Hi All,
 A lot of the manuals in the members Technical Library came from old Caterpillar dealer microfiche scans. It seems that some of the manuals were combined when scanned or at least were indexed together for some reason. I’ve just extracted 3 other books from the 4½” bore D315 manual including one I’ve been searching for for ages.. the Servicemen’s Reference Book for Caterpillar Fuel Injection Pump Housings.

 

So I’m going through the other uploaded manuals to see if any other treasures are buried in them but I suspect with 1061 documents and counting that’s going to take a while. So my appeal is if anyone else spots a hidden gem could they email the library team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post on this thread and let me know so I can split the files appropriately and make all the manuals available by the search facility.

Thanks!

Tony

Thanks Dan, this is the problem we have, scanning the hardcover books without destroying them. They’re tightly bound. And to get a flat enough page to scan and get a quality image is problematic. We’re looking at options just now, maybe handheld scanners or the like. The great thing about the microfiche scans is they’re not destructive. The later 3 ring bound manuals are easier plus things like the Service Reporter magazines that can be folded flat for a flatbed scanner. If anyone has any experience or ideas please let us know! I’ve got a 1953 Caterpillar Service tool catalogue that I’m working on for the library, one that was falling apart but complete with all pages that would be a great resource once archived but it takes time. We’ll get there..

Great, thanks, I’ll take a look!

PhilC wrote:

Deebo wrote:

Thanks Dan, this is the problem we have, scanning the hardcover books without destroying them. They’re tightly bound. And to get a flat enough page to scan and get a quality image is problematic. We’re looking at options just now, maybe handheld scanners or the like. The great thing about the microfiche scans is they’re not destructive. The later 3 ring bound manuals are easier plus things like the Service Reporter magazines that can be folded flat for a flatbed scanner. If anyone has any experience or ideas please let us know! I’ve got a 1953 Caterpillar Service tool catalogue that I’m working on for the library, one that was falling apart but complete with all pages that would be a great resource once archived but it takes time. We’ll get there..
 
I have scanned 23 different parts manuals using a Plustek Opticbook pro scanner. It is specifically designed for scanning books as the edge of the scanner is very close to the edge which allows the book to be scanned without losing any information and without breaking the spine. I chose it due to the price. There are much more expensive methods of scanning books such as using a DSLR camera.

The only problem with my scanned books is the file size. They range in size from 70mb (484 pages) up to 845mb (791 pages).

 

Wow, thanks very much,  that looks a great piece of kit. Exactly what I hoped was out there.. now I know what to ask Santa for. Very interesting. The file size is not such an issue for the system we use for the Library and compression without much loss of quality is available. Thanks again!

PhilC wrote:

I have scanned 23 different parts manuals using a Plustek Opticbook pro scanner. It is specifically designed for scanning books as the edge of the scanner is very close to the edge which allows the book to be scanned without losing any information and without breaking the spine. I chose it due to the price. There are much more expensive methods of scanning books such as using a DSLR camera.

The only problem with my scanned books is the file size. They range in size from 70mb (484 pages) up to 845mb (791 pages).
 

Hi Phil,
If any of the books you have scanned are not already in the library, we would be very grateful if you could send them to us
( at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) Deebo is very knowledgeable about compressing pdf files and can advise on the way to do this so you can send them.