Cat^® BucketPro Eliminates Mining Bucket Guesswork

When it comes to mining bucket ground engaging tools (GET), there’s no room for guesswork. The Cat® BucketPro app provides accurate data you can use to help cut costs and boost efficiency.

Estimated read time: 3 minutes

BREAKING OUT OF THE T-LAR TRAP

Ever heard of the “T-LAR Method”? It’s a well-worn, satirical military term. The acronym stands for, “That looks about right.” The T-LAR Method was essentially informed guesswork.

The T-Lar Method can be a tempting way to deal with problems, but it’s not going to help in the long run when it comes to managing a mining operation. When you consider how much it costs to replace ground engaging tools (GET) on the digging end of an essential machine like a Cat^® hydraulic mining shovel, you know that taking even a well-educated guess can be a risky (and costly) venture.

You can cut out that guesswork and feel confident about the status of your GET when you use the Cat BucketPro app.

The app tracks wear trends, long-term cost analysis and much more. With all that information, you and your Cat dealer can make sure you’re getting the most out of your customized Cat GET and Bucket Customer Value Agreement (CVA).

TIMELY, COST-EFFECTIVE INFO ABOUT MINING BUCKETS

At its core, BucketPro is an easy-to-use, app-based inspection tool. It helps you boost productivity and cost efficiency by giving you the information you need about GET and mining bucket life.

Every good mine manager and machine operator knows that sharp bucket teeth deliver easier penetration and faster loading. On the other hand, worn teeth and edges can rob you of a serious chunk of productivity.

Plus, any time you push GET beyond its useful life, you risk damaging the bucket itself — damage that can cause fit and reliability concerns, resulting in unplanned downtime. The cost of all that lost production and extra maintenance will quickly (and vastly) outrun the cost of smart GET maintenance.

WORKS ON ANY SMARTPHONE OR TABLET

The good news is that BucketPro is as easy to use as a paper inspection form, and, in fact, easier in a lot of ways. Start by working with your Cat dealer to set up your site and fleet within the BucketPro app. Then your crew can use any smartphone or tablet to record and submit the results of regular GET inspections.

You’ll get instant, on-site reports that show percentage worn, future changeout dates and urgent action needs. You can also see average life of all GET components for a given machine.

Once your inspection data is sent, you can go online to calculate costs and view production trends for each inspected bucket. You’ll also be able to generate monthly bucket cycle summaries that show performance trends as measured by cost per ton, cost per hour, productivity and average GET life.

PLAYS WELL WITH A CVA

Timely information helps you make the most of a Cat CVA. BucketPro delivers exactly what you and your dealer need to know to manage GET needs within your CVA.

BucketPro works with your CVA to make sure you always have the right GET components on hand. When replacements are needed, you’ll have what you need ready to go. BucketPro reports also help you plan for bucket rebuilds and minimize unpredicted repair and replacement costs.

BucketPro lets you leave the “T-Lar Method” behind for good. It helps you turn information into focused, effective action. And that can eliminate a lot of potential SNAFUs down the road. (SNAFU is another military acronym, but you’ll have to look that one up yourself.)

Contact your Cat dealer to get started with BucketPro.

STEP UP YOUR BUCKET CARE WITH A CVA

Customize a Customer Value Agreement (CVA) so you can manage ground engaging tool (GET) life.

CHECK OUT CVA OPTIONS

CONNECT WITH YOUR CAT® DEALER

Find out more about how your dealer can support your mining operation and keep your jobsite moving.

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