as another installs hydraulic hoses to the right of the engine.
Aligning the ripper so it moves easily as hydraulic pressure is applied takes skill and patience.
When the main shop crew installs the undercarriage and the blade, the reassembly process is nearly complete. All that remains are a few tweaks and adjustments to make sure everything is aligned and in spec.
The rebuilt D10N still has tests to pass before it return to the customer. Our Technicians run it through a battery of pressure tests to check the integrity of the power train and the hydraulic system.
When we get all the systems funtioning properly, the D10 goes to our proving grounds. It has to pass several hours of testing, pushing dirt around, climbing and basic earthmoving chores.
When everyone is satisfied, we send the machine back to the steam rack, clean it, paint it and give it a brand new serial number. As far as Cat and Empire are concerned, it is a new D10N.
Machine owners see a shiny new machine with no leaks and some moderately worn track. They also see costs that are hundreds of thousands of dollars less than a new D10R.
Ready for pressure tests, the rebuilt D10N leaves the shop under its own power. It still has to pass pressure tests and field tests.
