Tag Archives: Cat Financial

Caterpillar gears up for SME and CONEXPO-CON/AGG shows

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Caterpillar has a busy few months lined up on the conference circuit, with major product releases, service options and technologies to be highlighted at the SME MINEXCHANGE 2023 event in Denver, Colorado, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Focusing beyond the iron, the Caterpillar MINEXCHANGE 2023 exhibit will highlight the company’s innovation, technological advancements, and how Caterpillar is solving mining challenges today and innovating for the future. With its “Big Difference” theme, the company will showcase how it positively impacts miners and offers a range of careers within the mining industry at the event, which runs from February 26-March 1.

This includes:

  • Big Innovation – details how Caterpillar commits significant R&D investment to technology and automation that help mining customers succeed and contribute to a better, more sustainable world; and
  • Big Opportunities – covers career opportunities at Caterpillar for creating high-tech solutions.

Inside the Cat exhibit, a Cat D8 simulator will allow conference attendees to experience operating the dozer in a virtual environment. A video wall features the themed “Big” messages that include more details on Caterpillar and its mining solutions, autonomy leadership, a real-world sustainability journey and testimonials from Cat employees. Subject matter experts will be on hand to discuss Caterpillar’s latest technology, autonomy and equipment solutions for the mining industry. In addition, seven Caterpillar subject matter experts have been selected to present eight technical abstracts at MINEXCHANGE covering diversity in the workplace to technology and automation to implementing change management.

In Las Vegas at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 from March 14-18, meanwhile, Caterpillar will highlight its latest products, services and technologies while paying tribute to those who build the world’s infrastructure in what is its largest exhibit to date at the event.

The company’s 6,500 sq.m outdoor demonstration arena will anchor the massive display known as Operator Stadium (visualisation pictured below)

New Caterpillar Technology, Services and Sustainability hubs provide visitors the opportunity to look for ways to increase operating efficiencies and improve machine uptime, while new and current models and battery-electric machine prototypes will be highlighted.

The extensive Cat® equipment display in the Festival Lot is set to include more than 30 machines, including model unveilings and battery-electric model prototypes with charging stations. Visitors will see two main equipment demonstrations each day; one focused on the latest Cat technology, and one that will spotlight the company’s full equipment line up. Additionally, Caterpillar will be providing daily spotlight demonstrations that will take a deep dive into key industry topics including improving fuel efficiency and job site efficiency, the evolution of technology, and convenient, scalable solutions for all customers.

The new Cat 950 medium wheel loader on display offers, Cat says, premium performance and simple-to-use technologies to help boost operator efficiency and increase productivity, while extended service intervals help lower maintenance costs. Visitors will be treated to a preview of the Next Generation Cat 926, 930 and 938 small wheel loaders – slated for production in late 2023 – which feature new technologies designed to make work easier, a reimagined operator environment and extended service intervals.

Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems Division, meanwhile, will exhibit a wide and rapidly growing portfolio of high-efficiency Cat industrial power solutions. The exhibit includes the unveiling of a new high power internal combustion engine, as well as lithium-ion battery technologies under development. Engines on display, such as the C3.6 IPU, C7.1 and C9.3B, meet EU Stage V, U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards and are compatible with biodiesel up to B20 and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to EN15940. The booth will also showcase Caterpillar’s technical services and market expertise leveraged by the global Cat dealer network to maximise the efficiency and extend the lifecycles of off-highway equipment, including Cat remanufactured and service replacement engines.

Caterpillar says it offers a range of service options that are easy, convenient, flexible and sustainable, and will be featured in the Services Hub at the event. The new Cat Central app is the latest tool for convenient access to genuine Cat parts and support. Another new service-related solution is the new Cat SIS2GO app which, Caterpillar says, takes the guesswork out of maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing Cat equipment. Both apps are available on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

Team members from Cat Financial will also be available to discuss the latest leasing and financing programs.

The Caterpillar Technology Hub will offer attendees the ability to experience a range of new and existing Cat technologies – VisionLink, Cat Command, VisionLink Productivity, Cat Detect, Cat Grade and Cat Payload. Caterpillar SMEs will be on hand to assist each customer in finding a scalable solution designed to fit the business’s needs and budget.

Its centerpiece exhibit, the “Looking Glass” cube, displays and interactively showcases the five key capabilities of the new Cat VisionLink® application – Geofence & Location, Fuel Theft Alerts, Diagnostics, Idle Time/Fuel Burn, and Maintenance. An interactive wall will invite visitors to explore the full suite of VisionLink capabilities for both Cat and non-Cat equipment and non-machine assets.

The hub’s multiple Cat Command stations allow attendees to remotely operate Cat machines located more than 640 km away at the Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center. They are positioned to allow attendees to better experience and learn more about the Command for Dozing, Excavating and Loading technologies.

The Caterpillar Sustainability Hub will spotlight fuel efficiency and alternative power sources; technologies to fit every operation and budget; and parts and service designed to make uptime fast and easy, the company says. Plus, customers will learn about sustainability benefits they can choose today and plan for tomorrow.

