Caterpillar unveiled its first next-generation rigid-frame dump truck at the Bauma construction equipment exhibition in Germany this week.
The 775 off-highway truck, weighing 71 tons, features a newly designed frame, improved suspension, and enhanced safety attributes such as 360-degree surrounding cameras and an obstacle-detection radar system. The truck may also be prepared for full autonomous functionality, with Caterpillar working on its MineStar Command system for the 775.
The truck is expected to be available in the market in 2026, with further announcements regarding the MineStar Command for the 775 to follow.
What’s New for the 775?
The new Cat 775 introduces what Caterpillar claims to be “an industry-first frame design.” This design reduces the truck’s empty weight, potentially allowing for larger payloads and enhanced fuel efficiency. Additionally, there is a 10% increase in body volume, which contributes to improved weight distribution and structural integrity compared to the previous model, the 775G. Notably, there is also 30% less welding compared to the 775G, enhancing durability and making repairs simpler. The truck is projected to have a lifespan of 40,000 hours.
Another significant advancement is a revamped suspension system that lowers the truck’s center of gravity. This new design is expected to minimize tire bounce and driveline vibration, providing a smoother experience for operators. Enhanced handling, a tighter turning radius, and the ability to achieve higher speeds on curves while driving in higher gears are also anticipated benefits, leading to reduced fuel consumption.
Powered by an 825-horsepower Cat C27 engine, the truck is engineered for improved fuel efficiency over earlier models and features advanced electronic powertrain controls for quicker cycles and less road maintenance.
The updated cabin offers larger windows, automatic climate control, and Caterpillar’s “next-generation deluxe seat.” Operators will enjoy a 360-degree view around the vehicle. Cat Detect utilizes cameras and radar technology to warn operators of hazards in critical areas around the truck, including the front, rear, and on either side during turns.
About Autonomy
Caterpillar has established itself as a leader in autonomous mining trucks. In December, it unveiled its first self-driving 777 rigid-frame dump truck designed for the aggregates sector, which runs on Cat’s MineStar Command system and is currently in operation at Luck Stone’s Bull Run Plant in Chantilly, Virginia. The company is designing the new 775 with future autonomous capabilities in mind.
“We are leveraging insights gained from our collaboration with Luck Stone, where we have MineStar Command installed on four Cat 777 trucks,” explained Denise Johnson, group president of Caterpillar Resource Industries. “Shifting our technology to the aggregates industry, where we are automating fewer trucks that don’t operate 24/7, is refining our approaches to manage smaller operations.”
Service Improvements
Caterpillar has outlined several enhancements for servicing and maintaining the 775, including:
- Extended-interval filters that provide ground-level access.
- Ground-level lockout features along with a serviceable suspension.
- A fire-suppression-ready design that simplifies system installation.
- “Remote Flash,” which allows instantaneous access to the latest software updates, with the option to schedule updates without disrupting production.
- “Remote Troubleshoot” enables dealers to perform diagnostics remotely while the truck remains operational.
Quick Specs
Caterpillar has released the following specifications for the next-generation 775: