Caterpillar has designed, fabricated and constructed what is says is the largest hydraulic mining shovel ever built, the 6120B H FS, which is bigger than the Cat 6090 FS. Aimed at delivering three- or four-pass loading of ultra-class mining trucks, that company claims “innovative hybrid technologies cut fuel use per tonne by an estimated 25% through the use of hydra-electric regenerative technologies and a special energy storage system. An operating weight of approximately 1,270 tonnes and engine output of
Caterpillar has designed, fabricated and constructed what is says is the largest hydraulic mining shovel ever built, the 6120B H FS, which is bigger than the Cat 6090 FS.
Aimed at delivering three- or four-pass loading of ultra-class mining trucks, that company claims “innovative hybrid technologies cut fuel use per tonne by an estimated 25% through the use of hydra-electric regenerative technologies and a special energy storage system.
An operating weight of approximately 1,270 tonnes and engine output of about 3360kW) enable the shovel to handle dipper sizes of 46-65m³, depending on material density.
The energy management system makes use of large capacitors to store energy created by the shovel during swing deceleration and boom-down movements, and that energy then helps power the hydraulic system when the machine requires peak power, such as during the digging portion of the cycle. The hybrid technology features long-life components and design for ease of service, as do other systems within the shovel.
“The new hydraulic shovel will fill the need for a safe, cost-efficient and highly mobile ultra-class shovel for short-term mining operations, non-electrified sites and areas where the power grid has limitations, and greenfield developments. The hydraulic shovel also has selective digging capabilities that rope shovels do not, as hydraulics enable applying strong bucket forces through a wide range of heights,” says Caterpillar.
The 6120B H FS prototype was constructed at the Caterpillar manufacturing facility in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, where, after rigorous testing and field trials, future 6120B shovels will be manufactured to fulfill commercial sales.
