Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals, one of Western Canada’s largest heavy equipment rental providers, is significantly expanding its ultra-class haul truck fleet. By the end of 2026, the company will operate 131 Caterpillar 797 units, following the addition of 45 new trucks and an additional 10 units already on order from Finning.

This growth directly supports the continued boom in oil sands, coal, and hard-rock mining projects across Alberta and beyond. To handle the increased demand, Heavy Metal is investing in infrastructure, including a new dedicated 100,000 square foot service center in Fort McKay, Alberta, focused exclusively on full-scope maintenance, major component overhauls, and field repairs for the 797 series. A second workshop in the Fort Hills area is slated for completion in summer 2026.

These massive haul trucks are critical assets, but their complexity means downtime can cost operations tens of thousands of dollars per hour. Specialized maintenance — including predictive diagnostics, hydraulic system repairs, and rapid component replacement — is essential to maximize uptime and equipment lifespan.

AE-PL Mechanical Services, with proven expertise servicing Caterpillar and similar heavy-duty mining equipment, provides complementary solutions: preventive and predictive maintenance programs, underground field support, and a flexible workforce of qualified technicians (including Red Seal Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians and Millwrights). Whether for short-term shutdowns or long-term site contracts, we help mining operators minimize production losses and maintain peak performance.