Photo: Cat
The new Cat R2900 Underground Loader.

New Cat R2900 Underground Loader offers expanded emissions control options

June 21, 2019
The loader brings enhanced cooling and ease of service.

The new Cat R2900 Underground Loader offers configurations to meet the strictest diesel engine emissions standards, including those in Europe and North America, and it continues to deliver the high performance and 17.2-tonne payload of its proven predecessor. The new LHD leverages Caterpillar’s next generation design is to provide extended durability, serviceability, and the ability to use advanced technology for enhancing safety and productivity.

The R2900 is powered by the durable and fuel-efficient Cat C15 engine, available in several emissions configurations to meet the needs of mining operations around the world. The 6-cylinder engine is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled, and it produces 305 kW (409 hp) in standard configuration and 293 kW (393 hp) in EU Stage V compliant form.

Using the proven Cat Clean Emissions Module to limit both particulate matter and NOx to near zero, the R2900 is certified to meet EU Stage V and Canada’s CANMET standards. Other emissions packages are EU Stage IIIA equivalent/U.S. EPA Tier 3 equivalent, and Caterpillar’s Ventilation Reduction System, which offers the optional use of flow through or highly efficient wall flow diesel particulate filters for improved underground air quality.

The R2900 is available with high ambient cooling capability. The key component of the package is a high efficiency radiator, which features a modular design with individual tubes that can be serviced independently to reduce maintenance time. The radiator also is resistant to clogging and allows faster cleaning and longer service intervals.

The engine end frame design features new, simple structures that extend durability and accommodate modular components, which facilitate maintenance and repair. Remote axle and transmission coolers and filters enable easy access, and a single fuel tank replaces the dual tanks on the previous model. The new tank provides ground level access for refueling. The available brake release and tow hook allows disengaging the parking brake and hooking to the machine from the rear in the event the machine must be towed.

The in-cab display enables machine health monitoring through Cat Product Link Elite. The new system makes it easier to share data across multiple destinations. Scalable remote operation technology starts with the Cat line-of-sight console. Critical machine information is now presented on a display in the console. Additional MineStar Command technology enables tele-remote and semi-autonomous operation from a distant operator station.

A range of bucket sizes and configurations are available for the R2900 to match material characteristics and optimize productivity. With the introduction of Bolt-On Half Arrow ground engaging tools (GET) for bucket edges, Caterpillar now offers a complete range of Cat GET and bucket wear solutions for underground loaders—to enable optimizing the system for the application.

With a proven and reliable retention system, the bolt-on GET offer more wear material than standard weld-on GET, and the bolt-on design enables fast and easy removal and replacement. Despite additional wear material, the low-profile front edge eases pile penetration and promotes fast bucket loading.

About the Author

Fleet Owner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

Cristina Commendatore, Executive Editor

Scott Achelpohl, Managing Editor 

Josh Fisher, Senior Editor

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Eric Van Egeren, Art Director

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