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Caterpillar Software

Nige

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Jun 22, 2011
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G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
ET in itself is a software package that can be loaded onto a computer, usually a laptop. In addition to the software, hardware, in the form of a Communication Adapter, is required to connect the laptop to the Service Tool connector of a machine.

Officially it is only available from Cat dealers but other purchase options apparently exist.
 

chidog

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wa

Mobiltech

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Sask.
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Self employed Heavy duty mechanic
You will need the communication adapter also which they sell in a nexus version I think.
I have the cat com adapter but also picked up the nexus to do Cummins and other brands.
It works on many different brands.
No yearly subscription.
I have had mine for five years and should probably upgrade soon but it still works great and I can’t see why anyone doing heavy repair work wouldn’t have one.
It does password generation also.
 

Vetech63

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Joined
Aug 10, 2016
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7,885
Location
Oklahoma
You will need the communication adapter also which they sell in a nexus version I think.
I have the cat com adapter but also picked up the nexus to do Cummins and other brands.
It works on many different brands.
No yearly subscription.
I have had mine for five years and should probably upgrade soon but it still works great and I can’t see why anyone doing heavy repair work wouldn’t have one.
It does password generation also.
Out of sheer curiosity..............how much $$$ does that set up run?
 

Mobiltech

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2,052
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Sask.
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Self employed Heavy duty mechanic
I paid 1000 canadian for the toughbook laptop loaded with everything and then another 500 for the nexiq com adapter and cables.
It’s great to be able to program ecm’s and generate passwords.
A couple trips for the dealer pays for it and you’re not at their mercy.
I also look up all my own parts and service on sis.
 

firedozer

Active Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2008
Messages
37
Location
california
When I had Cat ET, the dealer gets you approved for it, and loads it on your laptop.
Quite a few years ago it was around $4500. Then I think about a $1000.00 per year for the subscription.
Every couple of years you had to take your laptop in and they would update it.
Cat protects and takes software pretty seriously. So I would not buy stolen software.
 

Tyler d4c

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Joined
Mar 2, 2016
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2,677
Location
Salix Pa

Here's what I got I have a nexiq for trucks and the cat communication adaptor they sell for equipment. They have had good support for me as I've had a few bumps to work out
 

chidog

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Jun 21, 2021
Messages
1,512
Location
wa
When I had Cat ET, the dealer gets you approved for it, and loads it on your laptop.
Quite a few years ago it was around $4500. Then I think about a $1000.00 per year for the subscription.
Every couple of years you had to take your laptop in and they would update it.
Cat protects and takes software pretty seriously. So I would not buy stolen software.
The whole idea of right to repair should be access to all service information at a reasonable cost.
Even service manuals now are nuts. As a kid I obtained a few varieties of shop manuals.
Could never afford to do that now, unless my parents were both doctors.
Maybe 1K cost once, but if a person that doesn't make $ on it and just wants to learn, that initial 1K expense should not go black on them after the year is up. Updates for latest and greatest yeah, but not to just keep on keeping on with the old stuff.
 

Mike L

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Dec 1, 2010
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Maine
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Self employed field mechanic
OP, if you are a Facebook user look up Ted lord, lalo jm, or pm me and I’ll connect you with another source. They can provide what you need at a reasonable price. Unless you own a fleet of cat equipment, cat won’t sell to you because they’re afraid you may make a dollar and they can’t afford to have that happen.
 

MarshallPowerGen

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
658
Location
NW USA
Occupation
Generator Technician & Equipment Mechanic
You will need the communication adapter also which they sell in a nexus version I think.
I have the cat com adapter but also picked up the nexus to do Cummins and other brands.
It works on many different brands.
No yearly subscription.
I have had mine for five years and should probably upgrade soon but it still works great and I can’t see why anyone doing heavy repair work wouldn’t have one.
It does password generation also.
Not going to lie, you have me pretty damn tempted to dive into one of these setups.
 
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