Caterpillar LatchFree Dipper System for Rope Shovels

The Cat LatchFree Dipper System for rope shovels replaces the standard maintenance­intensive latch assembly with a steel link assembly mounted to the dipper back.

The key to the design is the geometry of the locking mechanism, Cat says. The arrangement makes it possible to locate the components away from the abrasive flow of material. The system has been designed for a service interval of 3,000 hours and is said to eliminate false trips—unplanned release of the dipper door—caused by dirt buildup or the need for shim adjustments. It is currently available for Cat Electric Rope Shovels with dipper capacities of as large as 65 cubic yards for 7495 Series shovels that meet machine configuration requirements.