Modern Mining April 2016

PRODUCT News



MODERN MINING



April 2016

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 com-

petitive 100-tonne plus hydraulic mining

shovel (HMS) class.

Significantly, the Cat 6015B marks the

transition point between Caterpillar’s larg-

est ‘construction’ class hydraulic excavator,

the Cat 390F L (with its approximately

86 275 kg operating weight), and the

140 000-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

benchmark in terms of ergonomics and

performance, with the most power-

Cat 6015B has most powerful engine in its class

ful engine in its class

(606 kW) plus one of the

largest standard Heavy

Duty bucket offer-

ings (8,1 m³),” explains

Wouter Kraan, Senior

P r odu c t Ma n a g e r :

Mi n i ng Shove l s at

Cat dealer Barloworld

Equipment, pointing

out key features.

This class winning

combination results in a

one-pass-better match

per cycle advantage

with Cat 773, 775, and

777 sized rigid off-high-

way mining trucks over

leading competitors

with equivalent sized

load and haul combinations. When consis-

tently 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 Tucson,

Arizona.

The 6015B comes to market with two

engine 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 Final

compliant machine in its class, meeting

legislative requirements in Canada and

the US.)

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 inte-

grated 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 continu-

ous filtration and optimum oil cleanliness

at all times, minimising the risk of pro-

gressive hydraulic power losses due to

contamination.

Commonality of components forms a

key part of Caterpillar’s R&D strategy from

life cycle costing and maintenance per-

spectives. 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 specifi-

cally for the Cat 6015B. “In designing this

GET system, Caterpillar took a production

rather than a component focus to optimise

performance across the entire machine,”

Kraan says.

This is also a safe machine. The Cat

6015B provides updated egress and walk-

ways for safe movement, improved wire

and hose guarding for safe maintenance,

numerous and optimally positioned lights,

mirrors, and E(emergency)-stop buttons,

and an optional 45 degree powered access

stairway for easy boarding and egress.

The unit comes standard with con-

nectivity to on-board 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 manu-

facturing facilities for worldwide delivery

from March 2016.

Barloworld Equipment, tel (+27 11) 929-0000

The newly launched Cat 6015B in action.