National Group expands fleet to six Cat D11 dozers

According to Mining News Pro - The machines will arrive in the coming months, adding to the Cat D11 dozer which is already working at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)’s Blackwater coal operations in Queensland.

According to National Group managing director Mark Ackroyd, the D11 is the industry’s best large dozer so it was a logical choice for the company to bring in six new dozers to add to its expansive fleet.

BMA is also set to commission the second D11 dozer at the Blackwater coal mine in the coming weeks.

The D11 will extend out component life from fuel burn to overhaul, along with load sensing hydraulics reducing fuel burn.

Caterpillar has developed this machine to ensure faster cycle times to produce more dirt at a lower cost per tonne.

Ackroyd said that the contribution the dozers would add to production and efficiency would boost overall performance on site.

“We expect to lower maintenance and repair costs by up to 5 per cent thanks to a new case and frame design, improved bearings, redesigned pin joints, and a 30 per cent larger oil pan,” he said.

Ackroyd said that the team prided itself on having the best equipment available for clients.

“Securing the first ever Cat D11 Dozer in the world is a testament to this,” he said.

“Cat machines and engines are widely recognised as premium products and known for superior quality and reliability.”

Hastings Deering mining account manager Jason Garea said Ackroyd was committed to innovation and technology.

“The D11 dozer has integrated technologies built into it, including terrain, which makes for more accuracy on job sites which will ultimately reduce rework,” Garea said.

“(Ackroyd) has lined up all six dozers to be fitted with the new reclamation blade, or XU Blade which takes it from a 34 cubic meter blade, to a 42.2 cubic meter blade.

“The best thing here, is that it still handles like a U-Blade and can go into the same applications. They are far, far more productive which reduces the cost per ton.”

Hastings Deering have had a long-standing relationship with National Group, with the two companies previously collaborating to implement and optimise semi-autonomous tractor system technology for multiple D11’s in a mining production environment.