Tag Archives: Product Link Elite

Caterpillar boosts payload and speed with lower-emission R2900 XE LHD

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The first diesel electric underground load-haul-dump (LHD) loader from Caterpillar, the new Cat® R2900 XE LHD, has officially been launched with a goal of meeting the underground mining industry’s needs for bigger payloads, faster loading and reduced emissions.

Built on the platform of Caterpillar’s most popular underground loader, this new LHD – which was previewed at MINExpo 2021 in Las Vegas – features optimised lift arm and component geometry plus load-sensing hydraulics to improve breakout force by 35% over the Cat R2900G, the company claims.

The world’s first R2900 XE has already been delivered to Western Australia-based gold miner Westgold Resources.

The R2900 XE works faster in tough conditions, delivering 52% quicker acceleration and improved machine response over the R2900G. It accelerates from 0-24 km/h in 6.4 seconds and achieves a 7% higher speed on grade, according to Caterpillar. Variable piston pumps deliver higher flow rates for faster hydraulic cylinder cycle times and powerful lift forces. Boasting a higher, 18.5-t payload for faster load times, the new LHD model offers a 3- to 4-pass match to the Cat AD63 truck for greater efficiency. Combined, these features deliver a 20% increase in productivity for the R2900 XE, Caterpillar says.

The loader’s redesigned buckets are available in four sizes with capacities ranging from 7.4 to 9.8 cu.m to match material density needs for a variety of loading, hauling and dumping conditions. Offering an optimised balance between productivity and bucket life, the full range of Cat ground engaging tools (GET) includes Modular Weld-on, Bolt-on Half Arrow and Durilock™ mechanically attached shrouds. To further protect the bucket, a range of heel shrouds, wear plates and bars are available in weld-on or mechanically attached designs.

The Cat C15 engine on board offers a variety of emission reduction and aftertreatment options, including an EU Stage V/US EPA Tier 4 Final configuration and diesel particulate filter. It delivers the power needed – up to 335 kW – with greater than 31% increased fuel efficiency compared with the R2900G. Its lower engine revolutions per minute results in reduced fuel burn, heat, noise, vibration and exhaust emissions, while offering an increase in power and productivity, according to Caterpillar.

High-efficiency electric drive

Drawing from decades of experience, the new R2900 XE LHD features a switch reluctance electric drive system. It is Caterpillar designed, integrated, validated and supported, and its continuously variable speed control delivers improved power and cycle times, Caterpillar says. With no driveline or powertrain shock loads, it offers smoother directional changing and implemented virtual gears for machine controllability. Automatic retarding controls maintain speed on grade. The drive system prevents coasting in neutral and combines with the anti-rollback feature to further increase operating safety.

Its new axle design offers increased component size and, together with the four-gear planetary final drive groups, provides greater strength and longer life. Larger wheel bearings and increased brake sizing further increase final drive life. Flange-mounted rims allow for safer tyre and rim changes. The differentials and final drives are built to withstand the forces of high torque and impact loads, providing high torque multiplication to reduce drivetrain stress. The traction control system, meanwhile, reduces tyre spin in difficult underfoot conditions to improve productivity, increase tyre life and reduce consumable costs.

The operator environment is built on Caterpillar’s R1700 platform, incorporating the latest improvements in productivity, safety and comfort. The cab’s enclosed design provides fresh, pressurised, temperature-controlled air circulation with air conditioning to enhance operator comfort and decrease fatigue. Resiliently mounted to the frame, the ROPS/FOPS structures isolate the operator from vibration for a more comfortable ride. The cab design incorporates two emergency exits, while available rearview and forward- and rear-facing side-view cameras help to improve visibility around the machine to enhance safety for operators and other workers.

Combining selection of direction, virtual gears and steering into a single lever, the standard STIC™ steering and transmission integrated control delivers maximum responsiveness and machine control, Caterpillar says. Low-effort, electric-over-hydraulic joystick controls feature simultaneous lift and tilt functions to optimise operating efficiency, while a two-pedal design with improved spacing and position facilitates more efficient foot control.

Caterpillar adds that the optional ride control improves cycle times and load retention when operating in rough terrain. By engaging/disengaging the ride control system at preset speeds, the system automatically dampens bucket forces and stabilises the machine, reducing fore and aft pitching motion. It incorporates a nitrogen/oil accumulator system in the lift circuit to act as a shock absorber.

