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Mining trucks: the giants of open-pit haulage
Rigid-frame haul trucks carry up to 400 tonnes per load and are the largest wheeled vehicles in regular use. Here is how they work, how they are classified and which models dominate.
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Mining Trucks compared
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| BelAZ 75710 | BelAZ | — | — |
| Caterpillar 797F | Caterpillar | — | 2983 kW / 4000 hp |
| BelAZ 75131 | BelAZ | — | 1190 kW / 1596 hp |
| BelAZ 7555B | BelAZ | — | 515 kW / 691 hp |
| Hitachi EH5000AC-3 | Hitachi | — | 2013 kW / 2699 hp |
| Komatsu 930E | Komatsu | — | 2312 kW / 3100 hp |
| Liebherr T 284 | Liebherr | — | 3000 kW / 4023 hp |
Rigid-frame haul trucks (also called off-highway or mining trucks) move ore and waste rock in open-pit mines and large quarries. Unlike articulated dump trucks, they have a single rigid chassis and are designed for well-maintained haul roads, where their massive payloads give the lowest cost per tonne.
Payload classes
| Class | Payload | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Quarry | 35–100 t (40–110 US tons) | Cat 773/777, Komatsu HD465/HD785 |
| Mid-size mining | 100–200 t (110–220 US tons) | Cat 785/789, Komatsu 730E |
| Large | 200–290 t (220–320 US tons) | Cat 793, Komatsu 830E/930E |
| Ultra-class | 300–400+ t (330–440+ US tons) | Cat 797F, Liebherr T 284, Komatsu 980E, BelAZ 75710 |
Drive systems
- Mechanical drive uses a diesel engine, torque converter and powershift transmission. Caterpillar uses this approach across most of its range, including the 797F.
- Diesel-electric drive uses the engine to power an alternator; AC electric motors in the rear wheels drive the truck. Komatsu, Liebherr, Hitachi and BelAZ favour this approach, and it enables trolley assist, where trucks draw power from overhead lines on uphill ramps.
Autonomy and electrification
Autonomous haulage systems such as Caterpillar Command and Komatsu FrontRunner now run hundreds of driverless trucks in Australia, the Americas and elsewhere. Battery-electric and hybrid trucks are being developed and trialled by all major manufacturers as mines work to reduce diesel use.
Tyres
Ultra-class trucks run on 63-inch rim tyres about 4 m (13 ft) tall, each weighing several tonnes. Tyres are one of the largest operating costs and supply can be tight.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest mining truck in the world?
The BelAZ 75710, built in Belarus, has the highest rated payload at about 450 tonnes. Among widely used production trucks, the Cat 797F, Liebherr T 284 and Komatsu 980E carry around 360–400 tonnes.
How much does a mining truck cost?
Ultra-class haul trucks cost several million US dollars each, typically US$5–6 million or more depending on specification.
Hauling