Outside the Sustainability Hub, exhibit attendees can view components of Caterpillar’s total site solution for the energy transition, including four battery-electric machine prototypes – the Cat 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader and 906 compact wheel loader – in addition to AC and DC charging solutions. The Caterpillar-designed batteries powering these battery-electric machines are built on lithium-ion Cat technology with a modular design that offers flexible configurations across multiple applications.

Cat to bring new D11 XE dozer, R1700 XE battery-electric LHD to MINExpo

Automation, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Caterpillar is set to unveil the world’s largest, most powerful and efficient electric drive dozer with high drive at the upcoming MINExpo 2021 event in Las Vegas, USA, in September, in an exhibit themed around the concept, “together, we’re mining better”.

Caterpillar’s MINExpo 2021 experience, the company says, celebrates its partnership with mines and the ways it assists customers to mine more efficiently, effectively, safely and sustainably. The 5,124 sq.m exhibit will feature a broad range of product displays, new equipment introductions, previews of what the future holds and remote operating stations.

The exhibit will be grouped under three specific core areas: environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) and sustainability; technology and automation; and equipment lifecycle management solutions.

The headline exhibits come September 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center will, no doubt, be the brand new Cat D11 XE dozer, the new Cat® R1700 XE battery-electric LHD (pictured, top), and new R2900 XE LHD diesel-electric drivetrain. The company also intends to display the recently released Cat 992K wheel loader, new Cat 777G water truck, Cat 794 AC electric drive truck and Cat MD6310 rotary blasthole drill.

“After waiting an extra year, the mining industry is ready to reconnect at MINExpo,” Caterpillar Resource Industries Group President, Denise Johnson, said. “We are excited to show our customers and the industry the advancements Caterpillar has made not only in equipment, technology and services but also in how we are helping customers mine more sustainably.

“While we are eager to exhibit in Las Vegas, we recognise that many of our dealers and customers will not be able to travel to the show. Therefore, we are also creating a digital Caterpillar experience at cat.com/mining, where we will place MINExpo specific content.”

Mining sustainably

Central to Caterpillar’s commitment to mining better together is helping customers meet their ESG goals and build sustainable mine sites of the future. Recognising one size does not fit all, Caterpillar has followed a strategic approach with a long-term vision of discovering, developing and delivering a broad portfolio of products, technologies, services and solutions, it said.

“This portfolio allows Caterpillar to provide a full site approach, which combines offerings with integration expertise to identify and provide the best possible solution for each specific mine,” Cat explained.

Vital to the vision of the all-electric underground mine of the future, the new Cat R1700 XE LHD will feature 100% battery-electric propulsion that generates significantly less heat and noise. It offers a 15t payload, 24,190 kg lift and tilt breakout force, and 18 km/h top speed. To optimise runtime and improve safety, batteries stay on the machine for charging, with the new portable Cat MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger able to charge the unit in as little as 20 minutes.

The new R2900 XE LHD diesel-electric drivetrain to be displayed features a significant reduction in maintenance and repair costs, while minimising emissions. Its redesigned lift arm and components delivers up to a 39% improved lift breakout force over the R2900G, making this model up to 31 tonnes per litre more fuel efficient, Cat claims.

Cat is set to unveil what it says is the world’s largest, most powerful and efficient electric drive dozer with high drive. The new Cat D11 XE dozer will be the most advanced, lowest emission-per-tonne dozer in the industry, built to deliver the lowest cost of bank cubic meters ever.

Exhibited alongside the D11 XE, the new Cat D10 dozer (below) offers up to 4% less fuel consumption than the previous model, up to 3% more productivity with high-horsepower reverse and up to 6% more efficiency with combined load-sensing hydraulics and stator clutch torque divider, according to Cat.

The recently introduced Cat 992 wheel loader to go on show delivers up to a 32% increase in productivity. It reduces maintenance costs by up to 10% and has demonstrated in field testing up to 48% greater payload-per-fuel efficiency in applications where a four-pass match to 90.7 t trucks was achieved versus five passes with the 992K.

Caterpillar says it is committed to helping customers with their energy transitions, and the MINExpo exhibit will include a range of renewable and storable power displays, including the Cat Microgrid system. The Cat 3516 engine, meanwhile, will feature dynamic gas blending (DGB), which allows mines to save fuel and reduce emissions without sacrificing diesel performance.

Driving technology and automation

“Technology and automation are critical components for substantially improving machine uptime availability and productivity,” Marc Cameron, Vice President, Caterpillar Resource Industries, said. “Through Cat MineStar™ Solutions, Caterpillar offers customers scalable technologies to fit the mine’s specific needs. The exhibit’s technology and automation stage will focus on the real value that Caterpillar technology options provide customers.”

MINExpo will be the first opportunity for many attendees to learn more about the recently introduced Cat MineStar Edge. This solution brings visibility to the entire mining operation to show how activities early in the process impact those further down the value chain, according to the company. MineStar Edge makes it possible to measure, manage, analyse and improve the entire mining operation.

Equipped with MineStar Command for hauling, the new Cat 777G water truck provides a glimpse into the future for autonomously lowering dust levels at the mine site while maintaining haul road safety. Featuring the market’s first autonomous water delivery system, the machine integrates truck, tank and sprayer, and knows where and when to water haul roads.

