Cat has updated its 777E rigid hauler with improvements in power, torque and transmission control to improve productivity, reduce fuel consumption and drive down cost-per-tonne of material moved.
According to a statement by the construction equipment giant, the 2021 Cat 777E truck now offers the highest in-class payload of 98.2t, while the updates also include configurable Eco Mode operation for the Cat C32 engine to deliver increased horsepower and a 7% improvement in torque to increase hauling performance. Optimised fuel mapping of the engine and adaptive economy mode determine the most efficient operating point to improve the truck’s fuel economy.
Additionally, operators can select a variable engine derate from 0.5% to 15% in Eco Mode operation to further reduce fuel consumption — and the new automatic engine idle shutdown feature reduces fuel use and wear on engine components.
The updated 777E Truck improves productivity by up to 5% with a new Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy (APECS) system that enables better transmission and engine coordination for more efficient use of available engine power. The result is as much as 7% more torque delivered to the drive wheels for improved hauling performance, says Cat, while the new control system also provides smooth shifting for greater operator comfort.
The 777E now offers a second gear start when underfoot conditions and grade allow. The strategy enables the truck to reach optimum speed more quickly, lowers cycle times and minimises the number of transmission shifts. To save fuel, a new auto neutral idle feature shifts the transmission into a neutral-like condition when the truck is idling in drive. The transmission’s speed limit feature allows the machine to run at optimal gear for selected speed.
The 777E also features updates that elevate operator efficiency. A new gearshift lever with integrated hoist and park brake controls eases operation, and the auto hoist feature delivers controlled truck bed descent to prevent body slams and increase component life. A new touchscreen display features enhanced user interface options. delivering improved navigation through machine control systems. The new display allows operators to monitor key machine operating parameters, like tracking payload, as well as upcoming scheduled service intervals.
The new Truck Production Management System (TPMS) integrates strut pressure sensors and on-board computing and displays truck payload to the loading machine operator. The system helps attain the target payload. The Vital Information Management System (VIMS) system on board the new 777E allows operations to proactively manage machine health and production. Real-time machine performance, operating data and diagnostics are displayed on the in-cab monitor for easy viewing and troubleshooting. Integrated prognostics develop trends from cumulative collected operating data to help increase truck cycle efficiency.
A new Tonne-Kilometre (TKPH) feature helps ensure that truck operation falls within the operating range of the tires. The system monitors payload, speed and ambient temperature to calculate operating conditions, and the operator receives an audible warning when conditions exceed tire limits.
The updated 777E comes standard with Cat’s Product Link, offering either cellular or satellite reporting options to captures and report critical machine operating data – location, hours, fuel, etc. The data is sent to back to the main office through Cat’s VisionLink system, helping to improve productivity, truck utilization, safety and maintenance efficiency.
