Next-gen Cat 6060 steps up efficiency, safety, durability

According to Mining News Pro - The Cat 6060 features updated engines, optimised hydraulics, heavy duty structures and undercarriage, Cat electronics and a state-of-the-art cab.

The twin Cat 3512E engines are designed for high-performance and fuel-efficient operation, with the updated design boosting reliability and extending the time between overhauls by 10 per cent.

Fuel efficiency has improved by 10 to 15 per cent compared with previous face shovel models and 3 to 5 per cent for the backhoe configuration.

Operators also enjoy reduced maintenance needs with engine oil and filter change intervals doubled, to 1000 hours.

The new shovel is also fully integrated into Caterpillar’s product support systems for efficient Cat dealer services.

With a 600-tonne class capacity, the shovel’s bucket payload is around 61 tonnes per pass, in both face shovel and backhoe configurations.

The 6060 is a four-pass match with the Cat 793 mining truck and a five-pass match with the Cat 794 AC mining truck.

The undercarriage and slew rings have also been updated to maximise productivity and provide a lower cost per tonne.

The upgraded cab can be heated and ventilated and has two additional seats, a full-size seat and laptop desk for a trainer and fold-up seat for an observer, this three-seat design being the first in this class of shovels.

The 6060 also monitors operating data through sensors located throughout the shovel, which records faults and gives audible and visual notification of any issues to the operator and it comes ready to accept Cat MineStar Solutions technologies, to enhance safety, efficiency and reduce operating costs.

As well as the next-generation diesel powered 6060, Caterpillar also offers the electrically powered 6060 AC face shovel (FS) for mines that are optimised to house such machines.