Caterpillar will support MINExpo 2016 in Las Vegas with an exhibit showcasing machines, technology, expertise and practical knowledge that miners can apply to help address their cost, productivity and efficiency challenges in today’s mining environment.
The surface mining section of the Cater-pillar exhibit will showcase two highly auto-mated machines. A Cat 793F CMD autonomous truck will represent the fleets now operating in Australia. Cat Command for hauling is now a commercial success as fleets grow and the benefits of consistent operation and increased availability boost production.
The new MD6420C Rotary Drill is autonomy ready and optionally equipped to leverage the safety and productivity benefits of Cat MineStar™ Terrain. This drill management system optimizes utilization and improves drilling and blasting operations by accurately guiding the operator and improving precision of hole placement and drilling depth. The third-generation drill incorporates proven Cat components throughout for superior reliability and durability.
Additionally, the 794 AC Large Mining Truck will make its first mining show appearance (Figure 1). Featuring the same electric drive power train as the proven Cat 795F AC, the 291 t (320 t) capacity truck delivers class-leading speed on grade, superior four-corner braking and easier maintenance. The truck design focuses on class leading productivity and lower total cost of ownership.
The underground section of the Caterpillar exhibit will demonstrate the company’s commitment to underground mining through its presentation of machines and technology for hard rock and soft rock mining – room and pillar, longwall and hard rock cutting.
The hard rock cutting display features a wholly new underground mining approach, longwall for hard rock mining. The recently announced Rock Straight System is a fully mechanized longwall system designed for continuous mining of flat and tabular deposits and reefs in hard rock mines (Figure 2). The key to the system is the cutting machine, which makes best use of unique Cat Activated Undercutting Technology specifically developed for the extraction of bedded hard rock deposits. Rock Straight also includes a specially designed chain conveyor and hydraulic roof supports.
For coal and other soft rock miners, Caterpillar will display a new drive system for longwall face conveyors. The precision engineered system has a smaller footprint and enables slower motor speeds while delivering more torque. At the same time, the system modulates power application to reduce mechanical stresses on the chain conveyor. The result is less wear, greater uptime and higher productivity.
The underground display also introduces the R1700K underground loader (LHD). The new model features multiple systems enhancements, a new cab with enhanced ergonomics, and emissions reduction technology that meets US EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV certification requirements.
Caterpillar at the MINExpo: Central Hall, Booth 6229
Further information:
Caterpillar Inc.
www.cat.com