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With the addition of the new 18M3 Motor Grader to the Cat lineup, mining opera- tions using trucks with capacities up to 190 tons can now choose the popular workhorse of the industry, the 16M3, or if more capability is required, the more pro- ductive 18M3. The new 18M3 features an average of 5% greater power in each gear as compared to the 16M3, and the grader is equipped with an 18-ft moldboard as com- pared to the 16-ft moldboard of the 16M3. The added blade length also can be used to grade with a more aggressive blade angle of about 8°. The increased blade angle reduces blade loading and combines with the additional power and weight and refined balance of the 18M3 for highly pro- ductive cutting passes. The 18M3 is equipped for mining oper- ations. Front axle and transmission guards protect key machine components against heavy debris and rocks, and all required provisions and brackets are in place to install most major fire-suppression systems without compromising machine compo- nents and structures. The fire-suppression- ready system complies with the guidelines of major system providers. It is powered by a Cat C13 engine, which uses an optimized variable horsepower sys- tem, designed to deliver optimum power in each gear for the operating situation. The engine is available in three configurations to satisfy global emissions standards. To enhance fuel efficiency, ECO mode limits engine speed to 1,900 rpm in working gears during light to moderate load appli- cations. This operator-selected feature maintains peak performance in lower gears and automatically disengages in gears 6F- 8F and 4R-6R. The Cat direct-drive, power-shift trans- mission, with eight forward and six reverse gears, uses the Cat advanced productivity electronic control strategy for smooth shift- ing and extended component life. The heavy-duty modular transaxle has a stan- dard automatic differential lock that engages and disengages as required. The hydraulic brakes use large discs and pistons to provide a high-dynamic braking torque, and a new manual brake wear indi- cator simplifies disc wear measurement, eliminating the need to remove the brake pods to check wear. The front frame is fabricated of continu- ous top and bottom plates, and the center- shift section is a heavy-duty steel casting that effectively distributes stress in this highly loaded area of the mainframe. The long rear frame uses two bumper castings and thick hitch plates for long-term dura- bility. The front axle is designed for extend- ed cylinder bearing life. Standard equipment for the 18M3 includes a ripper and front counterweight. The 18M3 features the Cat load-sensing hydraulic system with advanced propor- tional priority pressure compensating elec- trohydraulic valves. The system provides precise implement control and continu- ously matches hydraulic flow and pressure to power demands for added fuel savings and reduced heat generation. A full-color, touch-screen display allows monitoring machine performance, setting operating parameters (such as blade-lift modulation), and accessing service infor- mation for initial troubleshooting. The dis- play shows Cat grade control cross-slope (AccuGrade) readings, DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) level, and information pertinent to daily operation. The advanced-control joy- sticks allow easy control of AccuGrade sys- tems, and a keypad with lighted, one-touch buttons simplifies operation. Hardware for Product Link Elite, the Cat advanced telematics system, is standard and provides technologies for improved fleet management via the VisionLink online interface. New capabilities include a global 3G cellular network and lower-latency satellite connections. The standard rearview camera system provides images on the new information display or on an optional LCD screen above the rearview mirror. Also standard are the speed-sensitive steering and a seat belt indicator, which alerts the operator that the belt is not fastened and records the inci- dent as a fault code. The optional enhanced-access platform provides ladders, walkways and handrails for a second access path to the engine com- partment and cab, and an alternate config- uration provides enhanced access to the engine compartment. Grab handles and a non-slip step provide improved access to the tandem walkways when platforms are not ordered. French-door-type panels on the engine enclosure allow easy access to service points, and two large LED lights illuminate the engine compartment. Ground-level engine shut-off and electrical-disconnect switches are standard. The 18M3 also uses a new modular cooling package, which facilitates removal and installation of com- ponents in the cooling system. www.cat.com/18m3 Maintenance Management System Modular Mining Systems recently released its third generation maintenance manage- ment solution — MineCare 3. Since its introduction in 2003, the MineCare system has provided mine personnel with the 42 www.coalage.com January 2016 p r o d u c t n e w s Cat Introduces New Mining Motor Grader The Cat 18M3 motor grader offers a more aggressive blade angle.