Caterpillar updates Cat 6015 mining shovel

The new Cat 6015 hydraulic mining shovel has arrived, with significant design enhancements that increase machine uptime and operating efficiency, while also improving durability and serviceability. Promising higher annual shovel output, the 6015’s new flexible shovel design also delivers low cost-per-ton operation.

“We’ve given the new 6015 class-leading tool carrying capacity and heavy-duty undercarriage protection to deliver reliable and productive operation in the most demanding conditions,” said Ryan Mitchell, hydraulic mining shovel product value stream manager for Caterpillar.

“With its 14.6-tonne (16.1-ton) bucket payload, the shovel provides proven pass match efficiency with Cat 773, 775 and 777 haul trucks operating in the 55- to 90-tonne-class (61- to 100-ton-class) range. It delivers flexible and productive loading efficiency across a full spectrum of applications, including mining, quarry and aggregate, heavy construction, and industrial.”

With its versatile design offering efficient operation across a range of tasks, the new 6015 aims to meet the needs of the global market. The shovel’s 615kW (824hp) Cat C27 engine delivers class-leading power and features a new maintenance-free, non-selective-catalytic-reduction aftertreatment solution that does not require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards. Two alternative engine configurations are available for regions with lower emission standards – one meeting China Nonroad Stage III standards (equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 2) and a second, fuel-consumption-optimized U.S. EPA Tier 1 emissions equivalent.

Highly productive

Rather than delivering a fixed amount of oil at high idle, the shovel’s new generation pilot pump configuration offers variable, on-demand hydraulic oil flow based on control lever movements. In periods of simultaneous machine movements, the pump increases flow, and when joysticks are returned to neutral, oil flow decreases. The new pump configuration lowers heat generation, reduces component wear and improves fuel efficiency by a minimum of 5.5 per cent.

Additionally, a new Cat Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating (PPPC) hydraulic system increases operator efficiency by varying hydraulic flow directly proportional to joystick movements for smooth, predictable operation.

The unique four-pump system found on the Cat 6015 dedicates three pumps to implement and travel and one to swing. Pressure and flow compensation deliver only as much flow as needed. When flow is required by more than one function, automatic flow proportioning delivers precise multifunction operation.

Boom-lowering float valves provide faster movements by using gravity, rather than hydraulic pumps, to lower the boom and increase efficiency, allowing the pumps to support other functions simultaneously. Improving energy efficiency while generating less heat, the 6015’s closed-loop swing system feeds captured swing motion kinetic energy back to the system during deceleration, providing more power to drive the main and auxiliary pumps.

Increased uptime

Retrofittable to previous designs, a new heavy-duty undercarriage protection package features long-life components and a sturdy frame to increase machine uptime. Heavy-duty idlers and rollers, plus improvements to track pads, track tensioning and wear volume also add to increased undercarriage durability and reliability. Withstanding harsh mining conditions, rugged front attachments are designed with high-strength steel and castings, joined and thermally stress-relieved to extend service life and achieve production targets.

The 6015’s new standard bucket linkage autolube system eliminates the need for manual lubrication. For smooth operation and increased durability, the new slew bearing incorporates a triple roller design. A capacity increase for the new standard grease tank provides 500-hour service intervals.

Streamlined service and safety

Improved hose routing on the new 6015 leads to increased durability over previous designs, while hoses can be quickly built to length by the Cat dealer, elevating machine uptime. The innovative design shares parts with other Cat hydraulic shovels, leading to reduced inventory levels for customers with multiple machines.

The new shovel connects to standard Cat MineStar Solutions with new Product Link Elite, through either a cellular or satellite connection. Additionally, MineStar Health offers expanded condition monitoring and reporting to fleet operations. There’s also Cat Electronic Technician (ET), which allows service technicians to effectively diagnose and execute engine maintenance and monitor new pilot pump system pressure.

Finally, a revamp of the 6015 design affords easier access to the engine compartment, superstructure components and ground-level service station for safer and more streamlined serviceability. Wide, anti-slip walkways with limited elevation changes, minimised trip hazards and an optional powered 45-degree stairway improve access, egress and movement about the shovel safely.

For more information on the new Cat 6015 hydraulic mining shovel, contact your Caterpillar dealer or go to: cat.com.