Caterpillar introduce two all-new quarry trucks

The Caterpillar 770 and 772 off-highway rigid dumptrucks are all-new models designed for quarrying, mining and construction applications in the 36.3-tonne and 45.4-tonne payload classes, respectively, the latter model being a completely new size class for Cat dumptrucks. Both vehicles incorporate new features to lower cost per tonne, including a new engine and radiator, enhanced transmission and brakes, and a new cab and operator station. The new trucks also offer easier access for operators and service personnel, as well as a new Cat Messenger information system to aid both maintenance technicians and operators.

The introduction of the two new models means that the Caterpillar 769 dumptruck, which has served contractors and quarry operators since 1962, will be discontinued. Likewise, the 771, introduced as a quarry truck in 1992, will also be discontinued.

Caterpillar now offer dual-slope and flat-floor body systems with three different steel liner packages and two rubber liner packages on the 770 and 772. Five different body liner systems for the 770 and 772 allow the customer to configure a truck for a specific application in order to achieve optimum productivity and durability.

The 770 and 772 use Caterpillar’s exclusive 10/10/20 payload policy, which means that no more than 10% of loads may exceed 10% over target payload, and no loads may exceed 20% over target payload. By following this policy, Caterpillar say operators can reduce cost per tonne, move more material, reduce spillage and haul road maintenance, and increase machine life.

Designed for comfortable and efficient operation, both new trucks use the same all-new centre-mounted cab, which provides additional space, walk-in comfort, a smoother ride and superior visibility. The new operator station is 8% larger with 52% more glass than in Cat’s D-series off-highway trucks. In addition, a new ergonomic design and layout of controls promotes greater operator efficiency and reduces operator fatigue. An optional camera system provides a view to the rear of the truck via a cab-mounted LCD colour monitor.

The Cat Comfort Seat, which offers comfort, support and durability, is now in the centre of the cab for easier access and egress, while the new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system produces greater airflow and a more even temperature throughout the cab.

Valuable machine information is available to the operator or technician through Cat Messenger, which provides real-time and stored machine performance and diagnostic data through another LCD display unit in the cab. With the optional Truck Production Management System (TPMS) attachment, Messenger also shows payload state, payload weight, loaded travel time, loaded travel distance and accumulated weight. In addition, TPMS now has a second-gear weighing capability and 2,400-cycle storage for data analysis.

Both new trucks feature Cat engines with ACERT technology for fuel-efficient operation, emissions compliance and responsive performance. The 770 uses the Cat C15 engine, which produces a net power of 355kW (476hp), while the 772 has a C18 engine, which produces a net power of 399kW (535hp).

Both engines meet EU Stage IIIa requirements while delivering slightly improved fuel economy when compared to the previous engine used in this size class. The engines also feature the Caterpillar MEUI fuel system, which combines electronic control with direct, mechanically controlled fuel injection.

Due to more efficient combustion technology, the engine service interval for each of the trucks is now 500h – twice that of previous truck models. QuickEvac, the Caterpillar on-board engine oil evacuation and pre-lube system, is now standard on all Cat quarry and construction trucks and reduces oil change labour time by as much as 50%.

A new modular radiator design provides 3.5 times more fin spacing, making it easier to clean and service. The single-pass flow also cools more efficiently, compared to the dual-pass system used previously.

The Caterpillar seven-speed powershift transmission is integrated with new transmission chassis control electronics for improved performance and durability, while a new differential design further extends durability.

Automatic retarder control (ARC) is now standard on Caterpillar quarry and construction trucks. Caterpillar say ARC, which automatically controls braking on grade and maintains engine speed, protects the engine from overspeeding, improves fuel efficiency, provides better control of the truck, increases productivity and eases the burden on the operator. In addition to the standard automatic retarder, the compression brake option offers a 35% increase in retarding speed capabilities.