The world's largest mining truck, a Caterpillar 797B, and the first Bucyrus 495HF rope shovel were officially commissioned at the Muskeg River oil sands mine on Oct. 1. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Albian Sands Energy, Bucyrus International, Bucyrus Canada, and Finning (Canada).
The new 400-ton trucks were designed specifically for the oil sands environment, and the fleet will eventually number 23 units. They boast a mine-specific body design and a 3,500-hp-plus drive system. They were supplied by Finning.
Albian Sands will use three of the Bucyrus shovels, which combine field-proven components and systems. The shovels have a bucket capacity of 100 tons and can load a 797B truck in four passes.
The manufacturers will provide full service and repair support for their machines at the mine site. Go to www.bucyrus.com and click on "Products" for a look at the 495B shovel.
Comments