Modern Mining September 2017

COVER STORY

sight lines around the front of the truck for safe movement in tight spaces. The optional sound-suppressed enclosed ROPS cab provides a quiet, secure and com- fortable air-conditioned working environment. Structures The frame incorporates a box-section design with wide and stiff frame beams to handle torque loads. The frame design decreases stress in the hitch area and optimises suspen- sion geometry. Materials and weld joints are matched for longer life. The articulating hitch provides the truck with steering articulation and the oscillation ensures that it maintains all wheel ground con- tact in rough terrain. Hardened steel pins, taper roller bearings and oscillating stops allow the rear frame to move independently from the front frame. Safety Standard heavy duty guard rails are designed to safeguard the operator and maintenance team while working on the machine. Ground level service access points around the machine provide easy and safe access to the engine lockout and shutdown switches, battery disconnect switch, transmission oil filler and dip stick, transmission oil filter, fuel filters, fuel priming pump, engine oil filler and dip stick, engine oil filter and coolant level sight glass. An operator presence system automatically engages the parking brake, neutralises steering, implement and transmission control, and shuts down the engine if the operator fails to apply the park brake prior to exiting the cab. 

exceptional service life. The C11 delivers gross power of 242 kW at 1 800 rpm with a high torque output, allowing the truck to haul maxi- mum rated payload efficiently on incline or decline haulage. A closed circuit variable hydraulic demand fan helps to increase production and fuel econ- omy as well as reducing fan noise and engine overcooling. The demand fan operates to match the ambient conditions. In cooler environments or work load, the fan turns at a slower speed. It consumes only the power required to cool the truck systems, providing more power to help lower the cost per unit of material moved. Power train Full electronic clutch pressure control ensures smooth shifting and directional changes, while shift torque management helps to smooth gear changes so that the operator can focus on the task at hand. Operator station Caterpillar’s ergonomic operator station designs incorporate controls and instrumentation that are continuously refined to help opera- tors perform efficiently. The AD22 has a new full colour display located at the front of the right-hand console that enables the operator to monitor both machine performance and machine parameters in any given task. The information display screen is large and quick to respond, with an intuitive menu struc- ture. Machine instrumentation, warnings and optional reverse camera are displayed in one central location via the LCD screen. A sweeping deck design provides good

One of the three Cat AD22 articulated underground trucks delivered to Mopani Copper Mines.

September 2017  MODERN MINING  19