Based on looking at the website, ServiceManualPro.com appears to be an online vendor specializing in service repair shop manuals, parts books, and Operation & Maintenance manuals for Caterpillar® equipment.
The site emphasizes offering “Genuine OEM Caterpillar manuals” directly from Caterpillar, claiming they are printed on demand to ensure the most up-to-date information.
They provide multiple ways to search for manuals, either by serial number or model, and offer various payment options including mail-in forms, checks, money orders, Chase QuickPay, and even Bitcoin, with discounts for non-credit card payments.
While the site presents itself as a legitimate source for Caterpillar manuals, a deeper dive into its features and policies is necessary to confirm its overall reliability and ethical standing.
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- Website Focus: Sells genuine OEM Caterpillar service, parts, and operation manuals.
- Product Claims: Manuals are new, printed on demand by Caterpillar, and are the exact same literature used by Caterpillar dealer technicians.
- Search Functionality: Offers search by serial number or model.
- Payment Methods: Accepts credit cards, checks, money orders, Chase QuickPay with 3% discount, and Bitcoin with 10% discount.
- Customer Support: Provides contact page, serial number help, and FAQ.
- Policies: Includes privacy policy and return policy links.
- Red Flags: Use of Bitcoin, lack of clear physical address, and absence of strong trust signals like third-party reviews directly linked on the homepage. The mention of Bitcoin, while offering a discount, can sometimes be a red flag for online businesses due to its association with less traceable transactions, though it’s not inherently problematic for legitimate sales. The primary concern is the lack of transparency regarding the business’s physical presence and verifiable customer testimonials.
While ServiceManualPro.com outlines its offerings and processes, a critical review necessitates examining what information is missing that highly trusted e-commerce platforms typically provide.
The emphasis on mail-in orders and discounts for non-credit card payments, combined with the acceptance of Bitcoin, might raise an eyebrow for some consumers accustomed to more streamlined and conventionally secure online transactions.
For those seeking essential maintenance information for heavy machinery, the convenience of digital manuals is often preferred over physical copies, which this site primarily offers.
Here are some best alternatives for acquiring genuine technical manuals and information, focusing on established, reputable sources:
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Caterpillar SIS Service Information System
- Key Features: Official, comprehensive, and up-to-date digital library of Caterpillar service, parts, and maintenance information. Used by Cat dealers worldwide. Includes exploded diagrams, troubleshooting guides, repair procedures, and parts identification.
- Price: Subscription-based, varies based on access level and duration.
- Pros: Direct from the manufacturer, always current, highly detailed, supports all Cat equipment, digital access for convenience.
- Cons: Can be expensive for individual users, requires a subscription, may have a learning curve.
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Official Manufacturer Websites e.g., John Deere, Komatsu
- Key Features: Many equipment manufacturers offer their own service manual portals or direct sales of manuals for their specific machinery. These are the most authoritative sources.
- Price: Varies. some offer free basic manuals, others charge for detailed service manuals.
- Pros: Guaranteed authenticity, direct support from the manufacturer, comprehensive for their specific equipment.
- Cons: Limited to a single brand, may require physical delivery for some manuals.
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- Key Features: A well-established online retailer offering a wide variety of service and repair manuals for automotive, marine, powersports, and heavy equipment. They carry publications from various publishers.
- Price: Varies by manual, generally competitive.
- Pros: Broad selection, user reviews available, secure online transactions, clear shipping policies.
- Cons: Not always OEM directly, can be third-party reproductions though often high quality.
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Amazon Heavy Equipment Manuals
- Key Features: Extensive marketplace for physical and digital manuals. You can find official publications, third-party manuals, and used copies.
- Price: Highly variable, from affordable used copies to new OEM prices.
- Pros: Wide selection, competitive pricing, customer reviews and ratings, reliable shipping, easy returns.
- Cons: Quality can vary depending on the seller, authenticity needs verification for third-party listings.
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- Key Features: A large marketplace for new and used service manuals. You can find rare or out-of-print manuals, often from private sellers.
- Price: Varies widely, from auction bids to fixed-price listings.
