Exploring the World of Caterpillar Trucks in the Oil Sands - A Fascinating Journey

🚛The 797B truck gets rebuilt entirely after 80,000 hours of operation, becoming essentially a brand new machine that could last another 20 years.

🔧The Finning facility in Alberta is responsible for rebuilding and assembling the 797 trucks, supporting the mines in the oil sands.

🌍The Caterpillar 798 AC is an electric drive truck designed specifically for working in soft, sandy conditions. It has no transmission and features a smaller engine that powers the electric drive system.

💯To maximize uptime, preventive maintenance is crucial. Components like tires and engines are replaced before failure, ensuring continuous operations in the demanding mining environment.

🚧Caterpillar trucks undergo regular maintenance, including engine replacements, tire changes, and washing to remove mud and sand buildup, which can cause carryback.

How long does it take to rebuild a Caterpillar 797B truck?

—A complete rebuild of a Caterpillar 797B truck takes approximately three months, turning it into a virtually brand new machine ready for another 80,000 hours of operation.

What is the purpose of the GPS antenna on the trucks?

—The GPS antenna on the trucks allows for precise location tracking, load monitoring, speed control, and optimized routing within the mine site.

Why are engines replaced before failure?

—Engines are replaced preventively to maximize uptime and reduce the risk of breakdowns, ensuring continuous operations in the demanding mining environment.

How often are undercarriages of Caterpillar trucks replaced?

—Due to the abrasive nature of the sand, undercarriages of Caterpillar trucks are typically replaced every six months to maintain optimal performance and prevent damage.

What is done to prevent carryback in the dump body of the trucks?

—To prevent carryback, especially in cold environments, warm exhaust gases are circulated through the dump body, keeping it heated and reducing material sticking during the loading process.

00:00Join us on an exciting tour of the Caterpillar facility in the oil sands, where we witness the rebuilding and assembly of the massive 797 trucks.

08:05Get a closer look at the Caterpillar 798 AC, an electric drive truck specially designed for soft, sandy conditions.

13:26Learn about the preventive maintenance practices employed by Caterpillar, including engine replacements and regular washing to remove mud and sand.