Cat says its 797F large mining truck is now available in a fuel-efficient configuration that meets US EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards.

Through more than 16,000 hours of successful pilot machine operation and 100,000 hours of production truck operation in Tier 4 configuration, the system has proven its ability to deliver strong performance and greater fuel efficiency compared to the Tier 2 797F in most applications, the company said.

The 797F Tier 4 Final is equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment system featuring selective catalytic reduction, which uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to lower NOx emissions. This Cat emissions platform is proven through more than 20 million operating hours in the field, according to the company.

The 797F aftertreatment system uses less than 11% new content, improving reliability, while the modular aftertreatment system, with readily accessible components designed for serviceability, is aligned with truck preventive maintenance intervals to maintain high availability, Cat said.

The best-selling truck in the 400-ton (363-t) size class, according to Cat, the 797F is powered by a 4,000-hp (2 983-kW) Cat® C175-20 engine, available with optimised fuel maps for customers focused on the lowest fuel burn, Tier 2 equivalent rating, and now Tier 4 Final. It is renowned for delivering class-leading payload and speed-on-grade performance, Cat said, adding that the 797F delivers the same production performance in Tier 2 and Tier 4 Final configurations.

“Beyond offering similar performance, the Tier 4 Final 797F reduces total specific fluid consumption costs (fuel plus DEF) in most applications,” Cat said. “Lower fuel burn results in longer engine life and lower repair costs.”

Field evaluations of the 797F included a wide range of applications in oil sands, deep pit copper, iron ore and coal mines. The trucks exceeded production targets and demonstrated strong engine performance in all applications, including sites with extreme ambient temperatures as well as some with altitudes greater than 16,000 ft (4,877 m), according to Cat.