What’s your quarry?

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LOADER: The new Cat 993k features a number of innovations, such as a more efficient engine and improved cooling.

A mining show late last year gave us a look at the technical future of the industry.

Quarrying is big business across the GCC. Besides the relentless quest for limestone to be turned into cement powder, mines are also operated to produce the harder gabbro stone, used for shoring up harbour walls, as well as the base for the various offshore island projects so popular in the region.

Of course, moving the rock and processing it into the right size needs a significant investment in the right plant and machinery, with every dirham invested going toward that all-important cost per tonne. Modern machinery should make money, but if too much is brought in, or if the seam is badly worked, cash can be lost.

To this end, we were gripped by an event called MineExpo held in Las Vegas in the latter part of last year. There was far too much equipment on display to detail each and every piece, so we picked out a few items that could bring productivity to a quarry site near you.

Wheel loaders

There were many large loaders on display, with products from brands such as Liebherr, Komatsu and LeTorneau. However our attention turned to the latest offering from Caterpillar, the 993K.

Launched at the show, the item is available by special order from the region's Cat dealers. The all new model offers a new size class in the Caterpillar line-up. The 25-ton capacity loader features Z-bar linkage, hydraulics and power train that deliver high breakout forces-20 percent more than the 992G. The increased performance and capacity result in a 15 to 20 percent improvement in productivity compared to the 992G, according to the manufacturer.

The new loader at the show also features the Cat C32 ‘Acert' engine. It produces net power of 950 horsepower (708 kW). The makers also say that the newcomer offers solutions to ease maintenance and boost reliability.

For example, an improved design eliminates the need for daily greasing of the front linkage. To lower life cycle costs, the 993K is designed to meet mining customer rebuild requirements and have an estimated 45,000-hour structure life.

Power train

The power train and hydraulics are designed to deliver high productivity and low cost per ton. As compared to the 3508B engine used in previous mining loaders, the C32 engine delivers 19 percent more power and a 5 percent increase in fuel efficiency. The proven C32 also powers several other Caterpillar mining machines, which simplifies parts inventory management.

The 993K features a new design of modular radiator which has copper fins for improved heat exchange capabilities. The design and construction minimizes space required for the cooling package and allows enhanced sight lines to the rear.

Positive flow control hydraulics is the next generation of load-sensing hydraulics. Additional sensors at the pumps provide enhanced responsiveness that the operator can feel and use.

The full return flow filtration system filters 100 percent of the implement oil return flow to 6 microns for extended component life and increased uptime. The optional deluxe filtration system prevents downstream contamination in case of a failure.

The Cat planetary power shift transmission is electronically controlled and features three forward and three reverse speeds. The impeller clutch torque converter allows the operator to match rimpull to the application and underfoot conditions through the use of a foot pedal and adjustments made through the rimpull control system.

The all-wheel drive design features four planet carrier gears with planetary double reduction in each wheel. Double reduction final drives significantly reduce power train stresses and effectively extend power train life and durability.

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