Caterpillar Launches New Cat 6015 Hydraulic Mining Shovel

Caterpillar has launched its Cat 6015 hydraulic mining shovel, with improved fuel efficiency, durability and reduced routine maintenance.

A new pilot pump system features variable hydraulic oil flow and is designed to deliver a minimum of 5.5% fuel savings. The machine also adopts a new triple roller slew bearing, which is positioned as more durable than the previous design. In addition, a standard bucket linkage autolube system removes the need for manual lubrication.

Caterpillar says the new 6015 offers “class-leading” tool carrying capacity and heavy-duty undercarriage protection to support reliable, productive operation in demanding conditions.

The shovel is specified with a 14.6-tonne (16.1-ton) bucket payload. According to the company, this supports pass match efficiency with Cat 773, 775 and 777 haul trucks in the 55- to 90-tonne-class (61- to 100-ton-class) range. The 6015 is presented as suitable for a range of applications, including mining, quarry and aggregate, heavy construction, and industrial work.

The Cat 6015 uses a 615 kW (824 hp) Cat C27 engine with a maintenance-free aftertreatment solution that does not use selective catalytic reduction and does not require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards. Two alternative engine configurations are available for regions with lower emission standards: one meeting China Nonroad Stage III (equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 2) and a second optimised for fuel consumption, with emissions equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 1.

A new generation pilot pump configuration provides variable, on-demand hydraulic oil flow based on control lever movements instead of a fixed output at high idle. Flow increases during simultaneous machine movements and decreases when joysticks return to neutral, lowering system heat generation and component wear while improving fuel efficiency by a minimum of 5.5%.

A Cat Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating (PPPC) hydraulic system varies hydraulic flow in direct proportion to joystick movements for smooth, predictable operation. The four-pump system dedicates three pumps to implement and travel functions and one to swing. Pressure and flow compensation deliver only the flow required, with automatic flow proportioning supporting multifunction operation.

Boom-lowering float valves use gravity to lower the boom for faster movements, allowing the pumps to support other functions simultaneously. A closed-loop swing system feeds captured swing kinetic energy back into the system during deceleration, providing more power to drive the main and auxiliary pumps while improving energy efficiency and generating less heat.

A new heavy-duty undercarriage protection package is designed to be retrofitted to earlier configurations. It combines long-life components and a long-life frame, with heavy-duty idlers and rollers, plus changes to track pads, track tensioning and wear volume aimed at improving durability and reliability. For harsh mining conditions, the front attachments use high-strength steel and castings that are joined and thermally stress-relieved to extend service life and support production targets.

Revised hose routing is intended to improve durability, and hoses can be built to length by the Cat dealer. The design also shares parts with other Cat hydraulic shovels, a move intended to reduce inventory requirements for fleets operating multiple machines.

For fleet connectivity, the shovel links to Cat MineStar Solutions via Product Link Elite using either cellular or satellite connections. MineStar Health adds expanded condition monitoring and reporting to fleet operations. Cat Electronic Technician (ET) supports diagnostics and engine maintenance, and enables monitoring of the pilot pump system pressure.

Service access is also a focus. The layout provides easier reach to the engine compartment, superstructure components and a ground-level service station. Wide, anti-slip walkways with limited elevation changes and minimised trip hazards are paired with an optional powered 45-degree stairway to improve access and egress around the machine.

Caterpillar Launches New Cat 6015 Hydraulic Mining Shovel published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.