A pioneer in mining and metals, Rio Tinto has become the first company in Australia to guarantee a lease of the 994K, which has become the top customer choice in its size class for over 25 years.
After Decatur arrived in Perth from the Caterpillar® manufacturing facility in Illinois, the wheel loader began pre-assembly by WesTrac at its Reid Road facility on February 17. From there, the oversized cargo was disassembled for transport from Perth to the Pilbara and final assembly was done on site at Marandoo and handed over to Rio Tinto to begin work in early May.
Cat large wheel loaders are known as "best in class" for their sheer size and durability that ensures maximum availability across multiple lifecycles. The 994K does not disappoint with a net power of 1,297 kW, an operating weight of over 240 tonnes and a bucket capacity range of 19.1 – 24.5³ for hard rock conditions (up to 43.6 m³ for soft rock), making it the largest in the world it does. wheel loader currently manufactured by Caterpillar.
CAT 994K Wheel Loader
“With optimized performance and simplified serviceability, the 994K allows mine sites to move more material more efficiently and safely at a lower cost per tonne,” says Mark Ackroyd, Managing Director of National Group.
“They are ideal machines for large mining companies like Rio Tinto to maximize their efficiency and productivity and reduce the level of ongoing maintenance required.”
Geoff Bailey, WesTrac Managing Director of Sales, commented on the company's longstanding relationship with National Plant and Equipment and the machine's impressive capability.
“WesTrac has worked closely with NPE for over seven years and we are proud to continue to support the business with industry-leading equipment and technology.
“The 994K can lift large loads even in harsh conditions and load a matching Cat 789 or 793 haul truck in five to six passes respectively. It is a highly productive option for our WA mining customers.”
With many businesses and industries coming to a standstill due to COVID-19, National Plant & Equipment continued its 'unstoppable' ways, led by CEO and Managing Director Mark Ackroyd.
“The 994K is Caterpillar's newest and largest model of its kind and one of the largest wheel loaders in the world. There are less than ten of them in Australia right now, so we're very excited to have a brand new model and see it work with one of our key customers. We are very confident that it will meet and exceed expectations.”
