More grunt, lower overheads for Cat 24 Motor Grader

Cat says its new 24 Motor Grader offers boosted performance, improved serviceability, lower operating costs, enhanced comfort and comprehensive safety features.

Designed for high performance construction and maintenance of mining roads to improve mining truck efficiency, the Cat 24 Motor Grader builds on the heritage of the brand's M Series motor graders, and features a 7.3-metre wide moldboard tailored for medium to large mines running trucks with payloads over 180 tonnes.

An innovative, modular design means components can be removed and installed quicker and easier, says Cat – in some cases, up to 70 per cent faster when compared to the 24M.

The new model is said to have optimized weight balance and 15 per cent more low-end torque, for better traction and consistent ground speed, while an 11 per cent increase in weight improves blade down pressure and tractive force.

The new model is powered by Cat's C27 engine with ACERT technology, and Cat says target rebuild life is prolonged by 33 per cent over the C18 engine. Service life of the lower power train is also said to be 33 per cent long, says Cat, significantly lowering service costs.

Modular design
The Cat 24 features a modular design that reduces downtime associated with the removal and installation of main components. For example, the transmission can now be removed up to 70 per cent faster than on the 24M. Maintenance intervals for the transmission, hydraulic filter and engine air filter, as well as service life for the transmission and rear axle fluids, have been doubled.

New front axle hose routings and guards protect steering components from external hazards and improve front axle durability and reliability. A standard transmission guard protects the drop box. Gear-slip detection protects the transmission by locking the gear out when slip is monitored.

In terms of safety, the Cat 24 features 15 strategically located tie-off points to protect service technicians when performing certain service operations. In addition to standard mini-platforms, walkways, grab handles and non-slip steps, an available Working at Heights package offers stable, secure handrails and handholds for enhanced safety when working around the engine.

The machine is Fire Suppression Ready, which allows for easy mounting and accommodation of most fire suppression systems. Additionally, a fire suppression system is available from the factory as an option.

The standard rearview camera improves visibility behind the machine, while forward and side machine visibility is enhanced through optional front cameras. Inside the cab, a new standard seatbelt indicator provides visual and audible alerts when the seatbelt is unfastened, and the system reports the event to the office.

Power and emissions
The Cat C27 ACERT engine offers a net power range from 399-518kW (535-694hp). Two configurations are available to satisfy most global emission standards – US EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV for stringent emission standards, and Tier 2/Stage II for less regulated countries.

The automatic power shift transmission uses the Cat Advanced Electronic Control Strategy (APECS) for smooth shifting, extended component life and improved operator comfort. Two electro-hydraulic joysticks reduce hand and wrist movements by up to 78 per cent over conventional lever controls, says Cat, further improving operator comfort and productivity.

The new touchscreen information display and keypad replace most of the three-position switches of the 24M design.

The new Cat 24 motor grader includes the latest technologies to protect the machine from potential operating or maintenance issues including engine underspeed/overspeed, transmission slip detect, articulation eStop, implements lockout and fluid monitoring.

Prior to starting, the machine performs a diagnostic of the coolant, engine and hydraulic oil levels and gives the Ok-to-start. While operating, the machine automatically monitors and alerts the operator of critically low fluid levels.

The Cat 24 is MineStar ready, and the machine comes standard with Cat VIMS and Product Link Elite, which delivers advanced machine operation reporting through VisionLink.

See you nearest Cat dealer for more information.

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