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Cat to launch first electric underground load haul dump truck

Cat plans to unveil the R1700 XE LHD battery electric vehicle later this year to encourage safer underground mining conditions.

The Cat R1700 XE’s electric design delivers no engine heat or exhaust emissions while offering a top speed of 18 kilometres per hour.

According to Cat, the R1700 XE is part of the vision for an all-electric mine and can also allow underground sites to have less dependence on ventilation systems.

“There is a need for a clean and safe working environment underground, which currently requires installation and maintenance of complex and expensive ventilation systems for clearing exhaust emissions,” Cat stated.

“With less emissions from the machines like the new Cat R1700 XE, mines can reduce the dependency on these ventilation systems.”

The R1700 XE is the first zero emissions product in its underground hard rock mining load haul dump product line and also features remote operation capabilities.

Cat also plans to unveil its MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger alongside the R1700 XE LHD at MINExpo in September.

The MEC500 can charge the R1700 XE to full capacity in less than 30 minutes using a single charger or less than 20 minutes using two chargers.

Cat has designed the MEC500 to be moved via towing, fork truck or the R1700 XE, allowing for fast and safe charging by eliminating the need for regular battery handling and swapping.

The MEC500 features ISO2867 rockfall protection and IP66 rating for water and dust protection. Its key components are isolation mounted against vibration or seismic activity, with the charger also sealed against humidity within enclosed spaces.

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