Capital Equipment News January 2019

MINING NEWS

Shell unveils latest bulk grease delivery trucks

Shell’s latest bulk grease delivery truck provides a one-stop filling solution to mining customers to ensure that lubricants can be dispensed on site and accurately recorded, saving both time and reducing cost of ownership. As a major influencer in the mining sector, Shell has further enhanced its offerings with the introduction of its latest bulk grease delivery trucks aimed at greatly reducing the downtime of mining equipment. The innovative offering will eliminate lubricant contaminations during maintenance proce- dures, and concurrently removing the stock carrying burden from customers. Having gained valuable experience over the better part of a decade, the learnings gathered from the successful bulk lubrica- tion implementation has equipped the Shell team with the knowledge and expertise to fully cater for the customer in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner. According to Kobus Visser, lubricants expert manager Shell Downstream South Africa, supplying clean lubricants safely, quickly and accurately-measured places the customer in a better operational position by eliminating breakdowns, shortening delivery times and letting the customer pay for only Caterpillar continues to expand its mining truck offering to give mining companies the flexibility to choose what meets their needs and preferences. Following the successful introduction of the 794 AC 291-tonne capac- ity truck at MINExpo 2016 and investments to further advance the 797F 363-t mechani- cal-drive truck, Caterpillar is now introduc- ing the 798 AC and the 796 AC. The new electric-drive 798 AC features a 372-t payload and will join the fleet of over 1 000 Cat mechanical-drive 797s in this class. The new electric-drive 796 AC delivers 326 t payload and will be offered in all regions. The 795F AC, in the same size class, will continue to be offered in regions where engine emissions are less regulated. Both trucks will be available in the second quarter 2019. The design of the new trucks focuses on delivering class-leading payload, high reliability and simple serviceability. The attributes are built on the frame and chassis design proven in 18 million hours of legacy truck operation and now used by the Cat 794 AC. The AC powertrain of each of the two new trucks draws from about 5 million hours of Cat 795 AC and Cat 794 AC truck

what was received. “Based on Mercedes-Benz’ highly

successful and trusted Actros range, the ve- hicle’s 4x4 rigid configuration and FRCP com- pliance and roadworthiness ensures ease of mine or operation access, and enables the vehicle to move between operations quickly and safely,” explains Visser. “Each vehicle is equipped with three grease tanks, which allows for three different products to be de- livered at the same time, with each product being pumped through its own grease line into the machinery.” Further, the high volume pumps ensure quick filling during short service intervals, while the self-contained hydraulic system delivers product independently of electricity or air supply. Shell grease trucks can fill unconstrained, thus saving time and quicker start-up of equipment. b

The solution is backed and supported by Shell’s LubeExpert team, providing customers with the correct technical insights to ensure that their machinery has a prolonged lifespan and reduces TCO.

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS • Shell’s offering is metered, allowing the operator to accurately dispense the correct amount of lubricant • Thereafter, the operator is able to print a detailed delivery slip for the foreman, proving that the correct product and amount has been assigned • The customer is invoiced for individual product delivered with cost saving, measuring and accounting benefits • Moreover, customers receive service reports that include grease consumption data which assists them in planning, costing, and benchmarking

Caterpillar launches two new ultra-class trucks

curved floor, front, and canopy strengthen the entire body, which is integral to the truck. The body is sized to meet the payload requirements without compromising vehicle balance, braking or control. b

operation. Cat AC electric drive is developed and manufactured by Caterpillar, the single source for the entire powertrain. The 796 AC and 798 AC are built for efficient production. Both truck models are designed to minimise empty machine weight, as configured in the field. The de- sign enables the 798 AC to carry its payload of 372 t and to haul more material each cycle on 59/80R63 tyres. The new trucks feature four-corner, oil-cooled disc brakes as well as dynamic retarding for stable handling and confident stopping. Superior retarding capability, blended braking and the Cat Traction Control System help boost productivity while en- hancing safety. The Cat AC drive is a high voltage system (2 600 volts) that operates at lower current than the most other competition. When combined with Cat’s total integration and design of the truck and drive system, the result is higher efficiency, lower heat gener- ation, smaller and lighter components and longer component life. The Cat High Efficiency (HE) Body is sized and configured to meet the specific needs of the mine, dictated by fragmentation, abrasion, cohesion and the loading tool. The

The new electric-drive 798 AC features a 372 t payload.

BENEFITS ABOUND • Open engine access and service platforms ease maintenance tasks • The modular design allows for easy removal and installation of components • The engine, traction alternator, motors, inverter, grid and final drives can be removed independently • Traction alternator and optional inverter platforms allow for easy inspections, diagnostics and component swaps. The result is less service time and greater uptime

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JANUARY 2019 33