RollOuts
November 2007
Your complete guide to new and updated equipment and supplies in the aggregates industry.
by Kirk Landers, Editorial Director
New Production Loader ‘Fits’ Popular Mining Trucks
Caterpillar
introduced a new size class in its
mining loader lineup in late September with the rollout of the 25-ton
(23-metric-ton) 993K.
With an operating weight of 294,800 pounds and 950 net horsepower, the 993K creates a niche between the 992G (209,278 pounds, 800 net horsepower) and the 994F (430,858 pounds, 1,463 horsepower) in the Cat lineup. The company says it is perfectly matched to two popular mining truck models: It loads the 100-ton Cat 777 in four passes and the 150-ton 785 in six passes.
Built on an all-new platform, the 993K is the first of the K-series mining loaders and marks the debut of a dramatic new cab, positive flow-control hydraulics, Cat’s C32 engine, and a simplified maintenance scheme that emphasizes more ground level access.
Designed as an alternative to the 992 for tough
digging applications and for operations requiring maximum loading speed,
the 993K has superior penetration into the pile and 20 percent more
breakout force than the 992G. Cat estimates that it is 15 to 20 percent
more productive than the 992G overall. Its extra power is also an
advantage in dealing with difficult material, such as oversized rocks
produced in demanding blasting conditions, according to Cat.
Mining professionals attending the public debut of the 993K were especially impressed with its cab, which will also be used for other K-series mining loaders introduced next year. Compared to the 994G cab, the new version is more spacious (thanks to a wider platform) and has substantially more glass area for a better view of the bucket and the loading environment. A trainer seat that folds away when not in use is standard on the 993K, as are seat-mounted controls that move with the operator on rough ground, enhancing control. The machine’s control panel, located to the operator’s right, has been raised in the K-series, making the monitor easier to see and the various toggles easier to reach.
Other cab features include a front deck that
simplifies cleaning the outside windshield. Inside, Cat has opted for a
left-hand joystick to control machine movement, and two levers on the
right for low-effort control of bucket and boom functions.
Maintenance features were another priority in the design of the new platform. Three of the five service centers for the machine are located at ground level while service for the hydraulic system and the cab electronics are located on the deck at cab level.
Cat says the new C32 engine delivers 19 percent more power than the 3508B used in the 992G, and delivers a 5-percent increase in fuel efficiency. A new radiator features copper fins for improved heat exchange capabilities. The positive flow control hydraulic system enhances how quickly and precisely the machine responds to the operator, and it has a return filtration system that filters 100 percent of the implement oil to 6 microns for extended component life.
Cat engineers designed the 993K for a 45,000-hour structure life.
New V-shaped wing pulley
Superior Industries is rolling out a V-shaped
wing pulley that it claims deflects rocks and fugitive material away
from belts more efficiently than other designs. In addition to extending
belt life, the company claims its new Chevron Wing Pulley reduces
vibration and noise by at least 50 decibels.
New crusher parts maker
Samscreen, a New York-based distributor of crusher parts, has announced that it now has the capability to also manufacture crusher wear parts on a global basis. The company says it can manufacture any wear part for any crusher. According to company sources, their products are crafted from Maxwear 235- and 400-grade steel using plasma cutters, oxy fuel, and CNC machining systems.
Rinsing unit runs wet or dry
Kemper Equipment has extended its line of quarry
products with the introduction of the RC Rinsing Unit, which is designed
to remove excess -200 mesh-coated aggregate and wash it away. The unit
installs like a chute and can be run wet or dry. It is said to fit into
most applications and does not require coarse screw washers, motors,
reducers or seals, according to Kemper. It has a 100-ton-per-hour
capacity and will fit under 24-, 30-, or 36-inch conveyors.
Environmental Promotion
Cyclonaire has announced that its “eco-friendly” components and systems are now easily identifiable by the company’s “445 Technology” designation. Products bearing the 445 Technology classification are said to variously reduce contamination and air pollution, create less noise, eliminate harmful spillage, and conserve energy without sacrificing production efficiency.
More efficient wheel dozer
Caterpillar has replaced its 854G wheel dozer
with the 854K which features a Tier 2-compliant, 800-horsepower Cat C32
engine, an advanced cooling system, and improved reliability and
serviceability. Also new is a larger cab with improved sight lines to
the work and air suspension seat, a foldaway trainer seat, and a
low-effort, pilot-hydraulic joystick for blade control. The
217,128-pound machine has blade capacities ranging from 33 to 58 cubic
yards.
Improved mid-size excavator
Kobelco says its new SK260LC Acera Mark 8
excavator boasts a higher-horsepower, Tier 3 engine, improved hydraulic
flow, and a better combination of bucket force, swing torque, and
drawbar pull forces than its predecessor. The 181-horsepower machine has
an operating weight of 57,300 pounds and a new control system that is
said to recognize the operator’s moves and provide “incredibly smooth”
hydraulic response. Its auto-acceleration system increases engine rpms
and hydraulic flow in proportion to the operator’s movement of control
levers, and an auto-deceleration system saves fuel and engine life by
reducing engine rpms after 4 seconds of operator inactivity.
New 3-yard loader
Case Construction Equipment has extended its
line of wheel loaders with the introduction of the 168-horsepower,
3-cubic-yard 621E. The new model features a Tier 3 engine, the new
E-series cab that offers more comfort and visibility than previous
models, and maintenance and serviceability features. Like other E-series
loaders, the 621E has three power curves to match the demands of
different applications, and ground-level maintenance access for fluid
sight gauges, grease fittings, and daily service checks.
Briefs
Sterling Truck received the highest overall ranking for heavy-duty truck dealer service in the J.D. Power and Associates Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Hendrickson Truck Systems has announced that its
PRIMAAX heavy-duty air-ride rear suspension is now available on
International Trucks.