- Pros: Good for finding older or obscure manuals, competitive pricing, buyer protection.
- Cons: Quality and condition depend on the seller, authenticity needs careful verification, potential for bidding wars.
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- Key Features: While primarily focused on automotive, Alldata offers comprehensive digital repair information, wiring diagrams, and TSBs Technical Service Bulletins directly from the manufacturers. A good example of a subscription model for technical data.
- Price: Subscription-based, generally reasonable for the depth of information.
- Pros: Extremely detailed, always updated, professional-grade information, widely used by mechanics.
- Cons: Focuses on automotive, not heavy equipment. subscription required. Though not directly for heavy equipment, it’s an excellent example of a trusted, comprehensive digital manual service.
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- Key Features: Offers a vast collection of digital service manuals for immediate download. Covers a wide range of categories including heavy equipment.
- Price: Varies by manual, generally affordable for digital downloads.
- Pros: Instant access, wide selection, often cheaper than physical manuals.
- Cons: Predominantly third-party sellers, quality can vary, ensuring legitimacy requires user discretion.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Servicemanualpro.com Review & First Look
When you land on Servicemanualpro.com, the first thing you notice is its straightforward, no-frills design.
It’s built with a clear purpose: to sell Caterpillar® service manuals.
The site immediately presents a search function, allowing users to look up manuals by serial number or model.
This is a crucial feature for anyone in the heavy equipment world, where precision in identifying the correct manual is paramount.
Initial Impressions and Website Structure
The site’s layout is clean, albeit a bit dated in its aesthetic. Orimarkproperties.com Review
It prioritizes functionality over flashy design, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s easy to navigate.
On the other, it lacks some of the modern trust signals that sophisticated e-commerce sites employ.
You see immediate links to “Home,” “Serial Number Help,” “Contact Us,” “Login,” and “Register,” indicating a standard e-commerce setup.
The core message is clear: they provide “Genuine OEM Caterpillar manuals.” This claim is bold and forms the foundation of their value proposition.
They state these are “brand new manuals from Caterpillar, printed on demand by Caterpillar,” which is a strong assertion of authenticity. Forfeit.solutions Review
Search Functionality and Product Range
The ability to search by both serial number and model is highly practical.
For professional technicians and heavy equipment owners, having the exact manual is non-negotiable.
The site lists an extensive range of Caterpillar equipment categories, from “Backhoe Loader” and “Excavator” to “Engine – Truck” and “Work Tools.” This broad coverage suggests they cater to a wide spectrum of Caterpillar machinery, which is a positive for potential buyers.
Servicemanualpro.com Pricing
Navigating the pricing structure of Servicemanualpro.com requires a bit of digging, as specific prices for manuals aren’t immediately visible without initiating a search.
However, the homepage clearly outlines their accepted payment methods and associated discounts, which is a key part of their pricing strategy. Sostyre.com Review
Payment Methods and Discounts
The site accepts traditional credit card payments, but it heavily incentivizes alternative payment methods.
- Checks, Money Orders, or Chase QuickPay: These methods receive a 3% discount. The site explains this by stating they “pass the credit card fee savings on to you!” This is an interesting approach, as it directly translates their cost savings into a benefit for the customer.
- Bitcoin: Perhaps the most notable and unconventional payment option is Bitcoin, which comes with a significant 10% discount. Instructions for Bitcoin payment are found on their mail-in order form. While Bitcoin offers anonymity and can reduce transaction fees for sellers, its inclusion and the high discount for using it might be viewed differently by various consumers. For some, it might signal forward-thinking. for others, it might raise questions about traditional payment security and traceability.
Mail-in Order Process
A significant aspect of their pricing and payment system revolves around the “mail-in order form.” This indicates that while they have an online presence, they also rely on a more traditional, offline ordering process.
This could appeal to users who prefer not to conduct sensitive financial transactions online or those who simply prefer paper forms.
Servicemanualpro.com Pros & Cons
When evaluating any online service, a balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses is essential.
