Cat has debuted a series of upgrades to its electric rope shovels (ERS) that the manufacturer says will make them more durable and better able to connect.
The upgrades to the Cat 7495 and 7495 HF models will lift machine productivity by 10 per cent and reduce cost per tonne of material moved by up to 15 per cent, Cat ERS product value stream manager Dan Wyatt says.
“Many of these improvements are compatible with shovels in the field, so customers can realise these gains through upgrades to their existing fleets as well as new machine purchases,” he says.
Cat says a new propel gear case for both the 7495 and 7495 HF models will have nearly double the life of their predecessors in some extreme conditions, with adjustments to gear geometry and tooth hardening enhancing durability and productivity.
The 7495 AC electric drive system has also been upgraded to better deal with high temperatures and high altitudes, with an improved liquid-cooled motion regulator cabinet enabling operation at temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius, and altitudes of up to 5,250 m without derating.
Cat will also use common motors in multiple applications – making maintenance easier with fewer parts to stock – and reconfigure the crawler carriage to allow drive shaft and tumbler replacement from the outboard side without removing the propel transmission.
The company has also made structural improvements to the ERSs, now using a single-piece rail casting that Cat says will eliminate vertical segment cracks and keep rollers from coming loose by providing a uniform path for roller movement and providing added support to the thrust rail during operation.
In addition to this, Cat is now offering its Product Link Elite data connectivity package as standard on both the 7495 and 7495 HF.
The package transmits critical machine operating data such as utilisation, location and condition, while advanced productivity tools can be added to allow for productivity analysis.
When linked with the Cat MineStar Fleet package this provides a comprehensive overview of all equipment assets to assist with fleet management and productivity, Cat says.
Providing real-time feedback to improve loading efficiency, the MineStar Terrain package uses guidance technology and an in-cab display to deliver precise dipper position guidance.
Finally, Cat has incorporated a new adaptive control system for its HydraCrowd hydraulic power skid that it says promises increased reliability and lower initial costs without significantly changing the HydraCrowd maintenance schedule.
The new circulation filter employs two smaller, easily accessed filters – including one at the pump drive transmission – that do not require roof panel removal for replacement.
More affordable than the previous single-filter design, the new configuration also reduces replacement time, Cat says.
“Consistently, our customers tell us machine availability and productivity are primary contributors to their operation’s success,” Wyatt says.
“From the full adaptive control system for HydraCrowd to more innovative technology and data security, the advances made to the 2021 electric rope shovels reflect our commitment to meeting their needs.”