Scalable technology solutions

The new R2900 XE ships from the factory equipped ready for Cat MineStar™ solutions, a comprehensive suite of technology offerings. From machine health monitoring to fully automated haul and dump cycles, scalable levels of technologies can be tailored to meet each mine site’s unique needs, Caterpillar says. Standard Product Link™ Elite boosts machine connectivity by enabling the loader to collect and transmit health and condition monitoring information into locally or cloud-hosted applications.

Mine sites can choose between a range of available MineStar technologies, including:

  • Command for underground – enables remote operation of LHD machines, from line-of-sight to full autonomy, allowing operators to be relocated to a safe, comfortable location to improve productivity, efficiency and safety;
  • Detect for underground – uses peer-to-peer proximity detection to reduce the risk of unintended interactions between people and machines by “seeing” in the dark;
  • Fleet for underground – gives real-time access to accurate information such as cycle time, payload, machine position, and other key operational parameters and automatically tracks and records data up and down the value chain; and
  • Health – collects and transmits equipment data necessary for proactive maintenance services and predictive equipment analysis.

New Autodig technology optimises loading by automating crucial parts of the digging cycle, Caterpillar says.

“When combined with Command for underground, Autodig offers a true automated machine, providing high-speed auto tramming and full cycle autonomy,” the company explains. “Featuring an onboard payload weight scale, Cat Payload Management provides material management, cycle count and timing recording, and wireless production detail reporting capabilities. Optional tyre pressure monitoring is fully integrated into the R2900 XE, allowing operators to determine on-the-fly if the tyres are properly inflated.”

With more robust structures, increased powertrain durability, longer lasting components, improved maintenance and extended service intervals, the new R2900 XE can be maintained in less time, helping to lower cost-per-tonne operation, Caterpillar says. The machine’s electric drive reduces the number of moving parts compared with traditional mechanical drive systems. Extended oil change intervals, together with the electric drivetrain, reduces the amount of oils used. Sight gauges visible from ground level simplify fluid level checks, and all filters are positioned vertically to provide spill-free servicing, Caterpillar claims. Electrical connectors are sealed to lock out dust and moisture, while harnesses are covered for protection.

Machine design eliminates castings and reduces weight to increase the life and strength of the frame without sacrificing performance. The frame, powertrain, engine and components are built to be rebuilt using new, remanufactured, or rebuilt parts and components, allowing mines to take advantage of multiple lives of like-new performance to lower operating costs.

New Cat 6040 hydraulic shovel receives added engine configuration, new undercarriage

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , ,

Caterpillar has revamped its 6040 hydraulic mining shovel with an added engine configuration to meet US EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards, new heavy-duty undercarriage, as well as enhanced integration to improve servicing efficiency and parts sourcing.

The new engine configuration includes two Cat C32 engines, offering a total gross power rating of 1,550 kW. The engine package includes maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalysts and does not require diesel exhaust fluid/AdBlue or diesel particulate filters.

The new engine option joins the twin C32 configuration with optimised fuel efficiency settings to meet China Nonroad Stage III emission standards, equivalent to US EPA Tier 2, as well as China Smoke Category III limits. An engine oil extension option, plus new Cat Type 4 filters for both engine configurations, help to further reduce maintenance costs.

Connecting to Cat MineStar™ Solutions’ suite of integrated technology, new Product Link Elite comes standard on the 6040 shovel.

Product Link Elite delivers enhanced communication through a dual data path, allowing data transfer to both the local server and cloud simultaneously. Caterpillar’s next generation of on-board hardware, Product Link Elite features an easily configurable interface and customisable data-push frequency, Cat says. Information transfer from the equipment can be configured via cellular, satellite or mine network connection to meet the mine site’s needs.

The new 6040 shovel delivers increased uptime with its heavy-duty undercarriage, Cat claims. Improved heavy-duty load rollers and idlers now feature duo cone seals, steel-back bronze bearings and fixed axle technology to increase service life and eliminate overheating during travel. Track pad, tensioning and wear updates deliver a higher level of durability and reliability to lower operating costs. Retrofit kits for the heavy-duty rollers are available for field units to improve existing fleet reliability.

