The CAT mining loader is the world’s most famous mining vehicle. It is available in a wide range of sizes and mechanisms. Fucheng LHD scoop trams are the best alternative to these vehicles. This article will highlight the most popular CAT underground loaders and their alternatives.
A mining loader is a heavy-duty machine whose main job is to scoop loose materials. Thus, people often call it a scoop tram, too. The working principle of a scoop tram is simple. It scoops up ores, gravel, or dirt from one place and carries them to another. In mining, it transports ore to the dump truck or conveyor belt.
A mining loader uses a hydraulic system to lift heavy ore. It either uses diesel or electric engines to move here and there. Both Fucheng and CAT mining loaders have these features. The article will introduce some of their popular models that you can choose from.
Introducing CAT Mining Loader Types
CAT is a very famous brand. It makes a lot of construction and mining equipment. The company was founded in 1925 as Caterpillar Inc. in California, USA. Their products include mining loaders, cranes, hydraulics, and other power systems. CAT machines are famous for robustness and reliability.
A CAT mining loader may have four versions: compact, small, medium, and large. Each Version has unique advantages and uses.
The compact size typically offers buckets from 0.6 to 3.5 m3 and power from 42 to 121 HP. This CAT mining loader is suitable for small-scale mining jobs. As the name suggests, this vehicle’s central part is compact to accommodate tight underground spaces.
The small CAT wheel loader has a bucket size of 1.9 to 5 m3, similar to a small car’s trunk. Its engines offer power ranging from 170 to 188 HP. These vehicles are mostly suitable for mid-sized mining tasks.
On the other hand, the medium-sized CAT mining loader has bucket sizes from 2.99 to 17.2 m3. It can hold up to 24 tons of gravel or 20 tons of dry soil. These vehicles usually come with an engine power of 249 to 404 HP. Finally, the large one ranges from 11.5 to 43.5 m3 of bucket sizes. You can only use it for large-scale mining jobs.
Popular Cat Mining Loaders
Among many models, there are a few that got customers’ attention. These models are the CAT R1300G, CAT R1600G, CAT R1700G, and CAT R2900. In the following, you will get some ideas about these vehicles.
CAT R1300G
This CAT mining loader has a 157 HP engine and a payload capacity of 7.5 tons. Its bucket is 2.5 to 3.4 m3 or 3.2 to 4.4 yd3. It is 9107 mm x 1900 mm x 1560 mm, weighing 29702 KG. The recommended clearance for this cat underground loader is 3000 mm x 2800 mm. If your cave or underground tunnel is less than this size, you can’t use CAT R1300G.
The interesting thing about this model is its size. It is one of Caterpillar’s smallest mining loaders. According to Rig Sales Australia, CAT R1300G will cost $400,000 in 2024.
CAT R1600G
This CAT mining loader has a 248 to 268 HP engine and a payload capacity of 11.25 tons. Its bucket is 4.8 m3 or 6.3 yd3. It is 9955 mm x 2400 mm x 2311 mm and weighs 29800 KG. The recommended clearance for this cat underground mining loader is 3500 mm x 3000 mm. It has an articulation feature, which means you can turn it at a 42.5-degree angle.
CAT R1700G
This CAT mining loader is bigger than the two models mentioned above. It has a 353 HP engine and a payload capacity of 15.4 tons. Its bucket is 4.6 to 8.8 m3 or 6.0 to 11.5 yd3. It is 10746 mm x 2650 mm x 2648 mm and weighs 38500 KG. The recommended clearance for this CAT mining loader is 4000 mm x 4000 mm.
This CAT mining loader is suitable for projects of average size. It can be used in underground tunnels, open pit works, and construction applications.
CAT R2900
This giant CAT mining loader is capable of performing severe mining operations. However, it is not suitable for small-scale or large-scale mining jobs.
This CAT mining loader has a 449 HP engine with a payload capacity of 20.4 tons. Its bucket size is 7.4 to 9.8 m3 or 9.7 to 12.8 yd3. It is 11320 mm x 2938 mm x 3016 mm and weighs 78089 KG. The recommended clearance for this CAT mining loader is 4500 mm x 4500 mm.
The interesting thing about this model is that you can get diesel and electric features.
CAT 3000 Underground Loader
This model is the biggest one on this list. It has a 401 HP engine with a payload capacity of 22 tons. Its bucket size is around 8.9 m3 to 11.6 m3 or 11.6 to 15.2 yd3. It is 11493 mm x 3200 mm x 2744 mm and weighs 58 263 KG. The recommended clearance of this CAT mining loader is 5000 mm x 4500 mm.
