Caterpillar Underground currently offers four LHDs (3.1, 4.8, 6.0 and 8.9 m3 bucket capacities) and three trucks, with capacities of 30, 45 and 55 t. Chris Curfman, President of Caterpillar Global Mining, told analysts and technical editors last week that the capacity of its facilities is to be quadrupled. Besides more of the same, this will mean new models in smaller trucks and LHDs.

There will also be new product lines. These will include drill jumbos, or some other form of trackless machine using rock fracture technologies, utility vehicles, and machines for coal mines. These new product lines are all in the assessment stage at the moment. The company has also been working with other groups to develop a fuel cell LHD. This remains a research project, but the research machine is expected to be operational this year.

Further news of this product line, including the new R1300G Series II LHD will be published in IM over the coming months.