With a payload of 45t, the new truck is a perfect three-pass match to the Cat R1700 underground loader. The new AD45 continues to deliver the excellent speed on grade of its predecessor, the AD45B, and it has the same dimensional envelope even when configured for minimal exhaust emissions.

The AD45 is powered by the fuel-efficient Cat C18 engine. The six-cylinder engine is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled, and it produces 439kW in standard configuration and 447kW in EU Stage V compliant form.

Using the Cat Clean Emissions Module to limit both particulate matter and NOx to near zero, the AD45 is certified to meet EU Stage V (equivalent to US EPA Tier 4) and is approved by CANMET for use in underground mines. The module uses selective catalytic reduction with diesel exhaust fluid injection and a diesel particulate filter. The engine and emissions module are proven in millions of hours of operation. The Stage V compliant engine configuration is also available to repower AD45B models currently in the field.

Two additional emissions packages are available for the AD45. One has emissions equivalent to Stage IIIA and Tier 3. The second is Caterpillar's Ventilation Reduction System, which incorporates modified engine hardware and software as well as the optional use of a flow through diesel particulate filter for improved underground air quality.

The Cat mechanical drive power train and power shift transmission provide excellent operating efficiency and control on steep grades, in poor underfoot conditions, and on haul roads and drives with high rolling resistance. The Cat seven-speed planetary power shift transmission is matched with the direct-injection C18 engine to deliver constant power over a wide range of operating speeds.

The AD45 also features serviceability improvements, which include easy access for cleaning chassis-mounted transmission and hydraulic oil coolers. The emissions control system automatically cleans the particulate filter without affecting machine operation, and the diesel exhaust fluid tank is sized for refill when refuelling.

Additionally, the AD45 is equipped with Cat Product Link Elite. The new system makes it easier to share machine health data across multiple destinations to help miners schedule service and keep the fleet working at maximum availability. The system also reduces lost data due to network issues. An in-cab display informs the operator of machine status.

Two rear-facing cameras feed a display in the cab and effectively expand the operator's view. The cameras especially aid the operator when positioning the truck for loading. The payload monitoring system features an external display to help the loader operator optimise loads.

Caterpillar will start shipping new AD45 trucks to customers in early 2020.