Mining Magazine > Panorama > Cat announces mining shovel range

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Caterpillar has announced a series of investments that, over the next four years, will significantly enhance the company’s position as a leading manufacturer of products and solutions for the global mining industry. The company will produce a full range of mining shovels, ranging from a 125-ton model through an 800t model.

Caterpillar has selected its manufacturing facility in Aurora, Illinois, for initial production of the new product range and is conducting a study of additional production sources in other  parts of the world. In early 2011, Caterpillar will begin pilot production of the new 125t class shovel.

The first commercial shovels produced in Aurora are expected to be available later in 2011. The larger shovels are planned for commercial availability beginning in 2013 and through 2014.This range will give customers a direct match for loading Caterpillar’s mining trucks—from the 100t class 777F through the 400t class 797F.

“As we discuss solutions with our global mining customers, it’s clear they want a complete line of Caterpillar shovels to best match the full range of Caterpillar trucks operating at their mines,” says Chris Curfman, president of Caterpillar Global Mining.

The company is also accelerating previously announced capacity expansion plans for trucks in Decatur, Ill., with additional capacity expected to come on line beginning in 2011. The expansion in Decatur will increase truck capacity at the facility by nearly 30%. Decatur produces Caterpillar’s largest mining trucks, including the flagship 797F series truck.

In addition, Caterpillar plans to increase capacity for 60 and 100t trucks at its existing manufacturing facility near Chennai, India. The capacity expansion would more than double truck production capabilities in India. The expansion for its 100t 777D and 60t 773E trucks in India should be completed by early 2012.

“The increased production in India and Decatur will better position the company to serve our mining customers in every region of the world, with a particular focus on the growing demand and customer base in the emerging markets of Asia and in Russia,” Curfman added.

Combined, the long-term shovel development program and added truck capacity represent investments of nearly US$700 million in Caterpillar mining products through 2014.

Caterpillar is also updating the status of its new electric-drive mining trucks. The company currently has pilot units of its 345t 795F AC truck at customer sites for final evaluation, with commercial production set to begin in late 2010. Initial interest in the new 795F AC trucks has been strong, and the company has increased its planned build rate for 2011 by more than 40% to meet demand in all major mining markets throughout the world.

In early 2012, the company also plans to produce pilot units of the 793F AC truck with a 240t payload. Both the 793F AC and 795F AC will complement Caterpillar’s full range of mechanical drive trucks.

Caterpillar’s CEO elect, Doug Oberhelman explains: “This investment of nearly US$700 million demonstrates our commitment to Caterpillar mining customers around the world. It also is a great example of the job-creation benefits of global trade, as well over 60% of the large mining products made at our Illinois facilities are exported outside of the US.”