Caterpillar’s R2900 XE has been a marked success – the diesel-electric 18.5 t loader is now being used in significant numbers globally; PT Freeport Indonesia this month took delivery of its 21st unit from Cat dealer Trakindo – quite a milestone reflecting the trust the mine has in this equipment’s performance, safety and productivity.
At the heart of the R2900 XE power is a sealed, liquid-cooled Switched Reluctance (SR) electric drive system instead of a traditional mechanical transmission and torque converter. This translates to an over 31% increase in fuel efficiency as it permits the Cat C15 engine to run at a lower, optimised 1,600 RPM. The motors also create lower thermal energy and heat dissipation. So there are sizeable emissions and ventilation wins without having to resort to a true hybrid machine.
In the coming months, the OEM is set to release the even larger R3200 – a 22 t class LHD giant with the same inherent diesel-electric powertrain design and the most significant large Cat underground loader since the 20 t class R3000H which has not been highlighted in the market by Caterpillar for some time. In fact it will be the largest Cat LHD ever released. For now the machine nomenclature seems to without the ‘XE’ though this could change by the time it is formally launched.
Some Cat dealers have already released some early information on the machine with direct comparisons to the R2900 XE. Beyond the 19% payload increase itself, the R3200 Cat says due to its scale offers superior productivity. It adds that the R3200 now offers quicker acceleration and a more instant machine response. The new machine Cat also says has reduced cycle times versus the R2900 XE with 11% better speed on grade, plus reduced maintenance and repair costs thanks to design refinements for better durability, including redesigned axles.
Overall it translates to 28% more tonnes per hour plus it is 8% tonnes per litre more fuel efficient. It is a three pass match with the Cat AD63 underground truck. It uses a larger Cat C18 engine, with EU Stage V as an option. Cat says it is built for better operator safety, control and comfort. The R3200 comes with the same proven lift arm and component geometry and traction control for reduced tyre spin.
Compared to a conventional diesel machine is has few moving parts and a longer component life for extended service intervals. Onboard technology like the R2900 XE includes AutoDig to improve operator efficiency and optimise the rock-loading cycle; plus it is Cat MineStar
– so set up for remote, semi autonomous and autonomous operation using Command for Underground.
The R3200 will play in a market for very large underground loaders that is becoming more diverse and competitive – from Sandvik’s 18 t battery LH518iB, diesel 21 t class LH621i (with a refined and improved Toro LH621i I Gen2 expected soon) and cable electric 25 t class LH625iE to Epiroc’s 18 t class diesel ST18 and battery ST18 SG, as well as a widely expected 22 t ST22 model that is thought to include both a diesel-electric and battery version, but details have yet to be released. Sandvik has plans for a 600 Series diesel-electric loader as well.
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