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Caterpillar Global Mining is participating in the AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference as an exhibitor, conference sponsor and presenter. The mining industry gathering takes place October 16-18 on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia.
The Caterpillar exhibit will feature informational displays describing the latest Cat® underground loader and truck, battery electric LHD development program, LHD automation simulator and Caterpillar Safety Services fatigue risk management solutions.
Specifically, the exhibit showcases the new R1700 Underground Loader (LHD), which features a payload of 15 tonnes, 20 percent more than the model it replaces and a perfect three-pass match to the Cat AD45B Underground Truck. The R1700 also boasts a new ergonomic operator cabin, compact profile and efficient power train to deliver low cost-per-ton loading and load-haul-dump production. The new LHD will be commercially launched in early 2018.
The exhibit will also feature a simulator that emulates Cat Command for underground, the LHD control system that enables operators to work from a remote location via teleremote control and semi-autonomous operation. In semi-autonomous mode, the LHD travels autonomously without contacting drive walls. Remote machine health monitoring, payload monitoring and other technology options can be installed at the factory or in the field.
The informational display will also present Caterpillar’s battery electric LHD program. Caterpillar has constructed a proof of concept battery electric LHD based on a Cat R1300G to test packaging and performance of a lithium based energy storage solution. The test machine will be trialed in a Canadian mine. After these tests, Caterpillar will launch a new product introduction program that follows a rigorous design and validation process.
The newest addition to the Cat underground truck line, the AD22, will also be featured. The 22.0-tonne-payload articulated dump truck is the smallest in the Cat line, yet it is designed to deliver the productive performance and durability of its proven, larger counterparts. Its small operating envelope and agile characteristics enhance productivity in any mining application suited for this size class.
The exhibit will also present fatigue risk management services. Fatigue in the workplace can impact safety, productivity and efficiency, but this risk can be managed through the development of a practical, effective system that predicts, measures and mitigates fatigue and distraction. Caterpillar’s fatigue risk management system can be easily maintained, carefully monitored and continuously improved.
For more information about Cat products and services, visit the Caterpillar exhibit at the Underground Operators’ Conference, contact your Cat dealer, or go to: www.cat.com
