Underground mining continues to be an early adopter of sustainable mobile equipment solutions. The new Cat® R1700XE is a key part of the energy transition and is the first battery powered, zero-emissions equipment for the Hard Rock Vehicles Load Haul Dump product line. It offers remote control operation capability, 15-ton payload and 24,190 kg lift, and tilt breakout and a battery electric design that delivers superior productivity in underground applications with no engine heat or exhaust emissions.
An auto dig function optimizes loading for both manned and remote loading applications. Auto dig helps to reduce operator fatigue and is a key building block to achieving fully automated digging cycles. The R1700XE is also equipped with a traction control function, helping to reduce tire wear and improve muck pile penetration. An on-board chiller allows liquid to cool the batteries, ensuring optimum charging and operating temperatures are maintained for maximum uptime. Using the Cat® MEC500 mobile equipment charger, it can be fully charged in less than 30 minutes or less than 20 using two in parallel.
Both the machine and charger will be showcased at MINExpo 2021 in September.