Built to advance productive hauling, the new state-of-the-art next generation cab for Cat mining trucks includes numerous automation features to improve operator efficiency. The larger ergonomically optimised cab design incorporates more than 30 new features that Caterpillar says “improve connectivity, build confidence and adapt to future mining needs with an expandable electronics platform.” The optimised next gen cab is being displayed at MINExpo 2021 and is currently available for the Cat 785 mining truck but is scheduled to expand to the 789 and 793 models in 2022.
Integrated Cat electronics boost data analytics and diagnostic capabilities. The reengineered electronics platform improves maintenance for Cat mining trucks through enhanced remote services offerings – Remote Flash and Remote Troubleshoot. By upgrading software and diagnosing machine alerts remotely at a time convenient for the production schedule, Remote Flash and Remote Troubleshoot deliver higher productivity with maximised truck uptime.
Making the operator more comfortable and efficient is at the heart of the next gen cab. The walk-through design with fully adjustable center console, increased legroom, adjustable next gen seat, temperature-controlled HVAC system, and advanced cab filtration option delivers a safer and more comfortable operator environment. Two 254 mm (10 in) ideally located displays eliminate clutter and reduce operator fatigue. The touch screen display integrates several standard and optional Caterpillar technologies with a simple, consistent and intuitive streamlined interface.
“Reducing adjustment time to seconds, the new in-cab powered mirror control delivers convenient left- and right-side rearview mirror adjustments from the operator seat. The deluxe cab is available with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter options to reduce operator exposure to potentially hazardous particles. Delivering more stabilised cabin pressurisation over all HVAC fan speeds, the new design reduces respirable dust penetration up to 96% to keep operators healthier and more productive.”
“Every time we get a new machine at the quarry, we feel that they are getting better. They are getting more sophisticated to help the operator run the machine,” says Mario Amaran, heavy equipment operator for CEMEX Quarry, Miami, Florida. “The panels and controls are within your reach without having to lose your focus on operating the machine. The comfort and the ride, I compare it to my car out on the turnpike. It’s very comfortable, even with our dirt road situations. We bring a lot of dirt to the hopper, and the operators are happy.”
Boosting productivity
From secure push-button start to AutoHoist, the next gen cab is equipped with a host of standard and optional features that improve efficiency and productivity. Eliminating the key and up to 30-second hold sequence for cold starting, the new secure automated starting process enables all pre-start functions and checks to occur at the push of the button. A unique operator ID code authenticates the operator to improve security.
Enhanced Automatic Retarder Control (ARC) sets retarding speed based on grade, payload, and brake oil temperature and demonstrated up to 6% higher retarding speeds in feature validation. Operators can conveniently use the console’s rotary dial to set the maximum speed limit maintained during retarding without further actions to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency. Enhanced Cat Payload System delivers more accurate measurement of payloads with improved application monitoring interface for the technician and operator.
Multiple optional features customise the operator experience and improve efficiency in the next gen cab. AutoHoist automatically raises the truck body and controls the engine speed, simplifying operation and can reduce the dump cycle time by up to 12 seconds. Offering feedback on truck operation to maximize its potential, Speed Coaching provides a recommended speed, indicating the machine capability for both propulsion and retarding. Maintained speed is set and controlled on-the-fly using a rotary dial with a Cruise Control option.
Building operator confidence
Eliminating the need for two-foot hill starts, standard Hill Start with Anti Roll Back keeps the truck stationary through automatic brake application when rolling in the opposite direction of the selected gear. Configurable 2nd Gear Start reduces shifting by automatically determining if the truck can start in second gear. Assessing individual wheel speeds, grade and acceleration, Enhanced Traction Control determines targeted rear-wheel speeds to improve control, while reducing tire wear and damage. Elevating mine safety, Object Detect combines radar and camera systems to warn truck operators of hazards within the immediate vicinity.
Further improving truck control, optional Dynamic Stability Control monitors and modulates the individual wheel brakes to keep the machine tracking with the operator’s steering inputs, while the available anti-lock brake system (ABS) maintains the desired path of travel during braking in slippery conditions. Cat Vision 360, available from the factory, improves the operator’s field of vision by providing a top-down surround view of the truck using the system’s four cameras.