With their new adapter systems, Caterpillar manufactures a GET solution to meet almost any application. This is because Cat^® GET are designed with years of research into how components wear in real-world mining applications. Keep reading to learn more about your adapter options.

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Alt Text: Each of Caterpillar’s ground engaging tools for large wheel loaders are designed for different mine site conditions.  

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SINGLE STRAP ADAPTER SYSTEM

The single strap adapter — also known as a flush mount adapter — welds to the top of the GET base edge. With 20% additional weld strength, this adapter is well-suited for high abrasion applications such as granite and iron ore. The tip life is 300 hours or longer. Each single-strap adapter features a stepped spade base edge design with four leading tip positions. Caterpillar single-strap adapters are designed for 988 to 993 Wheel Loaders.

Single strap adapters also offer superior ability to maintain grade. You’ll benefit from more uptime and productivity on the mine site. Overall, this adapter offers great durability — the base edge has a thicker edge section to reduce cracks and breakage.

2-STRAP ADAPTER SYSTEM

Cat 2-strap adapters have a low-profile design, which provides more penetration than flush mount adapters. Abrasion resistant material (ARM) makes these adapters even more durable. And 2-strap adapters are available for 988 to 994 Wheel Loaders. Caterpillar offers two types of 2-strap adapters: 2-strap bolted or 2-strap welded adapters.

The 2-strap bolted adapter provides a tip life of 800 hours or longer. This adapter is matched to a rock bucket and includes:

• Straight base edge design

• All tip positions equal

• Utility performance

The 2-strap welded adapter is matched to the heavy-duty rock bucket and offers the best all-around performance. The tip life is 300 hours or greater and offers:

• Spade or stepped spade base edge design

• Two leading tip positions

• 34% of total tip materials below the bottom of the shrouds

HEAVY DUTY EXTENDED LIFE (HDXL)

Heavy Duty undercarriage is available for D9-D11 Dozers and 6015-6090 Hydraulic Mining Shovels. This undercarriage is specifically engineered for hard rock applications where impact levels range from moderate to high. With a Heavy Duty, you’ll benefit from up to 20% extended undercarriage life compared to Cat General Duty. Built for jobs that need a wear life of 5,000 hours or more, Cat Heavy Duty undercarriage stands up to handle harsh impact applications and powers through abrasive conditions.

MECHANICAL ADAPTER SYSTEM

The mechanical adapter — also called the MA3 adapter — is designed for 944 Wheel Loaders and rock buckets. This adapter improves jobsite safety due to hammerless installation and removal. The system uses a bolt-in wedge method to tighten a C-clamp. This means that the adapter is locked securely each time. Change times are reduced to less than 60 minutes as a result — 70% quicker than welded systems.

Due to this changeout, the MA3 adapter is ideal for mine sites with uncontrolled breakage and short life intervals. The MA3 is also ideal for mine sites that lack adequate welding capabilities. This can help lower operating costs. Full base edge protection reduces wear, and the wear cap shields the adapter. The full base edge protection of the MA3 adapter means reduced wear and lower operational costs.

PROTECTING THE BUCKET

All these purpose-built tips dig in with new levels of efficiency and productivity. But the rest of your bucket, especially the sides and bottom, need protection, too. Base edge end protection reduces wear on the sides of buckets and protects adapter corner welds.

Caterpillar offers base edge systems that extend the life of your bucket in harsh mining environments while reducing installation time. Butterbead is applied to the back side of the base edge and top strap of the corner adapter. This allows you to weld the edge onto the bucket without preheating, which cuts installation time by 30-50%.