In another win for Caterpillar’s diesel-electric drive LHD, the R2900XE, the first unit in Brazil has been delivered to Companhia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia (FERBASA), the Bahia state chromite miner and ferroalloys producer, which operates the Campo Formoso and Andorinha mines – Andorinha being the underground operation destination for the new machine.
This unit is also the first to be supplied with a Tier 3 engine configuration for the Brazil market. The machine has been delivered by Brazil Cat dealer Sotreq which says the R2900XE represents technological evolution; energy efficiency; robustness and reliability; as well as meeting the challenges of modern mining.
Thanks to a number of new and improved features, the R2900XE delivers a +20% increase in productivity compared to the R2900G, according to Caterpillar. It employs a high efficiency electric drive system and is powered by a quiet, reliable and durable Cat C15 engine.
In an online post, Teodoro Neto, Sotreq Product Support Consultant stated: “For Sotreq, this milestone reinforces our commitment to connect global innovation to practical application in Brazil, with support and support throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment. We continue to push underground mining to a new level.”
The R2900XE’s 18.5 t payload results in faster load times, making it a 3- or 4-pass match with the Cat AD63 truck for greater efficiency and higher productivity. Compared to the R2900G, it features 52% quicker acceleration and improved machine response, providing operators greater control over the machine. Plus it achieves 7% higher speed on grade.
The R1700-style lift arm can reach higher, making it faster and easier to load larger trucks, and improved hydraulic performance makes loading faster and easier. These improvements and more result in reduced cycle times, more material moved and lower cost per tonne. Autodig helps new operators be productive faster and reduces fatigue for all operators.
Productivity is enhanced through the R2900 XE’s hydraulic system. Variable piston pumps deliver higher flow rates for faster hydraulic cylinder cycle times and powerful lift forces. Large-bore lift and tilt cylinders deliver exceptional strength, performance and durability.
In addition to the two chromite mines, FERBASA operates two quartz mines in Tucano and Ipirá and a plant dedicated to the production of quicklime. These products along with the chromite are directed, almost entirely, to its Metallurgical Unit, located in Pojuca/BA, where ferroalloys are produced in 14 electric furnaces.
Source: im-mining.com