Servicemanualpro.com has several aspects that might appeal to certain users, but also some areas where it falls short compared to modern e-commerce standards. Kava.io Review
Pros
- Claimed Authenticity: The most significant pro is the claim of offering “Genuine OEM Caterpillar manuals” that are “brand new manuals from Caterpillar, printed on demand by Caterpillar.” If this is consistently true, it provides a crucial source for accurate and up-to-date repair information, which is invaluable for professional mechanics and equipment owners.
- Comprehensive Product Range: The site covers a vast array of Caterpillar equipment types, from small engines to large mining trucks. This makes it a one-stop-shop for many Caterpillar-related manual needs.
- Multiple Search Options: The ability to search by both serial number and model ensures that users can accurately find the specific manual they need, reducing the chance of ordering the wrong item.
- Diverse Payment Methods with Discounts: Offering checks, money orders, Chase QuickPay, and especially Bitcoin with substantial discounts provides flexibility for buyers, particularly those looking to save a few dollars. The 10% Bitcoin discount is particularly appealing to crypto users.
- Clear Policy Links: The presence of links to “Privacy Policy” and “Return Policy” indicates an attempt at transparency regarding customer data and product returns.
Cons
- Lack of Direct Trust Signals: The website lacks common trust signals found on highly reputable e-commerce sites. There are no customer reviews, testimonials, or trust badges e.g., from McAfee Secure, Norton Secured prominently displayed on the homepage. This can make potential customers hesitant, especially when dealing with higher-value purchases or specialized products.
- Outdated Website Design: The aesthetic and user interface feel somewhat dated. While functional, it doesn’t convey the same level of professionalism or sophistication as many modern e-commerce platforms. This can sometimes lead to perceptions of a less robust or less secure operation.
- Reliance on Mail-in Orders: The emphasis on mail-in order forms for certain payment methods suggests a more traditional, slower transaction process. In an age of instant digital downloads and express shipping, this might be seen as inconvenient for many users.
- Bitcoin Payment Concerns: While a pro for some, the significant emphasis on Bitcoin payment can be a con for others. The volatile nature of cryptocurrency and its association with less regulated transactions might deter customers who prefer conventional, highly traceable payment methods.
- Limited “About Us” Information: The site doesn’t prominently feature an “About Us” section with details about the company’s history, mission, or the people behind it. This lack of transparency can hinder trust-building with new customers. A clear physical address or business registration details are also not immediately visible.
Servicemanualpro.com Alternatives
Given the specific niche of heavy equipment manuals, finding direct alternatives that offer the exact same service model as Servicemanualpro.com can be challenging.
However, several reputable sources provide comprehensive service information for heavy machinery, often with more modern and secure transaction methods.
Official Manufacturer Resources
- Caterpillar SIS Service Information System: This is the gold standard for Caterpillar equipment information. It’s the official, subscription-based digital database used by Cat dealers and serious technicians. It offers real-time updates, detailed diagnostics, parts breakdowns, and repair procedures. While an investment, it ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from the source. It’s available through authorized Cat dealers or via online subscription for professionals. For anyone serious about maintaining Cat equipment, this is the premier option.
Established Online Manual Retailers
- Repair Manuals.com: This site has been around for a long time and offers a vast selection of repair manuals for various types of equipment, including heavy machinery. They often carry manuals from different publishers, providing a broader choice. Their platform is generally more robust with clearer customer service and return policies.
- Manuals.co: Another well-known platform offering digital downloads and physical copies of manuals for a wide range of products, including industrial and heavy equipment. They often have user reviews and a more modern interface, which can inspire more confidence.
- Amazon Heavy Equipment Manuals: As a massive marketplace, Amazon hosts numerous sellers offering service manuals for heavy equipment. You can find both official publications and third-party resources. The benefit here is Amazon’s robust buyer protection, customer reviews, and reliable shipping. However, you need to be diligent in verifying the seller and the authenticity of the manual.
