Capital Equipment News March 2016

EARTHMOVING

CAT 6015B sets new benchmark

A new innovation that excels in ultra fast digging and loading, with pre- cision control for a superior truck match, driven by the most powerful engine in its class. The worldwide introduction of the Cat 6015B sets a new research and develop- ment (R&D) milestone for Caterpillar as it targets strong gains in the highly competi- tive 100 tonne plus hydraulic mining shovel (HMS) class. Significantly, the Cat 6015B marks the transition point between Caterpillar’s largest ‘construction’ class hydraulic ex- cavator, the Cat 390F L (with its approxi- mately 86 275 kg operating weight), and the 140 tonne 6015B backhoe, which is the new entry level unit for the current Cat HMS range. A comparison of their respec- tive payload capabilities provides a clear distinction in terms of their downstream roles: 9,6 tonnes for the Cat 390F L and 14,6 tonnes for the Cat 6015B. “The 6015B backhoe is the next bench- mark in terms of ergonomics and perfor- mance, with the most powerful engine in its class (606 kW) plus one of the larg- est standard Heavy Duty bucket offerings (8.1m³),” explains Wouter Kraan, senior product manager: mining shovels at Bar- loworld Equipment, pointing out key fea- tures. (Barloworld Equipment is the Cat dealer for southern Africa.) This class winning combination results in a one-pass-better match per cycle advan- tage with Cat 773, 775, and 777 sized rigid off-highway mining trucks over lead- ing competitors with equivalent sized load and haul combinations. When consistent- ly achieved, the result is more material moved and greater profit. All 6015B struc- tures have been fully tested and validated at Caterpillar’s proving ground in Tuscon, Arizona. The 6015B comes to market with two en- gine options for ‘lesser regulated emis- sions’ standard countries, namely a Cat C27 ACERT Tier I or Tier II power plant. (The Cat 6015B is also the only EPA Tier 4 Fi- nal compliant machine in its class, meeting legislative requirements in Canada and the United States.)

This is also a safe machine. The Cat 6015B provides updated egress and walkways for safe movement, improved wire and hose guarding for safe maintenance, numerous and optimally positioned lights, mirrors, and E(emergency)-stop buttons, and an op- tional 45 degree powered access stairway for easy boarding and egress. The unit comes standard with connectiv- ity to onboard Cat Connect technologies like MineStar™, VIMS™ (Vital Information Management System), and Product Link™. First shipment orders of the new Cat 6015B will start leaving Caterpillar’s man- ufacturing facilities for worldwide delivery from March 2016. “Extensive pilot testing has resulted in a machine that has been proven to move more material at a lower cost, when com- pared to other similar offerings in its class. This means customers have the assurance that they can achieve production targets, meet deadlines, and maximize their prof- itability,” adds Kraan, “with a measurable return on their investment.” b

Shovel) model will continue to be sold in diesel configuration for a limited period. However, the backhoe derivative remains by far the most popular customer choice for the southern African region. On the Cat 6015B, lower ownership costs are driven through proprietary integrated Cat engine control technologies (for efficient fuel burn and power distribution), closed- loop swing and boom float valves and a new hydraulic filtration system. A separate kidney loop ensures continuous filtration and opti- mum oil cleanliness at all times, minimising the risk of progressive hydraulic power loss- es due to contamination. Commonality of components forms a key part of Caterpillar’s R&D strategy from life cycle costing and maintenance perspec- tives. On the Cat 6015B, for example, these components include Cat D11 track links (with Positive Pin Retention). Further efficiencies are achieved with Cat C70 hammerless GET designed specifically for the Cat 6015B. “In designing this GET system, Caterpillar took a production rather than a component focus to optimise perfor- mance across the entire machine,” Kraan expands.

The previous generation Cat 6015FS (Face

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