WITH a versatile, flexible design offering efficient operation for a range of tasks, the new Cat 6015 hydraulic mining shovel boasts significant design enhancements that are said to increase machine uptime, operating efficiency, and improve durability and serviceability, resulting in higher annual shovel output and delivering low cost-per-tonne operation.

‘We’ve given the new 6015 class-leading tool carrying capacity and heavy-duty undercarriage protection to deliver reliable and productive operation in the most demanding conditions,’ explained Ryan Mitchell, hydraulic mining shovel product value stream manager for Caterpillar.

‘With its 14.6-tonne (16.1-ton) bucket payload, the shovel provides proven pass match efficiency with Cat 773, 775 and 777 haul trucks operating in the 55- to 90-tonne-class (61- to 100-ton-class) range. It delivers flexible and productive loading efficiency across a full spectrum of applications, including mining, aggregate quarrying, heavy construction, and industrial.’

Meeting the needs of the global market, the shovel’s 615kW (824hp) Cat C27 engine delivers class-leading power and features a new maintenance-free, non-selective-catalytic-reduction aftertreatment solution that does not require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet US EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards.

Rather than delivering a fixed amount of oil at high idle, the shovel’s new-generation pilot pump configuration offers variable, on-demand hydraulic oil flow based on control lever movements. In periods of simultaneous machine movements, the pump increases flow, and when joysticks are returned to neutral, oil flow decreases. This lowers system heat generation, reduces component wear and improves fuel efficiency by a minimum of 5.5%.

A new Cat Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating (PPPC) hydraulic system increases operator efficiency by varying hydraulic flow directly proportional to joystick movements for smooth, predictable operation.

Caterpillar’s unique four-pump system found on the 6015 dedicates three pumps to implement and travel and one to swing. Pressure and flow compensation deliver only as much flow as needed. When flow is required by more than one function, automatic flow proportioning delivers precise multifunction operation.

Boom-lowering float valves provide faster movements by using gravity, rather than hydraulic pumps, to lower the boom and increase efficiency, allowing the pumps to support other functions simultaneously. Improving energy efficiency while generating less heat, the 6015’s closed-loop swing system feeds captured swing motion kinetic energy back to the system during deceleration, providing more power to drive the main and auxiliary pumps.

Retrofittable to previous designs, a new heavy-duty undercarriage protection package features long-life components and frame to increase machine uptime. Heavy-duty idlers and rollers plus improvements to track pads, track tensioning, and wear volume add to increased undercarriage durability and reliability.

The 6015’s new standard bucket linkage autolube system eliminates the need for manual lubrication. For smooth operation and increased durability, the new slew bearing incorporates a triple roller design. A capacity increase for the new standard grease tank provides 500h service intervals.

Improved hose routing on the new 6015 leads to increased durability over previous designs, and hoses can be quickly built to length by the Cat dealer, elevating machine uptime. The innovative design shares parts with other Cat hydraulic shovels, leading to reduced inventory levels for customers with multiple machines.

The new shovel connects to standard Cat MineStar Solutions with new Product Link Elite through either a cellular or satellite connection, and MineStar Health offers expanded condition monitoring and reporting to fleet operations. Cat Electronic Technician (ET) allows service technicians to effectively diagnose and execute engine maintenance and monitor new pilot pump system pressure.

The Cat 6015’s design affords easier access to the engine compartment, superstructure components and ground-level service station for safer and more streamlined serviceability. Wide, anti-slip walkways with limited elevation changes, minimized trip hazards, and an optional powered 45

stairway provide safe and improved access, egress and movement about the shovel.

For latest industry news, jobs events and articles direct to your inbox

Agg-Net is the ‘go-to’ website for key decision makers within the aggregates and recycling industries.

General commentary, market reports and industry features provide an independent and informed voice for the industry.

Agg-Net is the official digital partner for Hillhead, providing unrivalled coverage of our June event.

© The QMJ Group Ltd 2025. All Rights Reserved

7 Regent Street

Nottingham

NG1 5BS

United Kingdom