Superior productivity. Improved lift breakout force and fast speeds. Reduced fuel consumption and heat generation. Lower maintenance costs.

These are just a few of the reasons why underground mines are choosing the Cat® R2900 XE— Caterpillar’s first diesel electric underground loader.

Built on the platform of the most popular Caterpillar load haul dump (LHD) models, the R2900 XE is highly productive with smooth and quick machine responses, improved digging and impressive tramming performance. It features a proven Switched Reluctance (SR) electric drive system that is Caterpillar designed, integrated, validated and supported.   

• The electric motor can operate at all ground speeds, ensuring the loader is always operating at the most efficient point possible.
• Electric drive components are sealed and liquid cooled, resulting in efficient and reliable operation in the most demanding underground applications.
• The electric drive powertrain leverages vertically integrated, proven and durable components, and each one is completely modular so internal components can be accessed quickly and efficiently to reduce downtime.

The R2900 XE employs a high-efficiency Switched Reluctance (SR) technology electric drive system, which delivers a number of benefits:

• Improved power and cycle times
• Continuous variable speed control
• Programmable virtual gear speed limits
• Torque on demand and seamless hydraulic performance
• Automatic retarding controls for maintaining speed on grade
• Anti-roll back features for operating on grade
• Neutral creep and coasting inhibitor
• Reduced service brake application
• Smoother directional changing, with no driveline or power train shock loads
• Programmable speed management, allowing improved operator efficiency and reduced fatigue

The R2900 XE leverages the successful design base of the Cat 988 XE electric drive wheel loader. Caterpillar has spent years testing and validating the drive system and building knowledge and expertise that continues to grow through ongoing field testing in a variety of applications. Caterpillar engineers have also developed innovative testing methods, like an advanced endurance testing that can put a lifetime of stress on a single component in a short amount of time. The result is the next generation of robust, durable electric drive systems.