Caterpillar dealer WesTrac has opened a new Technology Experience Centre in Tomago, New South Wales, to showcase the latest Cat products and technology in mining and construction.
The education and training facility features a dedicated Remote Operator Station, where customers can remotely operate a Cat 320 Next Generation Hydraulic Excavator, which is in the on-site WesTrac dig pit.
The station can also be used to remotely operate other Cat machines ranging from Mini Excavators and Skid Steer Loaders to large mining equipment such as Dozers and Drills.
The new Technology Experience Centre features the latest 3D printing solutions and exhibitions of cutting-edge technology such as Cat MineStar, which can be used in precision machine control and guidance, automation, remote operation, fleet health optimisation and fatigue monitoring.
Cat MineStar Command, designed for both construction and mining applications, enables remote-control operations right through to the full automation of machines, providing customers with a number of operational benefits.
WesTrac and Caterpillar have successfully deployed Command for drilling through a partnership with Thiess, which saw a world-first for Caterpillar with the successful remote operation of three drill rigs by a single operator.
The centre demonstrates the potential use of WesTrac and Caterpillar’s technology in a variety of operations in an effort to boost site safety, productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. It also adds a new element to the suite of information already available on owning and operating Cat equipment, WesTrac said in press release.
The new facility is backed by the WesTrac Training Institute, which offers accredited and post-trade training to both customers and team members, including operator training for the effective operation of Cat equipment using the latest technology systems.
Adrian Howard, WesTrac’s CEO for NSW/ACT, said the new Technology Experience Centre aligns with WesTrac’s commitment to helping customers in the mining and heavy construction industries to deploy better technology into their fleets.
“We want our customers to walk away from the Technology Experience Centre feeling confident about using technology to deliver improved safety and productivity outcomes to their operations,” Howard said.
“Importantly, we want them to understand that these technologies are readily available, they can realise the benefits of them immediately and we’re there to assist them with deployment and continued support.”
