Announced last year and, after extensive field te sting, soon to be commer cially available, the 6020B is designed for simplicity and reliabi lity without compromising safety. "Voice-of- customer drove the requirements of the machin e. Every decision, every design detail was based on the hundreds of comments we received during our customer research," explains Anita Russwurm, New Product Introduction Manager for the 6020B. "While revi ewing this customer input, three common themes emerged. Customers wa nted a machine that is safe, simple and reliable. That’s what we designed and what can be seen throughout the machine."
The 6020B features a new, state-of-the-art cab a nd operator station with cl ass-leading visibility provided by the large floor window and expansiv e 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. The innovative cab desi gn also includes two additional seats for a trainer and an observer. The three- seat cab design is the first in this size class of shovels.
"All the mining company operators working with our three test machines — in three different countries — adapted to the 6020B ve ry quickly, regardless of thei r previous experience on other equipment," says Steve Maloney, Caterpillar Op erator Trainer. "The three-seat cab design allowed me to train two operators at the same time, making operator training more efficient.
And the elevated trainer’s seat provides an unobs tructed view of the digging area, which is crucial when training operat ors on new equipment."
Designed for high production and easy service
Modular construction with a walk-through power module enables easy access to components and superior serviceability. Additionally, m odular design facilitates shipping and field assembly of the 6020B. The single-engine config uration also simplifies maintenance. The 778- kW (1,043-hp) Cat C32 ACERT engine powers advanced hydrau lics, which deliver industry- leading system efficiency.
Innovative, patent-pending dedicated pump-flow allocation technology governs hydraulic pump utilization to reduce energy losses and increase fuel savings. Additionally, dedicated pumps move hydraulic oil through the cooling circuit when needed to maintain optimum oil temperature and keep the machine working even in the most demanding climates and applications.
"This is a flexible, fast machine," says Real Moreau, Assistant General Foreman, Rosebel Gold Mine, Suriname. The mine has been testing a pre-production version of the 6020B. "It gives us high performance and provides the production we want. Cost effi ciency, fuel efficiency, full power — this is what we get from the 6020B."
The 6020B also features an automatic lubricant system to reduce service time and to help ensure durability. The hydraulically driven pum p supplies grease to the swing bearing, the swing gearbox bearing and all pi vot points of the attachment.
The 6020B is configured as a backhoe and delivers superior digging forces for high productivity. It handles a standard bucket si ze of 12.0 cubic meters (15.7 cubic yards). Cat MultiPlus rock buckets are suited for standard ro ck and soil applications, and high abrasion rock buckets are more heavily guarded for use in dense rock and aggressive digging conditions. A coal bucket also is available. Cat hammerless bucket teeth are designed specifically for the 6020B and op timize performance. A simple 180-degree turn locks and unlocks each tooth for safe and fast installation and removal.
