Capital Equipment News

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS

MARCH 2016

EARTHMOVING

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.)

The previous generation Cat 6015FS (Face

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.

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.”

CAT 6015B

sets new benchmark