Press Release
For Release Worldwide: September 2012
Release Number: 327PR12
Cat® 7495 Electric Rope Shovel builds on proven design with advanced cab
and optional HydraCrowd™ and LatchFree™ Dipper System
Efficient off-grid power supply coming in late 2013
The Cat® 7495 and 7495 HF Electric Rope Shovels have been enhanced with a state-of-the-art
cab and are available with HydraCrowd and the LatchFree Dipper System—all designed to boost
productivity through easier control and reduced downtime.
Additionally, Caterpillar is developing an off-grid power supply, a patent-pending technology
that reduces the amount of generator power required to run an electric rope shovel. The system
captures regenerated power from the shovel and uses it during periods of high power demand—
effectively reducing the maximum amount of power required from the generators. The
technology will enable mining companies to power the 7495 or 7495 HF with just 4 megawatts
of generator power, and, as result, to reduce fuel and maintenance costs significantly.
The 7495 and 7495 HF both have payloads of 120 tons (109 tonnes) and operating weights of
more than 1,500 tons (1360 tonnes). They are designed for 3- or 4-pass loading of ultra-class
mining trucks.
New cab enhances safety, efficiency and productivity
Designed and built in collaboration with ergonomics experts, shovel operators and other mining
professionals, the Cat shovel cab incorporates many improvements that enhance operator
comfort and safety.
The new cab is equipped with many features that help operators stay alert and productive over
long shifts.
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 Ergonomic operator seat. A fully adjustable seat with fully adjustable armrests and a
pneumatic suspension system reduce operator fatigue.
 Responsive, low-effort controls. Hall Effect joysticks with ergonomic handles and finger
touch control improve ease of operation and help minimize fatigue.
 Easy-to-read, intuitive display screens. Dual display screens are strategically located to
allow excellent visibility to the work area. Operators can adjust screen brightness and
contrast to suit individual preferences. Intuitive icons and logical navigation paths aid
operation.
 Low-glare interior and high-quality window blinds. All colors and surfaces used inside
the cab help minimize glare. Premium-quality blinds provide additional shading to
improve comfort and reduce fatigue.
 Automatic climate control. The new HVAC system automatically maintains the
temperature the operator selects.
 Low vibration levels. The improved support structure and vibration-damping cab mounts
provide a smooth ride.
 Low sounds levels. Insulated cab walls and rattle-free custom cabinets help quiet the work
environment.
 Extra amenities. Attractive countertops, spacious cabinets, a durable refrigerator and
space for a microwave create a work space that drives operator satisfaction.
The new operator seat location permits unobstructed vertical line of sight from crawler tracks to
boom point sheaves and helps create best-in-class left-side visibility. Work site visibility is
augmented further by a five-camera system that feeds to in-cab monitors.
A comfortable trainer seat positioned next to the operator provides an optimal view of the work
area, facilitates communication during training and allows easy access to the trainer’s emergency
stop button. An additional work station behind the operator provides a seat and desk area for an
observer. The elevated location permits unobstructed views of the digging environment and
operator station.
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Dual doors permit quick, easy entry and exit from the right side or the rear of machine. The flat
floor with no steps permits safer, easier movement throughout the cab, and adjustable LED lights
illuminate the work area.
These and other features make the cab on the Cat 7495 Rope Shovel a safe, comfortable place to
work productively, even during long shifts in inclement environments.
Hydraulic crowd system
HydraCrowd uses a hydraulic cylinder inside the tubular dipper handle to replace the
crowd/retract ropes. The system maintains all the benefits of the Cat shovel front while
eliminating the need for routine crowd/retract rope replacements. With a two-year major
maintenance interval, HydraCrowd enhances safety and cuts downtime by reducing the number
of maintenance events.
Reliable dipper door
The Cat LatchFree Dipper System is the solution to a major cause of rope shovel downtime–the
latch assembly. The LatchFree dipper eliminates the latch assembly, replacing it with a strong
steel link mounted to the dipper back. The system increases reliability by reducing unplanned
downtime and enhances safety by reducing the number of maintenance events required. It comes
complete with a comprehensive training program to ensure customers achieve maximum system
benefits.
Off-grid power solution
Caterpillar is developing technology that will permit mining companies to power the Cat 7495 or
7495 HF Electric Rope Shovel on just 4 megawatts of generator power. The standard practice
uses multiple generators with a total of 8 megawatts or more capacity to achieve rapid response
when peak power is required. Of course multiple generators increase maintenance and fuel costs.
Additionally, generator-powered electric rope shovels require additional systems to dissipate
regenerated energy, because they cannot feed electricity back into the power grid.
The Caterpillar off-grid power supply technology stores regenerative energy created during
swing deceleration and bucket lowering, and the system uses that power during periods of high
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demand to reduce the generator load cycle. The system enables a 4-megawatt generator to handle
a large electric rope shovel, and it reduces fuel consumption by employing regenerative energy.
This innovative technology, currently being validated at the Caterpillar proving grounds in
Arizona, is expected to be commercially available in late 2013.
For more information about the Cat 7495 and 7495 HF Electric Rope Shovels, go to:
mining.cat.com/products/surface-mining
###
CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the “Power Edge” trade
dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and
may not be used without permission.
©
2012 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved
Image Downloads
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Cat 7495 HF Electric
Rope Shovel with new Cat
shovel cab loads 797F
truck.
Interior of Cat shovel cab
on 7495 HF and showing
operator seat and trainer
seat.
High Res:
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Image Downloads
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Cat LatchFree Dipper
System on 7495 HF
Electric Rope Shovel.
High Res:
Cat HydraCrowd on
7495 HF Electric Rope
Shovel.
High Res:
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eServlet?imageId=C764365
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