Caterpillar engineers design machines for maximum uptime, improved productivity and lower maintenance costs. And a good operator will be able to do more in a day with a well-designed, application-specific undercarriage. Check out this video to learn more about the Cat^® undercarriage engineering process and keep reading to learn more about undercarriage design. 

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Video Title: Cat^® Undercarriage: Engineering and Design

Alt Text: Innovative engineering and design standards set Cat® undercarriages apart 

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THE VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER

Cat dealer and customer feedback plays a major role in undercarriage engineering. The undercarriage design team uses processes that ensure new products meet customer expectations. Examples include:

• Computer simulations

• Internal design tools and procedures

• Lab validations

• Design failure mode and effect analysis

Engineers also complete field trials at Caterpillar’s proving grounds and customer sites. These include machine fit-ups and system integration with the equipment. During these trials, Caterpillar engineers take measurements of structural and wear life. This extra care ensures that mining undercarriages can handle challenges on the mine site.

After all that, when it is time for new product introductions, you see the most advanced technology available. Every Cat undercarriage is designed to give you the most life, lowest cost per hour and highest productivity.

EACH MACHINE IS DIFFERENT

With mining equipment, the weight of the machine and the forces it puts to the ground are more severe than in any other application. It’s the ultimate test for any undercarriage. Caterpillar meets the challenge with designs specific to four different mining machine types, including:

• Dozers: You can choose from General Duty, Heavy Duty (scallop resistant) and Heavy Duty Extended Life (HDXL) undercarriages.

• Hydraulic Mining Shovels: Heavier track chains power the machine forward. Large diameter pins resist the forces trying to pull the drive links apart. And track chain life increases by 20-40% thanks to reduced pin extension wear.

• Electric Rope Shovels: Large diameter idlers reduce contact stress with the track link. Large track rollers and track roller tread also increase component durability.

• Rotary Drills: Cat Grease Lubricated Track extends service life while larger undercarriage parts provide reliability in extreme conditions.

CAT HDXL INNOVATION

There is no easy day for machines on a mining jobsite. Caterpillar engineers design each Heavy Duty Extended Life undercarriage for high-load, high-impact conditions. These beefed-up components include:

• DuraLink™: The patented, crowned rail surface of Duralink segments reduces the rate of drive sprocket scalloping by 50%. This design puts the steel where it’s needed most. Duralink segments are also manufactured with an increased depth of hardness to maximize wear life. And large diameter bushings with corrosion resistant coatings extend service life to 8,000 hours.

• Sleeve Bearing Track: Standard for D11 Dozers, Cat Sleeve Bearing Track is designed to operate at the higher speeds needed for mine site production. Careful design eliminates abrasion between the pin and bushing. The track design means longer service intervals between pin and bushing turns. Plus, track reseal maintenance intervals stretch out to 8,000 hours.