Caterpillar’s battery-powered electric load haul dump truck and mobile equipment charger were unveiled at MinExpo, held in Las Vegas last week.
Caterpillar has given the world a sneak peek at its first electric load haul dump (LHD) truck for underground mining.
The new Cat R1700 XE LHD truck is set to be made available in select commercial markets in the first quarter of 2022, Cat says.
It will be able to operate with a 15-tonne payload and at a top speed of 18km/h, with a 24,190kg lift and tilt breakout.
An autodig function on the truck optimises its loading processes and a traction control feature helps extend tyre life, adds Cat.
The unit will also be uniquely battery powered, with those batteries charged in place through the new Cat MEC500 mobile equipment charger, which Cat says is a first of its kind.
Using the charger, the R1700 XE can be fully charged in less than 30 minutes using a single charger or in less than 20 minutes using two chargers.
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The new Cat R1700 XE LHD battery-powered dump truck will be able to operate with a 15-tonne payload
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Its 500kW capability delivers an impressive range of 300–1,000 volts and up to 700 Amps, as well as an adjustable output voltage and current, enabling it to trickle charge the battery.
Unlike static charging stations, the 1,600kg portable charger can be moved to where it is needed via towing, fork truck, or the R1700 XE, says Cat.
It eliminates the need for regular battery handling and swapping, allowing for more efficient charging and production.
Cat says that machines like this will produce fewer emissions, meaning mines will be able to reduce their reliance on complex and expensive ventilation systems.
“The new R1700 XE LHD is a key part of the vision to an all-electric mine,” says Cat.
“It is the first battery powered/ zero emissions equipment for the underground hard rock mining LHD product line and offers remote control operation capability.”
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Cat says that the MEC500 mobile equipment charger is the first of its kind
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The charger meets standards for protection against water, dust and rockfalls, and its key components are isolation mounted against vibration or seismic activity, while enclosed air conditioning prevents damage from humidity.
The RX1700 XE LHD and the MEC500 mobile equipment charger were both displayed to the public for the first time at MinExpo 2021, held in mid-September in Las Vegas.