Industry-Specific Forums and Communities
- Online Forums e.g., Heavy Equipment Forums: While not a direct buying platform, industry-specific online forums e.g., Heavy Equipment Forums often have sections where members discuss manual sources, share experiences with different vendors, and sometimes even provide leads to hard-to-find manuals. Be cautious of unofficial sources or shared copyrighted material, but these communities can be valuable for guidance.
Professional Dealerships
- Authorized Caterpillar Dealers: Your local authorized Caterpillar dealer is always a reliable source for genuine parts and service information. While they might primarily cater to commercial clients, they can often order specific manuals or provide access to their SIS system for professional use. This ensures you’re getting authenticated information directly from the manufacturer’s network.
When considering alternatives, focus on sites that offer clear customer support, transparent return policies, and ideally, prominent customer reviews or third-party trust certifications.
For critical information like heavy equipment repair, accuracy and authenticity are paramount. Core-controlpilates.com Review
How to Cancel Servicemanualpro.com Subscription
Servicemanualpro.com primarily sells physical manuals rather than offering a subscription service in the traditional sense like a monthly digital access fee. Based on the homepage, there’s no explicit mention of a subscription model for accessing their manuals.
Instead, they sell individual manuals, either printed on demand or as part of a mail-in order.
Understanding Their Service Model
Their business model seems to be based on one-time purchases of physical manuals.
When you buy a manual from them, it’s a direct transaction for that specific item.
Therefore, the concept of “canceling a subscription” doesn’t directly apply. Betterme.org Review
What to Do if You Need to Cancel an Order
If you have placed an order with Servicemanualpro.com and wish to cancel it before it has been shipped or processed, you would need to:
- Contact Them Immediately: Your first step should be to reach out to their customer service as quickly as possible. The website provides a “Contact Us” link https://servicemanualpro.com/?page=contact. This is the primary channel for communication.
- Provide Order Details: When contacting them, be sure to provide all relevant order information, such as your order number, the date of purchase, and the specific manuals you ordered. This will help them locate your transaction quickly.
- Review Return Policy: The website also has a “return policy” link https://servicemanualpro.com/?page=returnpolicy. It’s crucial to review this policy. It will outline the conditions under which cancellations or returns are accepted, especially if the order has already been processed or shipped. Typically, custom-printed items or “printed on demand” products might have stricter return policies than stock items.
Key takeaway: Since Servicemanualpro.com operates on an individual product sale model, there’s no ongoing subscription to “cancel.” Any action would involve canceling a specific order before it fulfills or falls under their return policy after receipt.
How to Cancel Servicemanualpro.com Free Trial
Based on the information available on the Servicemanualpro.com homepage, there is no mention of a free trial for any of their services or products. The website’s primary function is to sell “Genuine OEM Caterpillar service repair shop manuals, parts books, and Operation & Maintenance manuals.”
No Indication of Trial Offerings
The site emphasizes direct sales of physical manuals, either through online orders or their mail-in form.
There are no visible prompts, links, or sections discussing trial periods, free access, or temporary subscriptions. Bfywsmpy.com Review
This suggests that their business model does not include offering a free trial.
What to Do If You Encounter a Misleading Offer
If, for any reason, you encountered a third-party advertisement or a different page claiming Servicemanualpro.com offers a free trial, it’s highly advisable to:
- Verify Directly on the Official Site: Always cross-reference any trial claims with the official Servicemanualpro.com website servicemanualpro.com. If it’s not prominently displayed or mentioned there, it’s likely not a legitimate offer from the company.
- Be Wary of Unofficial Links: Exercise caution with links from unofficial sources, as they might lead to phishing sites or scams. Always ensure you are on the authentic domain.
- Contact Servicemanualpro.com: If you’re genuinely confused or believe you’ve signed up for something, use the “Contact Us” link on their official website to inquire directly.
Conclusion: As of the review, Servicemanualpro.com does not appear to offer any free trials for its manuals or services. Customers should assume that any interaction with the site involves a direct purchase.
Servicemanualpro.com vs. Official Caterpillar Resources
When it comes to acquiring service manuals for Caterpillar equipment, the primary choice often boils down to third-party vendors like Servicemanualpro.com versus official Caterpillar resources.
