SURFACE LOADING the exact flow and pressure that each hydraulic function requires . This approach reduces waste and heat , prolongs component lives and conserves energy .
Operator Assist – Enhanced Motion Control is a technology solution that helps improve operator performance while protecting the machine from damage . Payload provides on-thego weighing of material to improve loading efficiency and optimise truckloads .
Every next generation machine is 100 % Cat designed , manufactured , integrated and supported . Common designs and componentry reduce the number of unique parts and streamline maintenance . Parts are stocked around the world for fast , efficient service . Service literature is easy to read and understand so technicians have the information they need to perform maintenance and repairs as quickly as possible .
While many next generation updates are available today , a focus on the future is key . That further emphasises the importance of the electronic architecture that is designed for future updates . Development follows an approach focused on innovation and continuous improvement . The OEM adds : “ Recognising that sustainability and carbon footprint are key focus areas for miners today , next generation shovel innovation is closely tied to mining companies ’ energy transitions goals . In the future , next generation shovels will be power agnostic , with two different options for the power module : diesel or electric drive . They will be almost the same machine except for the power module , which can even be swapped years down the road .”
Caterpillar ’ s new 7495 technology packages
From hydraulic excavators to electric rope shovels , Caterpillar in October 2022 announced two new optional technology solutions – Integrated Technology Package and Operator Assist Technology Package – for the Cat ® 7495 and 7495 HF Electric Rope Shovels . The new packages eliminate the need for one-off technology customsation , offer faster technology installation and provide seamless integration of future technologies into machine operation . They offer improved health and productivity data tracking that help to reduce the number of unplanned machine outages , creating a more predictable maintenance schedule while extending component life .
The Integrated Technology Package fully integrates Cat Electronics into the machine ’ s design and provides the foundation to support future technology expansion . The new package features six standard technologies – ranging from health monitoring to cycle segmentation – to support improved uptime reliability , improved operator efficiency and enhanced cyber security . This upgrade also provides seamless integration of Cat ® MineStar™ Solutions ’ comprehensive suite of operational technologies that help track , monitor and manage the shovel .
Building on the Integrated Technology Package , the Operator Assist Technology Package provides machine self-protection and control enhancements that simplify 7495 and 7495 HF operation . Without sacrificing
New optional technology packages for Cat ® Electric Rope Shovels focus on increased efficiency , production and uptime
productivity , this upgrade minimises machine self-collisions and safeguards against operator practices that cause damage . It allows less experienced operators to efficiently load trucks , while reducing the effort required to avoid poor digging practices that can impact machine availability and overall productivity .
The new Operator Assist Technology Package upgrade simplifies how the shovel is operated through machine self-protection . It automatically detects and avoids collisions between the dipper , crawler , boom bumper and cable management systems .
The technology ’ s LiDAR vision system scans the front of the shovel and algorithms integrate with operator commands to provide the least intrusive avoidance path . If a collision is unavoidable , the system will arrest machine motion to prevent or mitigate the collision . It reduces unplanned downtime , extends component life and improves total cost of ownership .
The package features the second generation of Enhanced Motion Control , encompassing all the
MARCH 2023 | International Mining