Caterpillar's Cat 797F large mining truck is now available in a fuel efficient configuration that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Through more than 16,000 hours of successful pilot machine operation and 100,000 hours of production truck operation in Tier 4 configuration, the system has proven its ability to deliver strong performance and greater fuel efficiency compared to the Tier 2 797F in most applications.
The 797F Tier 4 Final is equipped with an exhaust after treatment system featuring selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to lower NO x emissions. This Cat emissions platform is proven through more than 20 million operating hours in the field. To maintain superior reliability, the 797F after treatment system uses less than 11% new content. Designed for easy serviceability with readily accessible components, the modular after treatment system is aligned with truck preventive maintenance intervals to maintain high availability.
The best-selling truck in the 363-tonne size class, the 797F is powered by the 2,983-kW Cat C175-20 engine, available with optimized fuel maps for customers focused on the lowest fuel burn, Tier 2 equivalent rating, and now Tier 4 Final. Known for delivering class-leading payload and speed-on-grade performance, the 797F delivers the same production performance in Tier 2 and Tier 4 Final configurations.
Beyond offering similar performance, the Tier 4 Final 797F reduces total specific fluid consumption costs (fuel plus DEF) in most applications. Lower fuel burn results in longer engine life and lower repair costs.
Field evaluations of the low emissions 797F included a wide range of applications, including oil sands, deep pit copper, iron ore and coal. The trucks exceeded production targets and demonstrated strong engine performance in all applications, including sites with extreme ambient temperatures as well as some with altitudes greater than 4 877 metres.
This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal.