UNDERGROUND LOAD AND HAUL
Caterpillar’s new AD22 truck is available with
an open operator compartment or an optional
enclosed cab. Both are ROPS/FOPS certified.
The sweeping deck design provides good
sight lines around the front of the truck, and
the LCD screen shows the rear-view camera
view when backing
The unit delivers a payload of 15 t, 20% more
than the previous model and supporting
efficient three-pass loading of the 45 t Cat
AD45B underground truck. After rigorous field
testing is completed this year, the R1700K will
be commercially launched in 2018.
To enable optimisation of the new loader for
lowest total costs in a specific application,
multiple engine configurations are available. All
options use the proven Cat C13 ACERT™ engine.
This engine can be configured for applications
that require compliance with the highest
emission standards in underground
applications, and it enables options for
customers who are striving to improve
underground air quality.
The R1700K is available in US EPA Tier 4
Final/EU Stage IV and in Tier 3/Stage III
emissions compliance configurations. The Tier
4/Stage IV engine employs the Cat Clean
Emissions Module, proven in millions of
operating hours on a broad range of Cat
equipment. The exhaust after-treatment
package components include a diesel
particulate filter and a selective catalytic
reduction catalyst to reduce both particulate
and NOx emissions to near zero. The R1700K C13
Tier 4 Final engine has a gross engine power
rating of 257 kW at 2,050 rpm.
For Tier 3/Stage III machines, Caterpillar
offers the Ventilation Reduction Package, which
uses select engine hardware and software
modifications to minimise particulate matter
emissions. Further particulate reductions are
available through the addition of an optional
diesel particulate filter, which features automatic
regeneration while the machine is working.
The R1700K operator cabin is designed to
promote safe and efficient operation throughout
the shift. An open ROPS/FOPS cab and an
enclosed cabin are available. Increased leg
room, multiple ergonomic adjustments, and
automatic climate control and filtered
ventilation in the enclosed cab enable operators
to work comfortably.
44 International Mining | JUNE 2017
Simple and easy-to-use controls are at the
operator’ s fingertips. Pilot hydraulic controls
enable precise operation with low effort.
Switches and control panels are located central
to the operator and within arm’s reach for fast
adjustment to the operation of the machine or
systems. The R1700K provides enhanced
visibility with an optional rearview camera that
displays its view on the easy-to-read colour LCD
monitor.
The monitor also presents live diagnostic
code feedback for faster repairs in the event of
an issue. The diagnostic codes refer to
individual circuits or functions that have been
monitored to display irregularities – enabling
technicians to identify causes quickly.
The R1700K has many new features—ranging
from simple to high tech. At the business end of
the machine, the newly designed bucket has an
increased throat angle to allow for faster filling
and better material retention during tramming.
New Cat Bolt On ground engaging tools (GET)
are designed for use in abrasive applications
where high wear rates make welded GET
impractical. The system also delivers more
available wear material for longer life and
greater uptime. Built-in wear indicators and
replacement corner segments allow the system
to be integrated into scheduled maintenance
regimens.
The innovative traction control system
The new Cat R1700K tramming
enables the R1700K to control drive power to
each wheel independently. The result is minimal
tyre slip, optimum traction, and the ability to
penetrate the pile more effectively for fast
loading.
The R1700K also delivers significant
technology enhancements. It is equipped with
multiple subsystems for fast technology
implementation. The Cat line-of-sight remote
control systems allow operators to control their
machines from safe distances, and the Cat
Command for underground, semi-autonomous
system enables operators to work from a remote
location. Remote machine health monitoring,
payload monitoring and other technology
options can be installed at the factory or in the
field.
Paus considers that bad road and narrow
conditions as well as sharp corners “are
probably the most mentioned characteristics in
conjunction with underground mining.” Loading
and hauling often become work tasks requiring
millimetre accuracy “because you have to go out
the same way you came in. In case you need a
turnaround, the radius could be extremely small
and the only thing that counts at this time is
how long the vehicle is. Paus developed for
these and other instances the LHD PFL 20, a 4 t
loader compact and optimised with a length of
only 7.30 m.”
The Paus loader range offers many problem
solving options for mining. Constructed with
ROPS/FOPS canopies and with payloads
between 1.5 and 9 t, there are different sizes for
different needs and even flameproof vehicles; by
way of example the Paus LHD PFL 30S as a
regular or flameproof vehicle. The loader has
had a new face lift and a new design for more
safety and mobility. For instance the driver’s cab
has been given more stability and comfort
through the provision of more space. To mount
the machine, operators can now enter directly
through a side access instead of having to
confront the articulated joint behind the
kinematics.
The kinematics have also changed from the
former parallel to the better Z-kinematics “to