Primarily used for earthmoving in coal, civil construction or agricultural applications, the wheel tractor-scraper is being adapted for quarrying applications, courtesy of a global OEM.
With a field-proven, twin-power design to boost cycle times, the new Caterpillar 657 wheel tractor-scraper (WTS) elevates productivity and operating efficiency to deliver low cost earthmoving.
The WTS offers a seven per cent increase in fuel efficiency over its predecessor the 657G, meaning more material moved per unit of fuel burned, and improved on-board payload estimating accuracy helps optimise productivity. With a rated load of 46.4 tonnes, the 657 WTS features the largest open bowl scraper in the Caterpillar line-up, and now has a more spacious cab to boost operator comfort and efficiency in high volume earthmoving, highway construction and mining applications.
“This new 657 is the next generation of ultra-class material moving systems,” said John Gerhold, Caterpillar’s wheel tractor-scraper application specialist. “It delivers improved productivity, safety and technology, which our customers can use to strengthen their business today—and it is equipped to grow with them to meet tomorrow’s requirements.”
The 657 features on the go weighing through a payload estimator, allowing the new WTS to achieve 95 per cent load accuracy, so operators more easily reach target load goals. When working in colder climates, the unique auto-stall feature quickly brings the transmission to operating temperature at start-up, so the 657 goes to work faster.
A ground speed control function lowers fuel consumption by allowing the operator to set the desired top speed, and enabling the machine to find the gear that works best for the engine and transmission.
The two-engine design includes the Cat C18 powering the tractor and a Cat C15 in the scraper, both meeting stringent US EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards. The Advanced Productivity Electronic Control System (aka APECS) allows the machine to better utilise engine power and torque, resulting in more material moved throughout the shift. The transmission features Electronic Clutch Pressure Control, which improves shift quality and fuel efficiency. New hydraulic disc brakes improve braking performance and reduce maintenance.
Comfortable operation
Comprising a 21 per cent larger cab interior than the preceding model, the new 657 improves operator comfort and provides superior visibility to the bail, cutting edge and bowl. The air suspension comfort seat adjusts and rotates 30 degrees to reduce fatigue, while the new Advance Ride Management controls adjust damping to match ground conditions, resulting in a smoother ride for the operator. An automatic HVAC temperature control and defroster come standard for increased operator comfort. The new power access ladder enhances operator safety when entering and exiting the cab.
The new high pressure steering system requires less steering input, bolstering operator efficiency and productivity. An engine overspeed protection function automatically engages when the machine is in eighth gear, assisting in slowing machine speed when approaching engine limits. A new option on the 657 – Sequence Assist – automates many operator inputs each cycle to simplify machine operation.
Increased efficiency
The 657 tractor includes a new hydraulic on-demand fan that increases engine fuel efficiency. The machine also has draft arm overflow guards, which prevent material accumulation between the draft arms and bowl sides. Ground level access for fuel fill and all daily maintenance points increase service efficiency and safety to increase machine uptime.
Integrated Payload Estimator and Cat Product Link technologies provide real time payload, machine location, fuel usage and idle time information as well as diagnostic fault codes—all to significantly increase fleet management efficiency. A collective view of critical machine operating data is accessed via VisionLink® from any internet connection. My.cat.com links managers directly to their VisionLink® account and offers access to maintenance schedules, parts and service records, and warranty information.
For more information about the Cat 657, visit the Caterpillar Australia and New Zealand website – cat.com/EN_AU – or contact your local Cat distributor. •
Source: Caterpillar of Australia