The new 777G comes with a host of new high-tech upgrades over the previous model.
The Cat 777G off-highway truck features enhanced performance, production and fuel efficiency in the 100-ton (91 t) size class. The 777 was first introduced by Caterpillar in 1977 and has proven to be a workhorse for mining and large earthmoving customers. The 777G replaces the 777F and delivers greater levels of production and fuel efficiency as well as enhanced safety, operator comfort and service convenience.
The 777G achieves greater production with 7 percent more torque powering work and new transmission controls that produce quick haul cycles with automotive quality shifting. The production increases are balanced with new fuel saving strategies that include configurable economy settings as well as an adaptive economy mode that automatically optimizes fuel consumption based on the user’s production baseline. Fuel savings also are realized behind the scenes through features such as auto neutral idle and APECS transmission controls where the truck becomes more fuel efficient at idle in a forward gear and when climbing grades. Customers can choose to engage features like engine idle shutdown and speed limiting to further improve fuel savings.
In addition to its fuel efficiency, the 777G is quieter and produces fewer emissions. Caterpillar is introducing its U.S. EPA Tier IV Final solution on the 777G in advance of the effective date of the regulation, which provides customers an opportunity to advance their sustainability goals. The solution is both simple and robust and includes engine technology combined with diesel oxidation catalysts. It requires the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and low ash engine oil, but requires no additional maintenance or operator input. For operations outside of areas regulated by the U.S. EPA, the 777G reduces emissions with Tier II or EU Stage II equivalent technology and fuel efficiency.
Caterpillar has enhanced braking and traction control for G Series. Hydraulic oil-immersed disc brakes are now standard on all four corners of the truck. The system design increases slope holding capability and provides fade resistant, responsive braking performance. Design updates extend brake component life by increasing the force used to disengage the brakes. The optional Cat engine brake can extend service brake life and integrates with automatic retarder control, enabling fast downhill travel and reduced cycle times. The new parking brake system actuates the front brakes as well as the rear for solidly holding the truck on a slope. In addition to brake performance updates, the traction control system on the 777G is now able to differentiate between tire spin and high speed turns so it now can activate at lower speeds. The system now uses the hydraulically applied service brakes for improved response time and modulation from one wheel group to the other.
The 777G also features new designs to enhance the safety and comfort of operators and maintenance personnel. The access system is wider, low effort and convenient with new hand rails promoting three points of contact. Inside the cab, the operator experiences 50 percent less sound compared to the previous model. The Cat comfort seat is Series III with vibration reducing technology and a three point restraint system. It is highly adjustable and promotes all-day comfort as does a new foot rest and automatic temperature control. The left side window is electric, and like the windshield, features laminated glass for safety. Emergency egress is available through the hinged window on the right side.
Object detection comes standard on the 777G. Using a combination of radars, an in-cab display and multiple cameras, object detection provides equipment operators with enhanced awareness for increased site safety. The 777G also offers tire monitoring through use of payload values from the truck production monitoring system and data such as air temperature and truck speed to calculate the load placed on tires. As tires approach their rated load-speed rating, a warning is given and customers can choose a course of action, including slowing down or reducing payload.
Maintenance is quick and convenient with ground level service centers for both electrical connections (located on the front bumper) and fluid fill. The optional fluid fill center provides access to all fluids from one centralized location. It includes a lighted keypad with level indicators giving operators instant information on what needs filling. Additional fluid level monitoring is available to the operator in the cab. Caterpillar is extending its hydraulic oil filter service intervals to 1,000 hours, reducing customer life cycle costs.
Next Generation Cat Transmission Controls
The 777G introduces the next generation of transmission control strategies from Caterpillar. Advanced productivity electronic control strategy or APECS provides greater productivity at better fuel rates with torque shift management that allows the truck to carry more momentum up grades. Drive train durability profits from next generation electronic clutch pressure control, and APECS further provides outstanding shift quality for a smooth ride.
Tier IV Final Emission Controls Transparent to Operator
New emission control strategies enable the Cat C32 engine to meet Tier IV Final emissions regulations in the USA and Canada. The strategy includes the Cat NOx reduction system and two diesel oxidation catalyst canisters, one for each bank of cylinders in the “V” configured C32. Working in combination with ACERT, the Cat NOx-reduction system diverts a small volume of cooled engine exhaust back to the combustion chamber. The result is reduced cylinder temperatures and reduced NOx formation. This NOx reduction system takes full advantage of the cleaner, less corrosive properties of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and low ash engine oils to maintain service intervals and component life. The two diesel oxidation catalyst canisters trap residual hydrocarbons in the exhaust. This 777G Tier IV Final strategy is transparent to the operator and does not require additional service for the machine.
For more information, visit www.cat.com.
This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.
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