When machines are in operation, problems and malfunctions are inevitable. When you can’t fix them yourself, there are usually a few common ways operators seek help:

1. Call the nearest mechanic.

2. Ask another operator who’s dealt with similar issues.

3. Turn to an experienced repair shop.

4. Contact a dealer’s service technician.

5. Post online — for example, in the Iron Armor (Tiejia) forum.

A Piece of Advice

Here’s a reliable suggestion for all operators:
You should establish and maintain a good relationship with a trusted mechanic or repair shop in advance. When a problem occurs, you’ll have someone dependable to discuss it with.

This is especially important when it comes to major failures or electrical control (E-control) system issues. If you only start looking for help when the machine breaks down, you’re already in trouble. Nobody will truly help you at that point — they’ll only see an opportunity to charge you as much as possible. And the next time something breaks, you won’t even know who to call.

Without a stable service relationship, most technicians won’t bother fixing your machine thoroughly. They might notice other issues but won’t tell you, since they don’t expect to see you again.
The result? Your machine keeps breaking — something fails today, something else fails tomorrow. You end up spending a fortune on parts and repair costs, yet the real cause remains unsolved.

So don’t put your hopes in finding free answers online. That’s unreliable. After reading a dozen different “solutions,” you won’t even know which one to follow.

The only effective prevention is to build a dependable repair channel ahead of time. Keep in touch with them regularly — even when your machine is fine — so that when trouble comes, you have someone ready to help.

Trust me, relying on the internet is not dependable. Over the past ten years, I’ve seen countless operators posting their problems, but how many actually got solved?

When I was still working, I genuinely helped many CAT owners, for example by posting detailed photo guides on replacing the timing chain of the 4M40 engine. But now that I’m retired, I’m no longer obliged to work that hard — I left the company, and I have no duty to continue offering free support.

Some operators just want free solutions, but that’s nearly impossible. No one is foolish enough to give away the knowledge and experience they earned through sweat and hard work.
Those who give random “advice” online are often half-trained amateurs — or worse, they share misleading tricks (like suggesting you fill the fuel filter with diesel). And some can’t even clearly describe their own problem!

Practical Advice for Seeking Real Help

Of course, it’s understandable that people “seek help wherever they can” when in trouble. But if you really want to solve your problem, then when you reach out to a maintenance provider, you should:

1. Clearly state your machine model, its production year, and whether it’s new or old.

2. Describe the machine’s symptoms precisely.

3. Explain whether the issue developed gradually or happened suddenly.

4. Tell them if any repairs have already been done.

   • (In fact, it’s often better not to let multiple people “try fixing it” — the more hands that touch it, the messier it gets. This is very common!)

5. Mention your location or region, since environmental temperature can influence machine performance.

Only by providing this information can a technician offer you accurate, reliable advice and effective help.

And once again — you must have already built a good relationship with that technician or repair shop.
If you wait until something breaks down and then “pray for help,” it’s usually too late. Even the Buddha can’t attend to everyone at once — he’ll take care of those he already knows first!

You want to get your machine fixed quickly to earn money — but remember, mechanics need to make a living too.