Representing the Caterpillar fleet of autonomous trucks, the displayed Cat 794 AC electric drive (pictured below) will be factory-installed with Cat MineStar Command for hauling. Recently, autonomous trucks using Command for hauling surpassed 3 billion tonnes of material hauled, safely traveling more than 110 million km.

Accurate to the centimetre, the exhibited Cat MD6310 rotary blasthole drill offers technology, efficiency, safety and productivity improvements. Fully integrating Caterpillar’s components and systems, including technology and automation, the drill is capable of up to 42,149 kg of bit load and targets 203-to-311-mm hole diameters.

Exhibiting how technology can improve safety at the mine site, the Cat MineStar Detect Driver Safety System (DSS) display details how the system monitors eye closure and head pose to alert the driver via seat vibration and/or audio alarm the moment fatigue or distraction is identified. DSS has been shown to reduce 97% of the most significant fatigue events, 80% of average fatigue events and 91% of distraction events, Cat says.

Several Cat Command stations and trailers will be on display for attendees to experience effective remote control and semi-autonomous drilling, dozing and underground operations from many kilometres away.

Lifecycle solutions

Highlighting Caterpillar’s rebuild services capability, the rebuilt Cat C175-16 engine, which produces up to 2,550 kW, on display reduces overall owning and operating costs.

Team members will also be available to explain to attendees how MineStar Health maximises equipment availability and reliability by connecting the machine to the office. The service assists with proactive maintenance services and predictive equipment analysis by collecting equipment data, monitoring critical machine parameters, obtaining real-time alerts, analysing operational trends and patterns, predicting failures and receiving repair recommendations, Cat says.

Partnership and expertise

In addition to teams of workers with machine and technology expertise, representatives of Cat Financial and Cat Solutions will be on hand to share information on safety, fleet management and productivity offerings that can be combined into full site solutions.

A ThoroughTec® Simulation training will provide an opportunity to experience the 7495 electric rope shovel. In addition, attendees will be able to experience two next generation machine cabs – one for mining trucks and another for the 6060 hydraulic mining shovel – via actual cabs on display.

Mining equipment finance competition heats up

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Cat Mining Finance, the financing arm of leading mining OEM Caterpillar, says it sees increasing demand for tailored finance solutions from mining companies, with this flexibility often proving decisive when it comes to winning business.

Bob Bennes, Vice President with responsibility for Cat Mining Finance, revealed this when speaking to IM for an upcoming feature on equipment finance, rental and leasing (to be published in April).

Bennes said: “I would say we have seen the demand for tailored finance solutions increase.

“Our mission is to help customers, dealers and Caterpillar succeed through financial services solutions. A lot of mining companies have learned that Cat Financial has a specialised mining finance group which understands the industry and can leverage various offerings to meet customer needs.

“For example, providing corporate finance solutions, new and used equipment financing, project finance facilities in certain instances, extended warranty solutions, and financing to support certified rebuilds.”

He said Cat Mining Finance’s strong integration with the equipment and dealership side of the wider group was also appreciated by mining companies when it came to financing and delivering the equipment they required.

“It is a great advantage that we offer a total solution to customers. We are able to work seamlessly with Caterpillar and the dealers to get a transaction closed. It demonstrates to our customers that we have risk alongside them in their business in support of Caterpillar equipment over the long term,” he said.

“However, it goes even further than equipment and financing. Post close, customer support across the Caterpillar enterprise is critical and helps provide varying levels of maintenance and repair support depending on the mine’s requirements. The financing and support after the sale are important to winning business in the mining industry.”

In terms of where demand for mining equipment financing is coming from, Bennes said the market was “constantly fluctuating”.

“When a new mine is going into production, they’re usually committing to buying an entire fleet, so in some years that’s a bigger portion of the business than other years. The same goes for mining contractors when they win a new bid that requires an updated or expanded fleet.

“Generally, about 15-25% of Cat Mining Equipment sales are related to greenfield/brownfield projects with the remainder being expansions of existing mines as well as replacement business.

“This can vary widely based on commodity prices and the point in the cycle, with greenfield/brownfield projects representing a bigger opportunity during periods of high commodity prices,” Bennes said.

“Rental/lease companies would be in the 1-5% range while contractors can be a higher portion of the market in some countries, such as in Australia and Indonesia.”

Bennes also thinks that mining companies and the investors that back them have become a lot more aware of the benefits of employing a solutions provider like Caterpillar when it comes to keeping mine sites operating to their potential.

“Mining companies and their shareholders are used to making long-term investment decisions that have long payback periods. They understand the value of examining the total cost of ownership over the entire life of the mine including planned M&R and rebuild,” he said.

“Price is important, but losses from unexpected downtime can be costly.”

Bennes concluded: “Caterpillar’s global dealership network is designed to provide premium mine site guidance, service and support throughout a mine’s life.”

Earlier this week, IM published a piece on this subject that gathered the thoughts of Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology’s Director Customer Finance, Björn van den Berg.