CAT 140G Cable Steps Fitment and Adjustment

[MikePhua]

Overview of the Caterpillar 140G Motor Grader
The Caterpillar 140G is part of the 14-series line of motor graders, produced in the late 20th century. These machines, powered by the CAT 3306 engine, were designed with power shift transmissions and were well suited for grading, roadwork, and large earthmoving tasks. They were built to be robust and to handle heavy use. Among the features of the 140G are cable-controlled selectors (for speed, direction, manual modulation valve), linkage pins, and steps/stairs for cab access that incorporate rubber straps (“rubber steps”) mounted to brackets.
Issue with Cable Steps from CAT 140G vs 140H
Operators have encountered frequent problems with the rubber straps used as steps on grader models like the 140H; they wear out, tear off, or deteriorate from exposure to mud, windrows, and repeated stepping. A recurring question is whether the cable steps (or the step-rubber assemblies) from the 140G series are compatible replacements on the 140H series. The idea is to use more robust step components to reduce maintenance and replacement frequency.
Terminology Related to Cable Steps

• Bracket: The metal component welded or bolted to the frame/cab to which the rubber straps or steps attach.
  
• Rubber Strap / Rubber Step: The flexible tread piece providing grip, attached to the bracket.
  
• Step Height / Standoff: The distance the step extends from the bracket or frame; affects reach and safety when climbing.
  
• Cable Steps: Possibly a misnomer here — in this context “cable steps” refer to the same bracket/rubber strap assemblies in the 140G, not steps using cabling.
  

Comparing Mounting and Fitment
Important differences affect whether 140G steps will fit and function well on a 140H:

• The position of the bracket relative to the cab frame can differ by 5-6 inches depending on which side or side-mount orientation is used. This means a direct swap may result in the step being too close or too far, affecting accessibility.
  
• The shape and alignment of mounting points (holes, studs, welds) may differ. Some operators have found that swapping brackets from one side to the other (for example left to right) changed the reach of the step, effectively moving the tread backward or forward.
  
• The rubber material and strap style may differ between G-series and H-series, affecting durability and grip. Environmental conditions (mud, windrows, road debris) accelerate wear.
  

Practical Field Example
One operator, working in a ditching and windrow environment in Texas, replaced worn rubber straps on a 140H four or five times in a season. Tired of the recurring cost, the operator inspected the 140G step assemblies and noted the brackets mounted further back. By swapping the bracket sets from left to right, he gained ~5-6 inches of step depth, which reduced step wear because the operator’s foot no longer scraped the moldboard or hit dirt. The improved clearance made ingress/egress safer and reduced rubber damage.
Adjustment and Replacement Suggestions
To effectively adapt 140G cable steps to a 140H, or to use improved bracket/rubber step assemblies, consider the following:

• Inspect the bracket geometry: measure distance from frame to step tread, check mounting hole alignment. If off by more than ~½-inch, may require welding or shims.
  
• Use harder rubber compounds or reinforced rubber straps if available, which resist abrasion in mud and debris.
  
• Apply protective coatings to metal brackets to resist rust/corrosion, which otherwise degrades mounting points and reduces bolt life.
  
• Periodically clean off dirt, gravel, and buildup that trap moisture. Moisture accelerates wear on both rubber and bracket welds.
  
• Consider repositioning brackets (swap sides) if it improves step reach or reduces step exposure to hitting the moldboard or terrain.
  

Possible Solutions and Aftermarket Options
If OEM 140G steps do not match perfectly, operators may explore:

• Custom fabrication of brackets that match 140H frame but mimic the depth/shape of 140G steps.
  
• Aftermarket step kits designed for heavier duty rubber or steel-reinforced treads.
  
• Retrofit using metal plate treads instead of rubber, though these may be harsher on boots and noisier.
  

Maintenance Tips

• Set up a routine inspection schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly depending on usage) to check steps/straps for cracks, tears, or fatigue.
  
• Tighten bolts or fasteners to specified torque; loose fasteners allow movement that tears rubber or breaks welds.
  
• Store grader in a covered or dry area when idle to reduce UV and moisture damage to rubber parts.
  
• Replace worn or failing rubber straps before they fully separate — even partial failure allows movement that worsens the wear pattern.
  

Conclusion
While cable step assemblies (rubber straps + brackets) from the CAT 140G have potential to serve as more durable replacements for 140H grader steps, fitment is not plug-and-play in all cases. Differences in bracket position, mounting geometry, and rubber strap style require inspection and sometimes modification. With proper selection, cleaning, protection, and perhaps custom fabrication, operators can significantly increase the service life of cab steps. This small change can reduce recurring maintenance costs and improve safety when entering and exiting the grader.