What can be noticed in the last several years, is that these machines are getting bigger and more powerful, capable to complete various mining tasks quickly and efficiently. The following text will highlight some of the largest mining machines which are currently used on the mining sites all over the world.
Terex Bucyrus RH400 Hydraulic Shovel.
Another amazing drilling machine that is used for complex and large-scale mining projects is the Terex Bucyrus RH400 hydraulic shovel. With weight of around 1000 tones, this shovel is the largest machine in this mining machine category. The engine of this powerful machine creates power of 3360kW, making it capable to dig 50-60 cubic meters of ground with a single scoop.
BelAZ's 450 Tonne Haul Truck.
Presented on the market in 2012, the 450 tonne haul truck from BelAZ is the largest mining dump truck that can be seen on the mining sites. Powered with two diesel engines and 16 cylinders, this haul truck ensures strong performance and it is capable to move around the mining site with maximum of 65km / h. It is described as extremely durable truck, designed with low alloyed steel made parts and welded frame structure. For increased maneuverability and flexibility while moving around the job site, this intensive truck is designed with eight wheels. The BelAZ's 450 tonne haul truck is currently used in the coal mines in Siberia.
Komatsu D-575A-3 Super Dozer.
Komatsu is a well-known manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. The D-575A-3 super dozer is the largest bulldozer that can be found on the mining sites. This dozer was introduced on the market in 1991, and since then it has been used for large-scale mining projects where large amount of ground needs to be moved from one place to another. With weight of around 150 tonnes, the super dozer from Komatsu is capable to move approximately 75 cubic meters of ground with a single pass. When fitted with a larger blade, the D-575A-3 can move up to 100 cubic meters of ground.
Metso Lokotrack LT200 Mobile Crusher.
With weight of around 368 tones and with capacity to crush around 2268 tones of materials per hour, the Metso Lokotrack LT200 mobile crusher is the largest crushing machine in the world.
LeTourneau L-2350 Wheel Loader.
With a Guinness World Record for its powerful performance and amazing abilities, the L-2350 wheel loader from LeTourneau is the definitely the king of all wheel loaders. With large 40 cubic meters metal bucket, the L-2350 wheel loader is capable to carry and handle around 70 tons of various materials.
Bucyrus 4250-W Dragline.
The largest walking dragline ever built was the Bucyrus 4250-W. Known by the name "Big Muskie", this intensive machine was built in the mid 60th ,,, and was the largest machine for that time. The construction process took nearly two years, and the final costs in today's terms were approximately $ 160 millions. The Big Muskie weighed 12 000 tonnes, and was designed with a large bucket that had capacity of 180 cubic meters. Used heavily for more than two decades, this monster of a machine shifted around 470 million cubic meters of ground. However, due to its large operational costs, the Big Muskie stopped working in 1991. In 1999, the machine was completely dismounted and the parts were used for construction of other heavy-duty machines.
Bagger 293 Mining Bucket Excavator .
The Bagger 293 mining bucket excavator is definitely one of the largest mining machines ever built. This digging monster, also known as Man Takraf RB293, was designed and presented on the market in 1995, and since it is used for the most demanding and challenging mining projects all over the world. 225 meters long and with weight of around 14 000 tonnes, the Bagger is like the robots from the blockbuster movie Transformers. Typically, five people are required to operate this intense excavator . Each operator is responsible for a specific set of functions and controls. The main bucket is 20 meters in diameter, and it is consistent of additional 20 smaller buckets. With such unbelievable configuration, the Bagger excavator is capable to dig approximately 250 000 cubic meters of ground in a single working day.
Herrenknecht EPB Shield S-300 Borer.
A very interesting fact is that Herrenknecht is known as the manufacturer of the largest borer in the world. The EPB Shield S-300 monster borer was used for the construction of some of the largest and largest tunnels in the world. It weights around 4364 tonnes, and it is designed with a central cutting wheel which is 7 meter long in diameter. It is a better and safer safe alternative than the underground blasting, since only a few operators are needed to monitor and control the whole drilling operation.