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What Is the 122-2552 Part
The part marked as CAT 122-2552 is an abrasion-resistant ripper tip designed for the Caterpillar D11 series track-type tractors. These ripper tips are mounted at the end of ripper shanks and are engineered to penetrate compacted earth, rock, and other tough materials encountered in mining and large-scale earthmoving operations. The specific variant referenced is coated with ARM (Abrasion Resistant Material), which significantly extends its wear life in high-impact environments.
Caterpillar D11 and Its Ripping System
The D11 is one of Caterpillar’s largest bulldozers, introduced in the late 1980s and continuously refined through models like the D11N, D11R, and D11T. With an operating weight exceeding 230,000 pounds and a net power output of over 850 horsepower, the D11 is a staple in open-pit mining and heavy construction. Its ripper system is designed to break up hard surfaces before loading or grading, and the ripper tips are critical to this function.
Each D11 ripper shank typically holds a single replaceable tip, which must endure extreme forces and abrasive conditions. The 122-2552 tip, though no longer in regular production, was widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s. It has since been replaced by newer designs with improved metallurgy and geometry, but legacy units still rely on this part.
ARM Coating and Performance Benefits
ARM stands for Abrasion Resistant Material, a proprietary hardfacing technology developed by Caterpillar. This coating is applied to high-wear components like ripper tips, bucket teeth, and cutting edges. The ARM process involves welding a layer of tungsten carbide or similar compound onto the base metal, creating a surface that resists wear up to five times longer than standard steel.
Benefits of ARM-coated ripper tips include:
As of the last known pricing, the 122-2552 ripper tip had a list price of approximately $555. However, because it is no longer a regularly stocked item, it is now considered a made-to-order or legacy part. This means availability is limited, and resale value depends heavily on demand from operators still using older D11 models.
In the U.S., D11 tractors are primarily found in open-pit mining operations, large quarries, and some heavy civil projects. Outside of these sectors, demand for such parts is minimal. For individuals or small contractors who come across unused ripper tips, resale options include:
Unused ripper tips, especially those with ARM coating, are extremely durable and heavy—often weighing over 50 pounds. In non-industrial settings, they’ve been creatively repurposed as:
Conclusion
The CAT 122-2552 ripper tip is a legacy component from Caterpillar’s D11 series, representing a time when mechanical simplicity met brute force in earthmoving. Though no longer mainstream, it remains a testament to the durability and engineering of Caterpillar’s mining equipment. Whether used in the field or as a rugged artifact, it carries the weight—literally and figuratively—of decades of industrial progress.
The part marked as CAT 122-2552 is an abrasion-resistant ripper tip designed for the Caterpillar D11 series track-type tractors. These ripper tips are mounted at the end of ripper shanks and are engineered to penetrate compacted earth, rock, and other tough materials encountered in mining and large-scale earthmoving operations. The specific variant referenced is coated with ARM (Abrasion Resistant Material), which significantly extends its wear life in high-impact environments.
Caterpillar D11 and Its Ripping System
The D11 is one of Caterpillar’s largest bulldozers, introduced in the late 1980s and continuously refined through models like the D11N, D11R, and D11T. With an operating weight exceeding 230,000 pounds and a net power output of over 850 horsepower, the D11 is a staple in open-pit mining and heavy construction. Its ripper system is designed to break up hard surfaces before loading or grading, and the ripper tips are critical to this function.
Each D11 ripper shank typically holds a single replaceable tip, which must endure extreme forces and abrasive conditions. The 122-2552 tip, though no longer in regular production, was widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s. It has since been replaced by newer designs with improved metallurgy and geometry, but legacy units still rely on this part.
ARM Coating and Performance Benefits
ARM stands for Abrasion Resistant Material, a proprietary hardfacing technology developed by Caterpillar. This coating is applied to high-wear components like ripper tips, bucket teeth, and cutting edges. The ARM process involves welding a layer of tungsten carbide or similar compound onto the base metal, creating a surface that resists wear up to five times longer than standard steel.
Benefits of ARM-coated ripper tips include:
- Extended service life in abrasive soils
- Reduced downtime due to fewer replacements
- Lower operating costs over time
- Improved penetration efficiency due to maintained tip geometry
As of the last known pricing, the 122-2552 ripper tip had a list price of approximately $555. However, because it is no longer a regularly stocked item, it is now considered a made-to-order or legacy part. This means availability is limited, and resale value depends heavily on demand from operators still using older D11 models.
In the U.S., D11 tractors are primarily found in open-pit mining operations, large quarries, and some heavy civil projects. Outside of these sectors, demand for such parts is minimal. For individuals or small contractors who come across unused ripper tips, resale options include:
- Heavy equipment salvage yards
- Online auction platforms for industrial parts
- Direct outreach to mining contractors or equipment rebuilders
- Specialty forums and trade shows
Unused ripper tips, especially those with ARM coating, are extremely durable and heavy—often weighing over 50 pounds. In non-industrial settings, they’ve been creatively repurposed as:
- Doorstops in workshops
- Counterweights for custom machinery
- Conversation pieces in mining museums
- Paperweights for those with a sense of humor and strong desks
Conclusion
The CAT 122-2552 ripper tip is a legacy component from Caterpillar’s D11 series, representing a time when mechanical simplicity met brute force in earthmoving. Though no longer mainstream, it remains a testament to the durability and engineering of Caterpillar’s mining equipment. Whether used in the field or as a rugged artifact, it carries the weight—literally and figuratively—of decades of industrial progress.