Like previous series, the new 6040 shovel can be equipped with backhoe or Cat TriPower™ Face Shovel front end designs. To deliver high machine reliability in harsh mining conditions, the rugged front attachments feature high-strength steel and castings, joined and thermally stressed-relieved, to extend service life and achieve production targets. With its 39.6 t bucket payload, the 6040 shovel offers an optimal four-pass match with the Cat 785 haul truck, five-pass match with Cat 789 and six-pass match with Cat 793 mining trucks, Cat says.

For the first time, the new Cat 6040 hydraulic mining shovel fully integrates the undercarriage, engine module, superstructure main frame, carbody and crawler frames, hydraulic lines and motors, and counterweight into Caterpillar systems to improve servicing efficiency and parts sourcing.

Cat improves efficiency and cost per tonne with 7495 mining shovel upgrades

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , ,

Caterpillar has updated its 7495 and 7495 HF electric rope shovels with the result being an up to 10% increase in operating efficiency.

Drawing from more than a century of rope shovel innovation, the 2021 Cat® 7495 and 7495 HF Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) combine multiple standard feature upgrades to improve machine productivity, while component enhancements, increased frame durability and improved serviceability help reduce cost per tonne of material moved by as much as 15%.

Dan Wyatt, ERS Product Value Stream Manager, said: “Consistently, our customers tell us machine availability and productivity are primary contributors to their operation’s success. From the full adaptive control system for HydraCrowd™ to more innovative technology and data security, the advances made to the 2021 electric rope shovels reflect our commitment to meeting their needs.

“Many of these improvements are compatible with shovels in the field, so customers can realise these gains through upgrades to their existing fleets as well as new machine purchases.”

A new propel gear case for the 7495 and 7495 HF models nearly doubles the life of propel gear cases in some extreme operating conditions, Cat claims. Precise adjustments to gearing geometry and advancements in tooth hardening enhance gear case durability and productivity. The result is lower total cost of ownership of as much as $8/h when the drive system is replaced at one scheduled time.

Additionally, an ecology drain simplifies oil draining and enables kidney-loop flushing, which reduces abrasion-causing contaminants and oil change frequency.

Updates to the 7495 AC electric drive system deliver greater reliability, improved maintenance access, enhanced safety, and expanded high altitude and temperature capabilities, the company says. A liquid-cooled motion regulator cabinet efficiently dissipates heat generated by electrical components and enables operation at -40°C to +50°C and altitudes as high as 5,250 m without derating.

A faster propel transfer switch cuts lag time by 75% to improve productivity, while common motors in multiple applications means fewer parts to stock, improved parts availability and simplified maintenance, Cat says.

A reconfiguration of the crawler carriage allows drive shaft and tumbler replacement from the outboard side without removing the propel transmission. This slashes maintenance time by days while enhancing safety, Cat says. With this design, thrust loads are evenly distributed on large, tapered roller bearings rather than bronze thrust plates, increasing durability to align with 25,000-hour planned rebuilds, even in harsh environments.

Stress from every load passes through the shovel’s swing rack. This is where an enhanced design includes a single-piece rail casting that eliminates vertical segment cracks to increase durability. The rail provides a uniform path for roller movement, preventing rollers from coming loose and creating irregular wear patterns. The upgraded third rail improves access for inspection and retightening, in addition to providing added support to the thrust rail during operation. New swing girder bushings and girder-to-chassis shim designs offer improved access, reducing service time.

“All major rope shovel structures are built with high-strength steel and rugged castings, joined and thermally stress relieved to deliver reliable operation in harsh mining conditions,” Cat says. “Full penetration, profiled and ground welds are made at critical junctures, and MT, UT and X-ray inspections ensure weld quality. Structures are stress-relieved to prevent cracking, and white painted interiors facilitate inspection.”

Both the 7495 and 7495 HF ERS models now offer a full Cat bill of materials, streamlining the parts ordering process and improving parts availability, the company says.

Technology increases efficiency

Both the 7495 and 7495 HF come standard with Product Link Elite™, which transmits critical machine operating data such as utilisation, location and condition via cellular or site internet connection. Added router functionality helps to protect data security. Advanced productivity tools within Product Link Elite enable a cycle segmentation algorithm, and the combined data allows for advanced analysis of productivity, Cat says.

