MINING TRUCKS_proof 27/04/2016 10:12 Page 6
MINING TRUCKS
Caterpillar 785G truck being loaded by hydraulic
excavator at test mine in Tinaja Hills
total experience, the highest engine unit with
38,000 h. For the truck itself there have been
over 40,000 hours of 794AC operation, the
highest truck having over 17,000 hours.
Average physical availability in the field is 89%
or better and there has been positive feedback
on performance, reliability and serviceability.
Speed on grade is equal or better than
competition according to Caterpillar and the truck
exceeds physical availability targets. Safety
elements include four corner wet disc brakes as
well as dynamic braking for stable handling and
fast stopping. The machine has wide access
stariways, an open deck, four corner wet disc
brakes, Cat Detect, a camera system and many
more features.
Serviceability was paramount in development
to provide ease of service with minimal labour
time and intervention. Cat set a goal to match or
beat the speed on grade of the 793F. This was
challenging but the truck has delivered. In an
effort to make the machine as simple as possible,
parasitics were kept low and the speed increased
on grade. Cat says it has exceeded its goal of
88% physical availability on the pilots and is
seeing over 90% at both sites.
In addition to safety the open platforms allow
for ease of maintenance. The machine also
features service platforms next to the engine and
behind the inverter cabinet. Cat has grouped like
components to keep servicing centralised on the
machine. Hydraulic lines run along one side of
the frame rails, electric lines the other. The
traction generator is dual bearing and is
connected via a flexible coupling so it does not
require shimming. In addition to the simple
connection the generator can be removed
without removing the engine. Removal and
installation in a shift performance is better, the
truck has better retarding, equal/better speed on
grade, integrated Cat technology, and rear bolt
on rims. There are also 3100 and 3500 hp options
to optimise performance.
The new 794AC name identified the truck as
sized between the Cat
optional air system removal, with ground level oil
793 and 795 trucks, and it
filters with extended internals. A new 785G cab has
reflects the fact that the
improvements in comfort and machine controls
truck is wholly composed
promoting higher performance for longer work
of Cat parts, and it is
hours.
designed, manufactured
The cost savings for fuel and DEF are 2% to 5%
and supported by
versus Tier 2 fuel costs. There is up to 9% less
Caterpillar.
diesel fuel consumption (average 6%) and
The 794AC uses the Cat
maximum 8% DEF usage (average 3%).
C175-16 engine and a
First Quantum stated in a March 2016 technical
proven Cat AC power
report that it still planned to install trolley assist
train. Gross machine
on the main ramp at the Kevitsa nickel-copperoperating weight is
PGMs mine in Finland in mid-2016 in order to
521,631 kg.
take further advantage “of the larger low unit
Caterpillar is also bringing out the latest
cost truck fleet” and would use its four
version of the mechanical drive 150 t class 785,
Caterpillar 795F AC trucks, which it has along
the 785G, which will be Tier 4 Final compliant and
with six 793F trucks, both loaded by a Komatsu
commercially available initially in North America
PC8000 and Komatsu PC5500 electric hydraulic
starting in 2017. The 785A trucks first changed
excavators as well as a Komatsu WA1200 wheel
the industry 30 years ago with significant
loader. IM has seen the Caterpillar test trolley
payload and performance advantage over electric
assist line at Tinaja Hills, and Caterpillar has
drive. Cat states that miners report today’s truck,
previously stated its ongoing development of
the 785D is still best in class, a “recognised
trolley trucks. However, Kevitsa has recently been
benchmark for quality, reliability and durability,
sold to Boliden, for which the deal is expected to
leveraging 785 experience of over 160 million
close in May 2016. Boliden stated during a
field hours.”
Capital Markets Day in March that it will not
The 785G is Cat’s first large mining truck Tier 4
comment on any operational issues regarding
Final program, with over 10,000 hours on units
Kevitsa before it has gone through a round of
running in the field and good feedback.
planning, which it told IM is likely to take several
The emissions component is “performing very
months after the deal closing. As stated, trolley
well” demonstrating reduced total cost of fluids
at Aitik is also under consideration.
over the Tier 2 rated
785D. Safety includes
Cat four corner oil
cooled wet disk brakes,
Integrated Detect
System or work area
vision, 600 mm stairs,
standard LED lighting,
multi functional
lockouts and a power
access option.
The truck is rated at
1,600 hp (also 1,450 hp
option) with a 3512E HD
fuel efficient engine and
Advanced Power
Electronic Control
Strategy (APECS),
offering smoother and
faster shifts, better
Vision™, Instantel’s new cloud-based hosting
acceleration and gear
application for vibration monitoring information,
optimisation, and faster
gives you instant access to your data. Anywhere.
cycles and fuel savings
for many hauls.
Whether you’re behind your PC at your desk or
Serviceability
in the field on your tablet, Vision delivers the info
elements include a
you need, giving you true insight into your data.
modular HVAC and
radiator, hydraulic lash
adjustment, cleaner
hose routings and
https://vision.instantel.com/
MAY 2016 | International Mining 43