The biggest hydraulic mining shovel ever created was created, manufactured, and assembled by Caterpillar. Ultra-class mining trucks can be loaded in three or four passes with the new Cat 6120B H FS, which is much larger than the Cat 6090 FS. By utilising hydra-electric regeneration technologies and a special energy storage system, innovative hybrid technologies reduce fuel consumption per tonne by an estimated 25%.
The 6120B H FS was created by Caterpillar to be the most effective and productive ultra-class hydraulic shovel on the market. Depending on the material density, the shovel can effectively handle dipper sizes of 60 to 85 cubic yards (46 to 65 cubic meters) thanks to its operational weight of roughly 1,400 tonnes (1,270 kg) and engine output of roughly 4,500 horsepower (3,360 kW).
The shovel generates energy during boom-down and swing deceleration actions, which is stored by the energy management system using massive capacitors. During the digging phase of the cycle, for example, when the machine needs maximum power, that stored energy then helps power the hydraulic system. Similar to other shovel systems, the hybrid technology has long-lasting parts and is designed for ease of maintenance. The 6120B H FS has isolated, modular systems that are easier to reach and have improved serviceability.
The new hydraulic shovel will meet the demand for a highly mobile, cost-effective, and safe ultra-class shovel for greenfield developments, non-electrified locations, and places where the power supply has restrictions. Because hydraulics allow for the application of powerful bucket forces at a broad range of heights, the hydraulic shovel also offers selective digging capabilities that rope shovels do not. The 6120B H FS’s digging capabilities are improved with the tried-and-true Tri Power linkage technology. Similar to this, the new shovel maximises the usage of tried-and-true Cat shovel characteristics, like the cutting-edge, ergonomic shovel cab.
Following extensive testing and field trials, the 6120B H FS prototype was built at the Caterpillar manufacturing site in South Milwaukee, WI, USA. Future 6120B shovels will be produced there to meet commercial sales. As the development of the 6120B H FS continues, more details will be revealed.