When linked with the available Cat MineStar™ Fleet, real-time machine tracking produces a comprehensive overview of all equipment assets to assist with fleet management and productivity.

Providing real-time feedback to improve loading efficiency, available MineStar Terrain uses guidance technology and an in-cab display to deliver precise dipper position guidance. Optional MineStar Health delivers critical event-based machine condition and operating data, while its advanced diagnostic and analytic tools improve service efficiency, the company says.

The standard Operator Assist – Enhanced Motion Control simplifies machine operation to promote high production while protecting the machine. This system is designed to yield more reliable crowd rope replacement schedules, full design life for hoist ropes, reduced wear on crowd brakes and longer life for hoist gear case components, according to Cat

HydraCrowd

A new adaptive control system (ACS) – a final piece of a multiphase enhancement initiative for HydraCrowd – delivers up to 25% cost savings on the ACS valve, resulting in up to 5% total cost of ownership saving for the entire system, Cat says. Lower initial costs, rebuildable elements and improved accessibility combine to reduce the time required for replacements. The new design also increases reliability without significantly changing the HydraCrowd maintenance schedule, according to Cat.

The new circulation filter employs two smaller, easily accessed filters that do not require roof panel removal for replacement. More affordable than the previous single-filter design, the new configuration also reduces replacement time, Cat says.

A new filter placed at the pump drive transmission improves filtration of the lubrication fluid, helping to extend the life and reliability of the system by reducing contaminants and decreasing wear. The new pump drive transmission filter assists in reducing unplanned maintenance events to decrease downtime.

Cat ups the ante with introduction of AD63 underground truck

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Caterpillar has released a new underground articulated truck that, it says, features increased payload, advanced emissions controls, enhanced comfort and serviceability.

The new Cat® AD63, the largest underground truck in the Caterpillar product line, features a 5% increased payload and more torque for enhanced production capabilities, compared with its predecessor, the AD60. The new AD63 also can be configured to meet the strictest diesel engine emissions regulations – for both regulatory compliance and improved underground air quality, the company says.

Additional new features enhance operator ergonomics, maintenance access and safety, and data collection for machine health monitoring, according to the company.

The new model will be available in late 2020, according to the company.

The AD63 is powered by the Cat C27 diesel engine, which produces 588 kW, meets EU Stage V emission standards and is approved by CANMET for use in underground mines, the mining OEM said. The truck does not require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet these standards, with the emissions control system maintaining the ability to use diesel particulate filters, such as the Cat Wall Flow Filter, to further reduce particulate emissions.

The AD63 powertrain also features a new torque converter gear ratio to increase peak torque and improve gear retention on variable grades, according to Cat. “The optimised transmission shift strategy results in smoother uphill driving and greater operator comfort,” it said. “The new torque converter also increases rimpull when driving away from a stop.”

The AD63 engine package has extended altitude capability – from negative 3,048 m to positive 1,524 m – while the new engine cooling package maintains capabilities at high ambient temperatures. A new design and routing for cooling air, meanwhile, improves serviceability, and the radiator core has serviceable tubes for fast repairs.

In the AD63 cab, the ducted ventilation and air conditioning system gives the truck operator full control with nine adjustable louvres for comfortable cooling and efficient defogging. The HVAC system is powered by a battery electric system so it can be operated when the engine is not running, which pays off in less engine idling and lower operating costs, according to Cat.

The new cab arrangement features a forward-facing trainer seat offering increased space and comfort for the trainer, Cat says. The tilt cab feature gives maintenance personnel the ability to tilt the cab for access to the cab side of the engine for easier and faster access to components. And, outside the cab, a redesigned access ladder and fold-flat handrails enhance safety during maintenance

The new AD63 incorporates Product Link Elite™ as standard equipment to enable data collection and equipment health monitoring. “The system enables sharing data across multiple destinations, reduces gaps in data or lost data due to network issues, and has direct connectivity to Caterpillar and Cat dealers for remote support and services, such as condition monitoring,” the company said.

The AD63 also has external displays showing the weight of the truck contents to the loader operator. “Instant feedback for the loader operator enables more efficient passes and optimum truck loads,” the company said, which added that displays are on both sides of the truck.

In addition to new technology, Caterpillar has added the option of a new lightweight dump body, with 38.3 m³ capacity. The AD63 also maintains commonality with other AD60 bodies.