Cat manufactures 40 000th large dozer

In October, representatives from Caterpillar Inc., Finning Canada and Teck Resources Ltd (Teck) gathered in East Peoria (Illinois) to celebrate the milestone of the 40 000^th Cat large dozer rolling off the production line. Core to Caterpillar’s global identity, the current Cat large dozer line includes the D9, D10 and D11 models.

Commenting on the importance to Caterpillar of the 40 000^th large dozer milestone, Greg Hepler, Product Manager for large dozers, said: “Caterpillar transformed the track-type tractor with the introduction of the suspended undercarriage with elevated drive sprocket. This innovation, along with a long history of others, enabled Cat large dozers to set the standards for efficiency, productivity and durability. These iconic machines continue to define who we are and play a key role in building a better world.”

Denise Johnson, Caterpillar Group President responsible for Resource Industries, handed the keys of the 40 000^th large dozer to Louis DeLuca, Teck Director of Supply Management, during the ceremony held on 25 October. The celebration included employees in Caterpillar’s Building SS, where all 40 000 Cat D9, D10 and D11 dozer models have been manufactured. For more than 10 years, Teck has been one of the top customers in the world for Cat large dozers. The 40 000^th large dozer, a 225 000 lb (102 058 kg) D11T, will operate in the Elk Valley near Sparwood, British Columbia, where the company produces steelmaking coal at five mines.

“This milestone is important, not just because of the sheer number of Cat machines sold, but also because it represents the many long-lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships established with customers like Teck,” Hepler said. “We are honored to celebrate this achievement with Teck, and we are grateful that their Elk Valley mines have counted on Caterpillar, Cat equipment and their dealer, Finning Canada, to help them reach their production goals since 1992.” 

The world’s second-largest seaborne exporter of steelmaking coal, Teck currently operates a fleet of Cat dozers, each of these high-production machines logging up to 7000 operating hours each year in the mines. Teck’s newest D11T will be used for production dozing, dump area support, mining shovel support and haul road development.

“We are very proud to celebrate this milestone with Caterpillar and our long-time customer Teck, as the D11T is a true workhorse in the fleet of products we service and sell, heavily relied on and highly valued by our mining customers,” said Allan Potzold, Branch Manager at Finning Canada, for the Elk Valley region.

“We look forward to providing leading-edge service and innovative solutions to our customers to keep their equipment on-line and operating at peak performance and are honored that the 40 000^th dozer will be put to work here in the Elk Valley.”

The milestone D11T is equipped with a Cat C32 engine, producing 850 hp (634 kW) and capable of moving up to 900 loose m³ of material per hour. Even in Teck Coal’s demanding, high-production application, the efficient powertrain ensures the material is moved at a lower cost per ton. Its rugged mainframe is designed for multiple rebuilds and lowest total cost of ownership. A host of standard and optional Cat technologies, including VIMS™ 3G, Automated Blade Assist, Enhanced Auto Shift and Advisor Monitoring System, increases operating efficiencies, advances safe operation and lowers costs.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/26102018/cat-manufactures-40-000th-large-dozer/