BUILDING on the robust and productive Cat 5110B, Caterpillar says the new 6015B Hydraulic Shovel delivers a productivity advantage over other 100-tonne shovels thanks to the most powerful engine in its class, a large standard bucket and payload capacity of 14.6 tonnes. It states that the design translates to fast cycles and a pass match advantage when loading trucks of 55, 65 and 90 tonne capacities.

The 6015B is equipped with a Cat C27 ACERT engine that provides 606kW of rated power. As with all hydraulic shovels the greater the engine power, the greater the digging power and the faster the digging cycles. The large, 8.1-cubic-metre standard bucket, outfitted with Cat C70 hammerless GET, further boosts production capability.

With the standard bucket, the 6015B is optimized to fill a Cat 773 truck in four passes, a 775 in five passes and a 777 in seven passes. The 6015B is currently available only in a backhoe configuration.

Cat says the 6015B is powerful and efficient. Caterpillar’s proprietary integrated engine control technologies, a boom float feature that regenerates boom oil for reduced engine demand, an oil cooling system that’s independent of engine cooling and regeneration of swing energy via its closed-loop swing system all increase fuel efficiency.

Cat automatic flow proportioning technology creates more efficient hydraulic pump utilization, reduced energy losses and increased fuel savings. Exclusive Cat Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating technology ensures that hydraulic flow is proportional, according to demands, so individual functions - boom, stick, and bucket - are automatically prioritized during simultaneous operations. This aids smooth, efficient operation and controllability. Pressure and flow compensation deliver only as much flow as needed. The result is reduced heat build-up and component wear.

The 6015B front is sturdy and strong, yet light enough to promote fast cycle times. The boom and stick utilize high strength steel and rugged castings that are joined and thermally stress relieved for optimum structural life and resistance to impact and wear in difficult digging conditions. Box section design provides superior rigidity and strength, and heavy duty castings are used in high load areas to add exceptional strength and durability.

A newly designed hydraulic filtration system has been incorporated into the 6015B. A separate kidney loop provides continuous filtration and optimum oil cleanliness at all times, ensuring consistent oil cleanliness for dependable hydraulic system performance.