Cat introduces new hydraulic shovel

Caterpillar introduced its new 6020B hydraulic mining shovel to a gathering of journalists and customers at the company’s proving grounds in Tinaja Hills, Ariz., near Tucson.

Featuring a standard 15.7-cu.-yd. bucket and 24-ton payload, the unit is well suited for high-volume aggregate operations, in addition to mining applications. The Cat 6020B is a brand new model in the extensive line of Cat hydraulic mining shovels. The clean-sheet design features a 247-ton operating weight and teams with the Cat 777G off-highway truck for optimized loading and hauling.

“Voice-of-customer drove the requirements of the machine,” says Anita Russwurm, product introduction manager for the 6020B. “Every decision, every design detail was based on the hundreds of comments we received during our customer research,” she says.

The 6020B features a new, state-of-the-art cab and operator station with high visibility provided by the large floor window and expansive windshield and side windows. Unrestricted lines of sight to the crawler tracks and pit floor aid the operator when repositioning the shovel and when loading trucks.

Modular construction with a walk-through power module enables easy access to components and superior serviceability. Additionally, modular design facilitates shipping and field assembly of the 6020B. The single-engine configuration also simplifies maintenance. The 778-kW (1,043-hp) Cat C32 ACERT engine powers advanced hydraulics.

The 6020B also features an automatic lubricant system to reduce service time and to help ensure durability. The hydraulically driven pump supplies grease to the swing bearing, the swing gearbox bearing and all pivot points of the attachment. The 6020B is configured as a backhoe and delivers improved digging forces for high productivity.