Understanding the distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision. Lomondgolf.com Review
Servicemanualpro.com: The Third-Party Vendor Perspective
Servicemanualpro.com positions itself as a reseller of “Genuine OEM Caterpillar manuals.” Their main selling points are:
- Claimed Authenticity: They explicitly state their manuals are “brand new manuals from Caterpillar, printed on demand by Caterpillar.” This suggests a direct pipeline to the manufacturer’s literature.
- Physical Manuals: Their primary offering appears to be physical copies of manuals, which some users still prefer for hands-on work in a shop environment.
- Payment Flexibility: They offer various payment methods, including discounts for non-credit card payments checks, money orders, Bitcoin.
However, as a third-party site, they face challenges in conveying trust:
- Lack of Direct Trust Signals: No prominent customer reviews, third-party security badges, or detailed “About Us” information.
- Mail-in Order Process: The reliance on mail-in forms for discounts suggests a potentially slower transaction process compared to fully digital solutions.
- No Digital Access: The absence of instant digital downloads is a significant drawback in an era where digital access is often preferred for convenience and speed.
Official Caterpillar Resources: The Manufacturer’s Ecosystem
The gold standard for Caterpillar service information is the official ecosystem provided by Caterpillar itself, primarily through Caterpillar SIS Service Information System and authorized dealerships.
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Caterpillar SIS Service Information System:
- Direct from Source: SIS is the definitive, comprehensive, and up-to-date digital database of all Caterpillar service, parts, and operation information. It’s what Cat dealers and technicians use globally.
- Always Current: Information in SIS is continuously updated, ensuring you have the latest repair procedures, technical service bulletins TSBs, and parts diagrams.
- Interactive and Digital: SIS offers interactive diagrams, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic tools, and wiring schematics. This digital format is highly efficient for modern diagnostics and repairs.
- Professional-Grade: While it can be an investment subscription-based, it’s designed for professionals who need constant, reliable access to every detail.
- Availability: Accessible through authorized Cat dealers or via online subscription for qualified users.
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Authorized Caterpillar Dealers: Adonit.net Review
- Genuine Parts & Manuals: Dealers are the official distributors of genuine Caterpillar parts and can provide physical manuals directly from Caterpillar.
- Expert Support: They offer expert technical support and can assist with complex diagnostic challenges.
- Warranty: Purchases through authorized dealers typically come with the peace of mind of manufacturer warranties and support.
Key Differences and Recommendations
| Feature | Servicemanualpro.com | Official Caterpillar Resources SIS/Dealers |
|---|---|---|
| Authenticity | Claims “Genuine OEM,” printed on demand. | Guaranteed 100% genuine, direct from manufacturer. |
| Format | Primarily physical manuals. | Primarily digital SIS or physical via dealers. |
| Up-to-dateness | Claims “most up to date information available.” | Continuously updated, real-time data in SIS. |
| Access Speed | Requires shipping for physical manuals. | Instant digital access SIS, physical via dealer pickup/ship. |
| Depth of Info | Full service manuals. | SIS offers comprehensive, interactive diagnostics, TSBs, parts. |
| Trust Signals | Lacks prominent third-party reviews/certifications. | High inherent trust due to direct manufacturer affiliation. |
| Pricing Model | Per-manual purchase, discounts for certain payments. | Subscription-based SIS, per-manual purchase dealers. |
| Ease of Use | Simple search. | SIS has a learning curve but is highly detailed. |
Recommendation:
For any critical repair or maintenance of Caterpillar equipment, official Caterpillar resources, especially SIS, are the superior choice. While Servicemanualpro.com claims to provide genuine OEM manuals, the absence of strong, verifiable trust signals and the lack of a modern digital access model make it a less appealing option compared to the direct, authoritative, and continuously updated information found in Caterpillar’s own systems. If Servicemanualpro.com can indeed deliver genuine, current manuals, it could be a viable option for those specifically seeking physical copies and willing to use their preferred payment methods. However, for reliability, comprehensiveness, and peace of mind, sticking with official channels is generally the wisest approach.
