Next-gen Cat 785 mining truck unveiled

Cat’s dozers and excavators aren’t the only machines receiving Cat’s Next Generation treatment, with its 785 mining truck the latest to undergo a series of upgrades to future-proof it.

Cat said its Next Gen 785 mining truck enhances operator safety and performance, provides more intuitive and predictable operation, delivers faster and easier access to data, and streamlines maintenance to boost efficiency and lower costs.

“The 785 was Caterpillar’s first large mining truck, introduced in 1985. It’s fitting that the first Next Generation Cat mining truck is the new 785—designed to enable mining operations to optimise productivity today and tomorrow,” said David Rea, general manager of Cat Large Mining Trucks.

“Cat Next Generation mining trucks feature a flexible technology platform and optional configurations that help each mining operation meet their goals." 

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A brand new cab, designed for efficiency, has been equipped with hi-tech features such as a new integrated speed-coaching feature to give feedback on how to operate the truck productively. Truck responsiveness is enhanced through features such as the anti-lock brake system, dynamic stability control, enhanced traction control, machine speed limiting, hill start assist with anti-rollback, and cruise control. Additionally, a new Auto Hoist control reduces dumping time.

An improved payload monitoring system offers more accurate measurement and dipper counts, according to Cat, as well as enhanced overload detection and carryback calculation and reporting. The 360-degree surround view camera offers a full view of the working area.

Guidance information, machine data and electronics controls are consolidated into two touch screens, eliminating clutter. The spacious new cab features a walk-through sliding center console, increased legroom and new air filtration system for operator comfort. The new deluxe seat boasts leather upholstery; air-adjustable bolsters and lumbar support; heated and cooled cushions; dynamic dampening, and a 30-degree recline with thigh tilt and extension to accommodate operators of all sizes.

The Next Gen 785 is powered by Caterpillar’s 3512E engine offering selectable power options to match the speed of the fleet or to speed up cycle times. Two tyre options, 33R51 and 36R51 are available. The larger tyres allow a nominal payload of 142 tonnes.

The new 785 is available in multiple emissions configurations to meet different regulatory requirements around the world. The optional Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions configuration can improve fuel efficiency by as much as nine per cent, according to Caterpillar.

The new Cat 785 allows faster and larger data transfer through a two-wire ethernet. Each 785 is factory equipped with Cat Product Link cellular connectivity and offers options to communicate through dual-mode cellular 4G/LTE and satellite or local Wi-Fi networks.

The new telematics platform allows data to be stored and transmitted faster to locally hosted or cloud-based applications, such as Cat MineStar Fleet and MineStar Edge.

New remote flash and remote troubleshooting capabilities allow issues to be diagnosed easily and quickly for reduced downtime. Software updates can be scheduled so they do not interrupt production, and diagnostics can be done remotely while the truck is operating.

The 785 also features a new modular HVAC system that can be removed, serviced and replaced within an hour.

Production of the Next Generation Cat 785 Mining Truck will begin in the first quarter of 2021.