Caterpillar has launched its new AD60 underground articulated truck. Weighing in at 110 tonnes and with a payload capacity of 60 tonnes, it is now the largest model in Cat's UG truck range.
The AD60 incorporates advanced heat shielding and cooling technology, as well as the Cat C27 ACERT engine to provide a better ride. The engine, rated at between 579 to 600kW, has been refined for the AD60 and now includes new pistons, high temperature fuel injectors, more durable rocker arm assemblies, as well as a redesigned crankshaft lubrication system, a high efficiency engine oil cooler, and a higher capacity fuel cooler.
The AD60 also comes with remote-mounted transmission oil coolers that ensure optimum operating temperature for the seven-speed Cat planetary power shift transmission, which features a lock-up torque converter for efficient, fuel-saving operation, as well as an electronically controlled retarding system for optimum safety and productivity.
According to Cat, new features in the AD60 design include electronic integration of the engine and drive train, providing controlled-throttle shifting, over-speed protection, and body-up shift inhibitor.
The now standard Truck Payload Management System calculates payload data, and the VIMS Guardian System provides operators, service technicians and managers with machine health information to ensure high mechanical availability.