Ultra-Class Haul Trucks (e.g., Caterpillar 797F) at UK Quarries
Various UK Quarries (e.g., Mountsorrel Quarry, Lafarge Tarmac quarries) · Ongoing · Not applicable for individual truck deployment; part of multi-million to billion-pound quarry operations.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe deployment of ultra-class haul trucks like the Caterpillar 797F in UK quarries is critical for maintaining high production rates and achieving low cost per ton. These machines are integral to the extraction of aggregates and minerals, supporting the wider construction industry. While specific named deployments of the 797F are not widely publicized for UK quarries, the presence of other large Cat equipment (like the Cat 395 excavator at UK quarries) indicates the use of such heavy machinery.
Key engineering challenges
Efficiently moving vast quantities of overburden and extracted materials. - Operating in harsh, dusty, and uneven quarry environments. - Optimizing fuel efficiency and maintenance for continuous operation.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Major quarry operators (e.g., Tarmac, Hanson Aggregates, Heidelberg Materials UK)
- Lead contractor
- Not applicable for individual truck deployment.
- Lead designers
- Caterpillar (for 797F)
- Project type
- new build | upgrade | vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- Payload capacity: up to 400 short tons (363 t) for 797F; Engine power: up to 4,000 hp.
- Disciplines
- mechanical; civil; mining engineering; logistics
- Standards & frameworks
- PUWER, LOLER, quarry safety regulations.
Sources: Caterpillar.com (https://www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/off-highway-trucks/mining-trucks/18093014.html) - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterpillar_797) - Earthmovers Magazine (https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/news/view,tarmacs-new-big-cat-completes-its-lineup-of-uks-largest-excavators-at-mountsorrel-quarry_1438.htm) - Finning Cat (https://www.finning.com/en_CA/company/blog/5-facts-you-might-not-know-about-the-797.html)