UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
RCT is providing
innovative LHD
automation solutions at
Independence Group
(IGO)’s Jaguar operation
Tramming versatility
From new battery electric offerings to versatile
automation packages, there is all to play for in the
underground load and haul market, reports Paul Moore
hile often the launch of the largest
equipment gets the most interest, in
reality the market for the more
compact equipment is much bigger in terms of
overall numbers of machines. Caterpillar
recently introduced the new Cat ® AD22
articulated truck, a new size that joins its proven
lineup of rugged machines designed for
underground hard rock mining. “While this
newest addition to our underground truck
product line is the smallest truck we offer, it’s
designed to deliver the performance and
durability of its larger counterparts — and a
greater payload than our competitors’ trucks in
the same size class.”
Developed in response to the trend of mines
going deeper underground to access narrower,
more targeted ore bodies, the AD22 is described
as a robust, dependable truck capable of
manoeuvering in smaller mines. The AD22 offers
a 22 t payload in a compact package. “Its small
operating envelope and agile characteristics,
including an acute articulation angle and
W
decreased outside turning radius, enhance
productivity in these specific applications. And
its wide body design makes loading faster and
easier.”
The AD22 takes advantage of Caterpillar
ergonomic designs to create controls and
instrumentation that help operators perform
efficiently. An easy-to-read full colour LCD
screen displays machine status. The truck is
available with an open operator compartment or
an optional enclosed cab. The enclosed cab was
specifically designed to help deep-mine
operators keep their employees cool and
breathing filtered, conditioned air. On the other
end of the temperature spectrum, the AD22 can
be equipped to handle Arctic conditions. Both
cab options are ROPS/FOPS certified. An
oscillating hitch helps absorb haul road
irregularities.
The AD22 underground truck takes advantage of Caterpillar ergonomic designs to create controls
and instrumentation that help operators perform efficiently
JUNE 2018 | International Mining 21