This model comes with a giant size and bucket. It is suitable mainly for large projects and bigger tunnels.
Looking for an Alternative? Choose Fucheng LHD
If you are looking for an alternative, this section can greatly help you. Fucheng LHD is also a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. The company produces mining loaders with bucket sizes ranging from 0.6 m3 to 6 m3. They also make other mining equipment, like drilling and scaling jumbos.
Most Fucheng LHD mining loaders come with a DEUTZ engine, a German brand that can provide high power. The cabin on this loader is also big and comfortable for operations. Most importantly, all these mining loaders offer an articulated system.
Fucheng LHD offers you the best alternative to the CAT mining loaders. You can get alternatives, especially for small and medium-sized mining loaders. The simpler design and lack of redundant parts make them a cost-effective solution. The following three models can be the best alternatives for CAT mining loaders. Let’s check them out.
Diesel Scooptram FCY J-4D
This underground mining loader has a capacity of 8 tons with a bucket size of 4 m3. It is 9718 mm x 2319 mm x 2390 mm and weighs 25.5 tons. The engine power is 190KW or about 254 HP.
The FCY J-4D is ideal for mid-sized to large-scale underground mining tasks. Its specification mainly balances the power and capacity. This model can replace the CAT R1600G. Indeed, FCYJ-4D is a more reliable and cost-effective solution.
Disel Scooptram FCY J-3D
This underground mine loader has a capacity of 6 tons with a bucket size of 3 m3. It is 8665 mm x 2174 mm x 2300 mm and weighs 17.6 tons. The engine power is 150 KW or approximately 201 HP.
The FCY J-3D is ideal for small—to mid-sized mining jobs. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in narrow underground tunnels. This model can replace most CAT compact-size underground mining loaders.
Disel Scooptram FCY J-2D
This unique model from Fucheng LHD is perfect for small-scale mining jobs. FCY J-2D is also compact. This means the mining loader can fit into narrow tunnels.
The FCYJ-2D underground mine loader has a capacity of 4 tons and a bucket size of 2 m3. It is 7300 mm x 1500 mm x 2050 mm. mm. The engine power is 84 KW, which is approximately 112.6 HP.
Smaller Fucheng LHD mining Loaders
In addition to the above three models, Fucheng LHD offers more smaller options. Mining loaders range from 0.6 m3 to 6 m3. Besides, you also have options for diesel engines and electric engines. Based on your project requirements, you can make the right choice. However, these mining loaders are suitable for small to mid-sized mining jobs.
Which is Better? Why Should You Choose Fucheng LHD?
You are now familiar with Fucheng and CAT mining loaders. When choosing between these, you must consider several factors. You must know the upsides and downsides of each brand.
For instance, the CAT mining loader has a robust construction. It comes in many sizes, but it is mostly bigger. CAT machinery offers many features you may need during underground mining.
These giant underground mining loaders are primarily suitable for small—to large-scale jobs. However, a CAT mining loader can be two to three times more expensive than other brands. In addition, they are not suitable for working in small tunnels.
On the other hand, Fucheng LHD has a compact design. The bucket size of these mining loaders ranges from 0.6 to 6 m3. These loaders are suitable for small to mid-sized mining jobs. Fucheng LHD also has various other reasons why you should choose them.
- Fucheng LHD mine loaders are small and perfect for working in tunnels.
- They need less fuel, which means you can enjoy high efficiency.
- One of the best sides of the Fucheng LHD machine is its cost-effectiveness.
- Fucheng LHD mining loaders have a simple design. They are easy to maintain and repair if necessary.
- They are strong enough to deal with all types of scooping jobs underground.
- The high-quality German engine and American DANA ensure the vehicle’s long life.
- Fucheng mining loaders are also suitable for various construction jobs as well.
Final Thought
In our discussion, we talked about two popular brands of underground vehicles. They both have some benefits and limitations.
You are now familiar with both the Fucheng and CAT mining loaders. When talking about CAT mining loaders, you have a few benefits: (1) They are strong and durable. (2) It is equipped with advanced features. (3) It is suitable mainly for large-scale mining tasks.
However, CAT mining loaders also provide a few limitations: (1) They are more expensive than any other brands. (2) The CAT mining loader is unsuitable for small-scale mining operations.
Fucheng LHD vehicles are also robust and durable. Their underground mining loaders are suitable for small—to mid-sized mining jobs. Most importantly, they are significantly cheaper than the CAT mining loader.
Ready to choose? Contact us today for more information.
