Whether your equipment runs continuously or sits ready for emergencies, keeping it in service requires a planned approach — not reactive calls when something fails.
“Standby equipment doesn’t announce problems — it reveals them at the worst moment.”
Because standby generators run infrequently, small issues go undetected until the equipment is actually needed. Fluid degradation, battery weakness, minor fuel system problems, worn hoses — none of these are obvious unless a trained technician is regularly laying eyes on the unit. Planned maintenance exists to catch these issues before they become failures.
A Carter Customer Value Agreement (CVA) establishes a structured, ongoing maintenance program for your power systems. Rather than scheduling individual service calls, Carter manages the program — scheduling visits, tracking equipment history, and ensuring nothing is missed.
Regular visits from Carter technicians who systematically inspect engine lubrication, cooling, fuel, air induction, electrical, and generator systems. Each visit closes with a formal written analysis and recommendations — so findings are documented, not just noted verbally.
Verification that systems will perform under load when called upon. Testing is scoped to match your facility's compliance requirements or operational preferences.
All maintenance is performed with genuine Caterpillar parts and fluids. Oil, coolant, and fuel sampling can be included to monitor engine health between visits.
Every inspection produces a formal report with technician findings, photo documentation, part numbers, and written recommendations. Records are maintained per unit and per visit — providing the audit trail that regulated facilities require and that any facility benefits from having.
For prime and continuous power applications — CHPs, marine, industrial — CVAs manage the accelerated service intervals that come with high run hours.
For standby equipment, the value is different. You’re not keeping something running — you’re ensuring it can run. Carter technicians visiting on a planned schedule are the mechanism that makes that possible. They find the incremental issues that an unattended unit won’t announce: hoses beginning to wear, oil degradation, loose connections, battery voltage trending down. CVA customers don’t call Carter when something breaks. They don’t need to.
CVA visit frequency is tailored to the facility type. Healthcare facilities operating under NFPA 110 require inspections every 90 days — Carter schedules and manages this automatically. Standby units in commercial or industrial settings typically follow annual or semi-annual programs. Once a CVA is in place, the schedule runs without customers having to track it.
Preventive maintenance and equipment protection work best when coordinated. Carter can help structure coverage across all three layers.
Included with new CAT equipment. Covers manufacturing defects and major component failures during the initial period. Carter manages warranty claims on your behalf.
CAT's extended protection program that picks up after factory warranty expires. Silver, Gold, and Platinum coverage levels available for standby and prime generator sets — covering components from short block and cylinder head to alternator and controls.
Ongoing planned maintenance that runs parallel to any warranty coverage. ESC covers what breaks; a CVA helps ensure things don’t break. Together they provide complete lifecycle support.
Whether you’re setting up a new service program or reviewing existing coverage, a Carter service specialist can assess your equipment and recommend the right approach.