Peruvian mining is a prime target for mining’s ultraclass trucks. Caterpillar’s 410-ton (372 t) electric drive truck, the Cat 798 AC, has been successfully operating in the Antamina, Toquepala and Cuajone copper mines, and the first unit of a fleet in Cerro Verde has recently joined them. By the end of the year, around 20 Cat 798 AC trucks, with the maximum power in their class (4,150 hp), will be working in Peru, supported by Caterpillar’s local dealer Ferreyros.
More than a decade ago, Ferreyros pioneered the adoption of 400-ton trucks in Peru with the Cat 797F mechanical drive model. It maintains its leadership in the population of 400-ton trucks in the country. Through the Cat 798AC, Ferreyros has integrated a second 400-ton class Cat truck model, an electric-driven choice, into mines, providing them two options tailored to their preferences.
The experience in Peru with the Cat 798 AC now covers nearly two years. “In the following months they will start to work in a fifth copper operation, joining a leading population of more than 130 Cat 400-ton trucks. This model is proving its productivity, power and speed in different Peruvian mines in challenging conditions,” highlighted Fernando Armas Tamayo, Mining Vice President at Ferreyros.
Ferryros says the Cat 798 AC trucks in Peru have been proving the impact of a key factor in mining sites– power. “This model develops the highest power in its class, 4,150 hp, powered by a Cat engine designed for high altitudes (C175 4×4, 20 cylinders) – a feature which is linked to its performance and speed. It is also worth highlighting the speed that the Cat 798 AC reaches uphill loaded.”
“We are getting ready for the next operation of these trucks at around 16,000 ft above sea level. The Cat 798 ACs have been showing remarkable maintenance efficiencies that contribute to the success of mining operations. Our customers have our maximum support for their fleets, both for recently introduced models and for long-standing units,” added Armas.
Ferryros says a major differentiator is Caterpillar’s effort to provide superior control through its braking systems, which provide confident stopping and stable handling. “This monumental model – 8 m high – features full dynamic retarding through a compact radial grid and the proven design of Caterpillar four-corner oil-cooled brakes.”
In 2022, Ferreyros and the Ferreycorp corporation celebrate 100 years of operations in Peru. Ferreyros, a leading company in heavy machinery and specialised services in the Andean country, has been a Caterpillar dealer since 1942, and has more than 4,000 employees nationwide.
