WesTrac Mining Business Manager Gary Rayner says Caterpillar’s Next-Gen D11s are starting to be delivered to Australian mining operators who have embraced the comprehensive feature improvements.
Gary Said:
“As always, Cat has continued to enhance efficiency, productivity and safety performance based on operator feedback. But the Next Gen D11 is not just another iteration of the same. It has been largely rebuilt from the ground up and features a massive 80 per cent variation from the previous model. That said, it will still be quite familiar to operators accustomed to the older versions. The key is to help operators move more material at lower cost.”
New load-sensing hydraulics coupled with upgraded drive train components provide up to 8 percent fuel efficiency gains.
Combined with a new, high-horsepower reverse function and extended pitch tilt cylinders, the machine delivers 4 to 8 percent greater productivity while burning less fuel.
The optional new Cat XU Blade provides additional capacity, being 19 percent larger than the standard U Blade.
Other production enhancements to assist operators include Auto Blade Assist, Auto Carry, Work Monitoring, Auto Ripping and the optional Terrain with Blade Control.
A 30 percent larger engine oil sump capacity extends preventive maintenance intervals to 500 hours in challenging environments, giving customers more uptime throughout the machine’s service life.
For safety and convenience, the ground-level electrical center can now be factory fitted, providing convenient access to the lockout control, engine shutdown switch, and switches for access ladder raise/lower and remote-control mode options. Service technicians can fill the Auto Lube system, as well as change the coolant and hydraulic, engine and power train oil, from the ground.
Likewise, the fire suppression system is also now a factory-fitted option with direct input from Caterpillar and the fire system OEM, resulting in a lighter weight solution, reduced service intervals and efficient performance.
Standard features built into the new D11 offer safer access to the operator compartment. Ladder access is simplified through engine-off raise/lower capability, and the cab door can now be mounted for either left or right-side opening.
Delayed egress lighting allows the operator to exit while the dozer remains illuminated, while access lighting is controlled from either the cab or ground-level electrical center.
The new operator station features high-definition touchscreen displays with scalable electronic architecture. The continuous fluid monitoring system displays fluid levels and warns the operator of low-fluid conditions.
New strategically located cab anchor points for tie-off promote safety during service and maintenance. Gary said there had been a lot of interest in the Next Gen D11 model since it was announced last year. He said:
“As Bengalla discovered, the economics really stack up for anyone looking to build their fleets or replace equipment nearing its end of life. The other aspect of the new D11 that comes into play is that it’s set up for semi-autonomous operations, which allows it to be integrated easily at sites currently operating autonomous haulage or drilling solutions, or with the view to doing so in the future.”
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