New Cat electric drive dozer offers longer life, more power
By Industry Queensland
Caterpillar has launched its first electric-drive large dozer, promising mining operators more power to shift material at greater fuel efficiency.
The OEM said the new Cat D11 XE electric drive dozer delivered up to 25 per cent less fuel consumed per unit of material moved and was able to move 5 per cent to 10 per cent more material per hour than the next generation Cat D11.
“The D11 XE is designed to help customers get more from every hour of operation,” Caterpillar product application specialist Luke Fischer said.
“By combining the proven capability of the D11 platform with the benefits of electric drive, it delivers meaningful gains in productivity, efficiency and lifecycle value.
“It also reflects how far dozer performance has advanced, offering up to 25 per cent greater efficiency than today’s D11 and up to 40 per cent greater efficiency than the first D11N introduced in 1986.”
The D11 XE’s Cat C32B engine operates at a lower high-idle speed to help the dozer deliver up to 20 per cent longer life between rebuilds than the D11.
Compared with the D11, Caterpillar said the D11 XE could achieve similar total operating hours with one fewer rebuild over the machine’s life, helping lower total cost of ownership.
The electric drive generator and motors are designed to last through two machine lives with only rebearing and resealing, reducing the investment required during every other rebuild. A modular design allows major components to be removed independently, helping streamline service and minimise downtime.
“Together, these design choices mean fewer service touches and more time available for productive work,” Mr Fischer said.
With no gears to shift, the D11 XE electric drive system simplifies operation. A dedicated drive motor at each track enables smoother, sharper maneuvering and helps operators push more material through the turn.
The D11 XE can be equipped with Cat MineStar solutions. Command for dozing offers multiple levels of remote control and semi-autonomous operation, allowing the operator to work away from the cab.
