Caterpillar is preparing to expand its range of underground loaders by introducing more machines that utilize the same innovative “architecture” technology as the Cat® R2900 XE diesel-electric LHD. This move follows Caterpillar’s continued success in selling underground loaders to mining customers.
The R2900 XE, built on the foundation of the popular R2900G model, features optimized lift arm geometry and load-sensing hydraulics, offering a 35% increase in breakout force compared to its predecessor. The loader has an 18.5-tonne payload capacity, powered by a switch reluctance electric drive system paired with a Cat C15 diesel engine that delivers up to 335 kW of power. With about 30% greater fuel efficiency than the R2900G, the R2900 XE benefits from lower engine revolutions per minute (RPM), which help reduce fuel consumption, heat, noise, vibration, and emissions.
This model has already seen wide adoption in the mining industry. In Australia, it is in use at mines operated by Gold Fields, Westgold Resources, and MMG. Newmont recently ordered nine R2900 XEs for its Subika gold mine in Ghana, while Centamin has added at least one unit to its fleet at the Sukari mine in Egypt. In Canada, Alamos Gold acquired two R2900 XEs for its Young-Davidson mine, and Cementation Americas deployed the model at New Gold’s Rainy River project in Ontario.
Building on the momentum generated by the R2900 XE, Caterpillar plans to introduce additional models with the same architecture. This approach follows a similar pattern as seen with the introduction of XE technology in the 988 XE wheel loader. The XE platform, which also includes a battery-electric version in the form of the R1700 XE, offers significant design flexibility, enabling variations in power sources, including diesel, hybrid, and fully electric options.
Machines that are currently diesel-only, have not undergone recent updates, and have large numbers in the field are likely candidates to receive the XE platform technology in future developments.
In terms of hybridization, while there are no immediate plans to combine electric drivetrains with small diesel engines and onboard energy storage in Caterpillar’s load and haul equipment, the company is considering the potential of adapting its Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system, which is currently used in surface haul trucks, for underground applications. This system is designed to transfer energy to large mining trucks and charge batteries while operating at higher speeds on grades, providing an energy-efficient solution that supports both near-term and long-term sustainability goals.
By using off-board energy sources to support hybridization, the DET system allows machines to benefit from hybrid elements without the complexities of onboard power management systems.
