Cat has released its new 2021 Cat® 777E haul truck, a machine that, it says, features improvements in power, torque and transmission control to deliver best-in-class productivity, on top of a configurable Eco Mode operation to reduce fuel consumption and drive down cost-per-tonne of material moved.

One of the most popular trucks in its class, the new 777E offers the highest in-class payload of 98.2 t.

It comes fitted with an updated Cat C32 engine that delivers increased horsepower and a 7% improvement in torque to increase hauling performance. Optimised fuel mapping of the engine and adaptive economy mode, meanwhile, determine the most efficient operating point to improve truck fuel economy.

Additionally, operators can select a variable engine derate from 0.5% to 15% in Eco Mode operation to further reduce fuel consumption ‒ and the new automatic engine idle shutdown feature reduces fuel use and wear on engine components, Cat says.

Today’s 777E truck improves productivity by up to 5%, Cat claims.

“The new Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy improves transmission and engine coordination to better utilise available engine power,” the company says. “The result is as much as 7% more torque delivered to the drive wheels for improved hauling performance. The new control system also provides smooth shifting for greater operator comfort.”

The 777E now offers a second gear start when underfoot conditions and grade allow. This feature enables the truck to reach optimum speed more quickly, lowers cycle times and minimises the number of transmission shifts. To save fuel, a new auto neutral idle tool shifts the transmission into a “neutral-like condition” when the truck is idling in drive, Cat explains. The transmission’s speed limit feature allows the machine to run at optimal gear for selected speed.

When working in cold conditions, the new auto-stall feature assists in quickly bringing the transmission to operating temperature at start-up. The effect is less non-productive time and reduced fuel consumed for warm-up, according to Cat.
The 777E also features a new gearshift lever with integrated hoist and park brake controls, which eases operation. The auto hoist feature delivers controlled truck bed descent to prevent body slams and increase component life.

A new touchscreen display features enhanced user interface options, the company says.

“Easy to read, it delivers improved navigation through machine control systems,” Cat says. “The new display allows operators to monitor key machine operating parameters, like tracking payload, as well as upcoming scheduled service intervals.”

Productivity enhancing technology

A host of newly integrated Cat technologies help to improve hauling efficiency and truck longevity on the 777E, Cat says.

The new Truck Production Management System (TPMS) integrates strut pressure sensors and on-board computing and displays truck payload to the loading machine operator. The system helps attain target payload, Cat says.

The Vital Information Management System on board the 777E allows operations to proactively manage machine health and production. Real-time machine performance, operating data and diagnostics are displayed on the in-cab monitor for easy viewing and troubleshooting. Integrated prognostics develop trends from cumulative collected operating data to help increase truck cycle efficiency.

A new “Tonne-Kilometer” feature helps ensure that truck operation falls within the operating range of the tyres. The system monitors payload, speed and ambient temperature to calculate operating conditions, and the operator receives an audible warning when conditions exceed tyre limits.

The updated 777E comes standard with Product Link™ with either cellular or satellite reporting options to meet the needs of the mine. Product Link captures critical machine operating data – location, hours, fuel, etc – and reports it back to the main office through VisionLink®, helping to improve productivity, truck use, safety and maintenance efficiency, Cat says.

Elevated safety

With integrated TPMS, the overload speed limiter works in conjunction with the improved truck payload system to automatically reduce travel speed when the truck is overloaded, according to Cat. Brake actuation is now fully hydraulic and delivers fast response and smooth application.

The new adjustable mirror package for the 777E improves rear visibility for the operator. An optional camera system delivers enhanced visibility for the operator to the machine’s front, rear and sides with the video feed displayed on the in-cab monitor.

Engine crank and machine lockouts disable the engine starter/secondary steering and implements to improve servicing safety, meanwhile. Lockout engagement is conveniently located at ground level and an indicator light display ensures lockout is effectively engaged, Cat says.

The new optional automatic lubrication system provides grease for all lube points on the machine, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The tank fill-point is conveniently located at ground level to improve refilling simplicity and enhance safety, the company added.