Cat® S·O·S Services Program

Scheduled Oil Sampling

Cat® S•O•S℠ Services

The Cat S•O•S Services Program offered by WesTrac is a mutual commitment to protect your fleet’s performance and value. The Program combines the simple process of fluid sampling with state-of-the-art analysis and clear reporting via VisionLink®.

Contact Buy Kits Helpful Links Onboarding Analysis Types Videos FAQs

Fluid sampling lab technician from WesTrac Tomago

Important Notice

Cat S•O•S Web is retiring soon.

Sampling with WesTrac will soon be performed through Caterpillar VisionLink®, a cloud-based software application available as both a web application and app (IOS & Android).

To use the S•O•S Service, a registered VisionLink account is required to maintain access to your oil sampling results.

If you do not have a VisionLink account, please register now.

Once the transition occurs in March, the following functionality will be available in VisionLink:

Register and submit samples
Track samples progress
Download reports and set up notifications

All current reporting via S•O•S Web (including emailed PDF reports) will no longer be available. Set your preference in VisionLink now for notification or scheduled reports to continue to receive your preferred sample reporting.

Sign up or log in to VisionLink to update your settings, manage your fleet, configure your job sites (groups), and notifications.

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Smart Sampling Starts Now

With fluid sampling from WesTrac, you can see what’s happening inside your machine. It helps you find problems early, so your equipment keeps running at its best.

This service works for any brand of equipment or machinery. We support many industries, including mining, construction, power generation, automotive, aviation, transport and rail, industrial, and marine.

Our labs in WA and NSW are ISO 9001 certified, and our WA lab also has NATA 17025 accreditation. With this strong network, you can rely on WesTrac to give you clear, accurate fluid sampling results and helpful advice. A small cost in fluid sampling today can save you a lot of money later.

Manage and analyse your fluid data

VisionLink

VisionLink helps you monitor and manage your fluid analysis data online. Within VisionLink, you can view sample results, submit new samples, track fleet health, log maintenance actions, and download reports.

Shop for kits on Parts.cat.com

Buy Sampling Kits

Want to start sampling now?

The first step involves ordering fluid sampling kits. You can do this online via parts.cat.com. If you are unsure which kit you need or the quantity, call 1300 881 064.

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Conducting over 500,000 fluid tests a year

State-of-the-art Labs

We have invested over $5 million into two state-of-the-art fluid sampling laboratories located at WesTrac Newcastle and WesTrac Perth Customer Service Centre. Both labs are operational everyday and each have more than five expert lab technicians.

Newcastle Lab Perth Lab

Female fluid lab technician working at WesTrac Newcastle

WesTrac's Blog

Hear from an expert

Just as you can tell a lot about a person by analysing a blood sample, you can understand what’s happening inside your machine with fluid sampling. As fluid sampling expert SARNDRA FEAST explains, it is all about identifying potential issues before they become serious and helping to optimise performance.

Read Blog

Avalon Group utilises WesTrac's Fluid Sampling service

WesTrac's Blog

Testimonials

Visit WesTrac’s blog to check out testimonials and articles related to fluid sampling. Hear from WesTrac customers who have been conducting fluid sampling across their fleet for years.

Read Blogs

Lab technician at WesTrac Newcastle doing work

From extraction to recommendations

Our Process

Our process begins with you extracting a sample from your machine and sending it to WesTrac in a prepaid postbag. Once received, the sample is processed by a team of skilled lab technicians. Trained interpreters then review the results alongside historical data to assess the health trends of your machine’s components. You’ll receive a detailed report with expert recommendations via email and/or VisionLink, enabling informed maintenance decisions and minimising unplanned downtime.

Help to get you started

S·O·S Onboarding

Fluid sampling with WesTrac is easy and we’ve provided some helpful information below on how to get started with either paper-based or paperless sampling.

If you have a large fleet and have significant sampling requirements, we recommend one of our support packages (contact us on the form below to find out more).

Alternatively, you can sign up for FitFleet® Customer Value Agreement and select an option which includes fluid sampling. If you’d like more information about the best solution for your business, please submit an enquiry here and we’ll be in touch.

Read More About FitFleet

Paper-Based Sampling

Order your sample kits
Purchase a sampling kit from parts.cat.com or over the phone on 1300 881 064.
Take a sample
Take your sample and record your details on the sample card.
Login to VisionLink (Optional)
This step is only needed if you’re creating a pre-registration record online.
Sign into VisionLink using your Caterpillar Web Security (CWS) login.
If you don’t have a CWS login, follow the sign-up prompts on VisionLink.
Send the sample to WesTrac
Use the pre-paid postage bag included in the sampling kit to send or courier your sample directly to the lab.
Get your quick results
Within 48 hours of your sample being received by our lab, you’ll be able to access your fluid analysis results via VisionLink.
Training is available on how to access and interpret results using VisionLink. Request training using the form below.

