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Cat’s 785D Water Truck targets efficient haul road dust management

Cat 785D Water Solutions Truck at work. (Image source: Cat)

Caterpillar has released the Cat 785D Water Solutions Truck, built on the proven Cat 785D truck platform, to help effectively manage haul road dust at mine sites

For a task that is paramount for the health and safety of workers on site, the latest release from Caterpillar combines technology with the Cat Water Delivery System (WDS) to offer a smarter way to maintain haul roads using less water. 

Featuring an integrated 121 133-l Cat water tank complete with spray system, splash guards, full chute and rock ejectors, the water truck solves overwatering and underwatering issues. The Cat MineStar Edge connectivity with basic and premium plans allows customers to select an option that fits the needs of the site and helps operators manage watering at the site more productively. 

The truck's AutoMode spray controls determine water coverage automatically based on the activated number of heads and truck speeds, offering a maximum water flow reaching up to 3,785 l per minute. Featuring exclusive variable active spray heads to regulate water spray and flow, the 785D delivers a waterflow rate ranging from 130 to 2270 l per minute per spray head. The spray system automatically controls the head opening to achieve AutoMode coverage or manual mode flow rate. Meanwhile, manual mode provides the operator the chance to set a constant flow rate.  

The Cat WDS is integrated into the 785D’s cab with the system continually adjusting waterflow during operation to achieve the desired coverage and flowrate. Featuring soft start-ups, the system’s water pump starts and stops automatically when the truck slows or stops to prevent overwatering and poor traction at intersections. The pump automatically turns off when the tank empties to prevent system damage from the pump running dry.

WDS system components include the water cannon, oil cooler, variable displacement pump, hydraulic oil tank, electronic control boxes and hydraulic motor/water pump. Water cannon operation is integrated into the cab’s joystick controls and can be discharged while idling to conserve fuel. Complete with auto shut-off to prevent overfilling, remote tank fill control enables the operator to remain inside the cab during refilling to reduce accidental slips and falls.

In order to monitor the fleet, MineStar Edge integrates with the WDS to collect and communicate truck data (such as truck location and utilisation, fuel and water levels, volume of distributed water, coverage area and waterflow rate) for managers. 

Built to deliver durable performance regardless of environment, the new release by Cat is fully supported by the extensive Cat dealer network.