The standard track pads on the Cat 6015B are 700mm in diameter and the machine has a ground bearing pressure of 16,3N/cm².
The Cat 6015B marks the transition point between Caterpillar’s largest ‘construction’ class hydraulic excavator, the Cat 390F L with its approximately 86 275kg operating weight, and the 140t 6015B backhoe which is the new entry level unit for the current Cat HMS range. A comparison of their respective payload capabilities provides a clear distinction in terms of their downstream roles: 9,6 tonnes for the Cat 390F L and 14,6 tonnes for the Cat 6015B.
“The 6015B backhoe is the next benchmark in terms of ergonomics and performance, with the most powerful engine in its class (606 kW) plus one of the largest standard heavy duty bucket offerings (8,1m³),” explains Wouter Kraan, senior product manager: mining shovels at Barloworld Equipment, the Cat dealer for southern Africa.
Barloworld says this combination results in a one-pass-better match per cycle advantage with Cat 773, 775, and 777 sized rigid off-highway mining trucks over leading competitors with equivalent sized load and haul combinations.
The 6015B comes to market with two engine options for ‘lesser regulated emissions’ standard countries, namely a Cat C27 ACERT Tier I or Tier II power plant.
The previous generation Cat 6015FS (Face Shovel) model will continue to be sold in diesel configuration for a limited period. However, the backhoe derivative remains by far the most popular customer choice for the southern African region.
It features Cat engine control technologies (for efficient fuel burn and power distribution), closed-loop swing and boom float valves and a new hydraulic filtration system. A separate kidney loop ensures continuous filtration and optimum oil cleanliness at all times, minimising the risk of progressive hydraulic power losses due to contamination.
Further efficiencies are achieved with Cat C70 hammerless GET designed specifically for the Cat 6015B. “In designing this GET system, Caterpillar took a production rather than a component focus to optimise performance across the entire machine,” Kraan expands.
The unit comes standard with connectivity to onboard Cat Connect technologies like MineStar, Vital Information Management System and Product Link.
Equipment Africa says: It is encouraging to note that commonality of components forms a key part of Caterpillar’s R&D strategy from life cycle costing and maintenance perspectives. On the Cat 6015B, for example, these components include Cat D11 track links (with Positive Pin Retention).