Paperless Sampling

Order your sample kits
Purchase a sampling kit from parts.cat.com or over the phone on 1300 881 064.
You’ll notice all sampling bottles come with a QR code.
Note: Part numbers for kits are still the same for paperless. No special part numbers are required.
Take a sample
Take your sample. Record your compartment details on the canister lid.
Choose to complete the next step using VisionLink (3) or Cat Inspect (4).
Login (Using VisionLink) OR
Sign into VisionLink using your Caterpillar Web Security (CWS) login (if you’re a current customer).
Within VisionLink you can access your fluid sampling results.
Within VisionLink, as part of the pre-registration process, you enter the sample bottle QR code number against the component sampled using your keyboard or a device with a scan function to transfer the QR code directly.
Submit your sample.
If you don’t have a CWS login, follow the sign-up prompts on VisionLink to create your account.
Note: There is no need to print the sample card if you have transferred the QR code exactly as it appears on the sample bottle.
Login (Using Cat Inspect)
Login to the Cat Inspect mobile app and create your S•O•S inspection.
Scan your asset/machine’s QR code or enter these details manually into Cat Inspect.
Within Cat Inspect, enter the sample bottle QR code number against the component sampled or use a device with a scan function to transfer the QR code directly.
Submit your sample.
Don’t have access to Cat Inspect? Download the Apple iOS or Android Cat Inspect mobile app and use your CWS login to set up your account.
If you don’t have a CWS login, follow the sign-up prompts on VisionLink to create your account.
Send the sample to WesTrac
Use the pre-paid postage bag included in the sampling kit to send or courier your sample directly to the lab.
Get your quick results
Within 48 hours of your sample being received by our lab, you’ll be able to access your fluid analysis results via VisionLink.
Training is available on how to access and interpret results using VisionLink. Request training using the form below.

Everything you need to know about fluid sampling with WesTrac

WesTrac WA Next Generation Fluid Lab

Our labs conduct a wide range of tests on your fluids

S•O•S Analysis

Our labs deliver high-quality fluid testing services to help monitor and maintain the health of heavy equipment. We analyse various fluids including oil (for wear metals and contaminants like water, fuel, glycol, or dirt), coolant (for condition, contamination, and freeze/boil protection), fuel (for quality and contamination), DEF (for quality), and filters (for wear and contamination). These tests are essential for identifying early signs of equipment wear or failure, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Oil Analysis

Our S•O•S Team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your lubricated systems. This includes your engines, transmissions, hydraulics, final drives, differentials, gear boxes and compressors. The purpose of this analysis is to spot early signs of damaging wear metals. It also identifies contaminants like water, fuel, glycol or dirt that can impact performance. As part of this service, we will check the condition of your oil and provide an overall particle analysis. Technical description:

Particle Quantifier (PQ)

Measures the amount of ferrous metal content in a sample, the higher the PQ index the more contaminated the sample is with ferrous metal. This test can help to detect imminent failures. If gears are chipping in a component, the ferrous metal particles may be too large for any other analysis to detect.

Infrared Spectroscopy (IR)

Measures sulfation, nitration, oxidation, soot and water levels in a sample. These are the by-products of combustion; therefore, this test is essential in monitoring oil degradation and combustion efficiency in order to correct problems and prevent component damage.

Elemental Analysis (ICP) Measures the concentration of wear metals in a sample. Every sample will have an amount of wear metal particles based on component type and machine hours, if this concentration increases beyond what is expected, it indicates that wear has accelerated and there may be a problem with the machine.

Viscosity (V40) or (V100)

Measures internal friction/readiness to flow. All samples have their viscosity measured at 40 degrees Celsius, engine samples receive an additional reading at 100 degrees Celsius which is closer to an engine running temperature. Viscosity may indicate fuel dilution or degradation.

Particle Count (PC)

Measures particles in a sample from 4 – 70 microns, catching large particles missed by elemental analysis. The Particle Count also reports the ISO cleanliness code, easily identifying clean and dirty oils.

Acid/Base Number (TAN/TBN) – Additional Test

TAN is the total amount of acidic compounds present in a hydraulic or transmission oil. TBN is the total amount of alkaline reserve left in engine oils. These results can be used to optimize oil change intervals.

Coolant Analysis

Don’t overlook the condition of coolant. The damage caused by overheating can be costly. Our S•O•S Team will conduct a coolant analysis to determine if your coolant has the right chemical balance for maximum protection and cooling efficiency. As part of this service, we will assess correct usage, condition, adequate freeze/boil protection and contamination. Technical description:

Elemental Analysis (ICP)

Similar to oils this type of analysis is used to detect the presence of corrosion metals and the amount of additive still present in the coolant. Water hardness is also determined using this test.

Ph of coolants changes depending on brand and type however as coolants are a mixture of water, glycol and anti-corrosion additives most are in the range of 7.5 – 10. Conductivity Measures coolant’s ability to transfer an electrical charge. This gives an indication of the dissolved solids in the sample as glycol will suppress conductivity.

Glycol

Glycol solutions provide three major benefits: – They increase the boiling point of the coolant, suppress the freezing point and reduce the ability of the coolant to cause corrosion by suppressing the ionic character of the fluid. Pre-mixed coolants are generally formulated with a 50/50 water/glycol mix although other proportions are used for specific circumstances. Therefore using a coolant with the correct glycol proportion is essential for equipment.

Ion Chromatography (IC)

Determines Nitrate, Nitrite, Chloride and Glycolate levels in coolant sample, these vary dependng on brand and type.

Fuel Analysis

Poor quality fuel can affect how your equipment performs. It can lead to abnormal wear of components, valves, valve guides, piston rings and more — and drive-up maintenance and operating costs. We’ll test your fuel and check for acceptable quality, contamination and appropriate usage. Technical description:

Particle Quantifier (PQ)

Measures the amount of ferrous metal content in a sample, the higher the PQ index the more contaminated the sample is with ferrous metal. This test can detect imminent failures in equipment, if gears are chipping in a component the ferrous metal particles, may be too large for any other analysis to detect.

Elemental Analysis (ICP)

Measures the concentration of wear metals in a sample along with contamination by lubricating oils, additives, dirt, salt water and fuel sulfur.

Measures particles in a sample from 4 – 50 microns, catching large particles missed by elemental analysis. The Particle Count also reports the ISO cleanliness code, easily identifying clean and dirty fuels.

Karl Fischer Water (KF)

Measures water ppm in fuels, caterpillar recommends keeping water content below 500ppm to avoid critical damage to fuel components and to prevent microbe multiplication.

Other