FAQ
What is Servicemanualpro.com?
Servicemanualpro.com is an online vendor that sells service repair shop manuals, parts books, and Operation & Maintenance manuals specifically for Caterpillar® equipment.
Does Servicemanualpro.com sell genuine Caterpillar manuals?
Yes, the website explicitly states that they offer “Genuine OEM Caterpillar manuals” and that these are “brand new manuals from Caterpillar, printed on demand by Caterpillar.”
How can I search for a manual on Servicemanualpro.com?
You can search for manuals on Servicemanualpro.com by entering your Caterpillar Machine Serial Number or by selecting your Caterpillar Model from a dropdown menu.
What payment methods does Servicemanualpro.com accept?
Servicemanualpro.com accepts credit cards, checks, money orders, Chase QuickPay, and Bitcoin. Uniclique.info Review
Are there discounts for certain payment methods on Servicemanualpro.com?
Yes, Servicemanualpro.com offers a 3% discount for payments made by check, money order, or Chase QuickPay, and a 10% discount for payments made via Bitcoin.
Does Servicemanualpro.com offer digital downloads of manuals?
Based on the website’s description, Servicemanualpro.com primarily offers physical manuals that are “printed on demand.” There is no explicit mention of instant digital downloads.
Is Servicemanualpro.com a subscription service?
No, Servicemanualpro.com appears to operate on a per-product purchase model, selling individual manuals rather than offering a subscription for access to content.
How do I contact Servicemanualpro.com customer support?
You can contact Servicemanualpro.com via their “Contact Us” page, accessible through a link on their website.
Does Servicemanualpro.com have a return policy?
Yes, Servicemanualpro.com has a “return policy” linked on their homepage, which outlines the terms and conditions for returns. Agashishop.com Review
What is the advantage of using official Caterpillar SIS Service Information System?
Caterpillar SIS Service Information System is the official, comprehensive, and continuously updated digital database of Caterpillar service information, offering real-time data, interactive diagrams, and diagnostic tools directly from the manufacturer.
What are some alternatives to Servicemanualpro.com for buying manuals?
Alternatives include official Caterpillar resources like SIS or authorized dealers, established online manual retailers such as RepairManuals.com, Manuals.co, Amazon, and eBay.
Does Servicemanualpro.com offer free trials?
No, based on the information provided on their homepage, Servicemanualpro.com does not offer any free trials for its manuals or services.
How do I cancel an order on Servicemanualpro.com?
To cancel an order, you should contact Servicemanualpro.com customer support immediately with your order details before the item is processed or shipped. Adminhub.info Review
What types of Caterpillar equipment do they cover?
Servicemanualpro.com covers a wide range of Caterpillar equipment, including Backhoe Loaders, Excavators, Engines, Motor Graders, Skid Steer Loaders, Track Type Tractors Bulldozers, Wheel Loaders, and many more.
Why does Servicemanualpro.com offer discounts for Bitcoin and check payments?
They state they pass the credit card fee savings on to the customer, implying that these alternative payment methods incur lower processing costs for them.
Is purchasing physical manuals better than digital ones?
The preference for physical versus digital manuals depends on the user.
Physical manuals can be convenient in environments without digital access or for those who prefer tangible copies, while digital manuals offer instant access, searchability, and portability.
Does Servicemanualpro.com have an “About Us” page?
While they have policy links, a prominent “About Us” section detailing the company’s background or mission is not immediately visible on their homepage. Surge.sh Review
How current are the manuals sold by Servicemanualpro.com?
They claim to provide “the most up to date information available,” stating that the manuals are “printed on demand by Caterpillar” to ensure currency.
Are there any red flags on Servicemanualpro.com?
Potential red flags include the absence of prominent customer reviews or third-party trust badges on the homepage, and the emphasis on mail-in orders and Bitcoin payments, which some users might find less conventional.
Can I find used manuals on Servicemanualpro.com?
Servicemanualpro.com states they offer “brand new manuals from Caterpillar,” suggesting their focus is exclusively on new, rather than used, manuals.
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