Top 10 Mining Monsters – What is the Biggest Dump Truck in the World
The mining world runs on massive equipment that moves mountains of material every shift. Ultra class haul trucks represent the pinnacle of heavy equipment engineering, combining enormous payload capacity with sophisticated drive systems and diesel engine power measured in thousands of horsepower. These biggest mining dump trucks define what's possible when moving material at scale.
- 1. BelAZ 75710 — The Biggest Dump Truck in the World
- 2. Caterpillar 798 AC — Electric Drive Excellence
- 3. Caterpillar 797F — Mechanical Drive Champion
- 4. Komatsu 980E-5 — Latest Innovation
- 5. Terex MT6300AC — American Ultra Class
- 6. Liebherr T 284 — Next Generation Power
- 7. Liebherr T 282C — Weight Efficiency Leader
- 8. Komatsu 960E — Japanese Engineering Excellence
- 9. BelAZ 75604 — Extreme Climate Specialist
- 10. Caterpillar 795F AC — Electric Drive Pioneer
- The Evolution of Mining Giants
- Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison: Leading Ultra-Class Mining Dump Trucks
| Model | Payload Capacity | Gross Engine Power | Drivetrain Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BelAZ 75710 | 450 tons | 4,600 HP (Dual Engines) | Siemens AC Electric |
| Caterpillar 797F | 400 tons | 4,000 HP | Mechanical Drive |
| Liebherr T 282C | 400 tons | 3,750 HP | Litronic Plus AC Electric |
| Caterpillar 798 AC | 372 tons | 3,500 HP | Cat AC Electric |
| Komatsu 980E-5 | 363 tons | 3,500 HP | AC Electric |
| Liebherr T 284 | 363 tons | 4,023 HP | Litronic Plus AC Electric |
1. BelAZ 75710 — The Biggest Dump Truck in the World
Reigning supreme is the BelAZ 75710 — unquestionably the biggest dump truck in the world. Introduced in 2013, this Belarusian giant hauls a staggering 450-ton payload capacity, equivalent to 500 automobiles in a single load.
The dimensions astound: 20.6 meters long, 9.87 meters wide, and 8.16 meters tall. Drivers sit seven meters above ground commanding views across entire mining operations. With 360-ton empty weight, the truck reaches 810-ton gross weight when fully loaded.
Power comes from two MTU DD16V4000 sixteen-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines, each producing 2,300 HP for combined 4,600 HP output. This dual-engine setup drives a Siemens MMT 500 AC electric drive system distributing power smoothly across terrain.
Unlike standard haul trucks using six tires, the 75710 employs eight massive 59/80R63 radial tires in a doubled two-axle configuration. This distributes enormous weight more evenly, reducing ground pressure and enabling operation on softer surfaces. The 268 cubic meter heaped body capacity moves massive material quantities while reaching a maximum speed of 64 km/h.
Four-wheel hydraulic steering provides surprising maneuverability with a 19.8-meter turning radius. The advanced electromechanical transmission with AC electric drive offers exceptional control managing the truck's mass on steep haul roads.
Fuel consumption reaches approximately 1,300 liters per 100 kilometers — but calculated per ton moved, efficiency compares favorably to smaller trucks making multiple trips. The price ranges from $6 to $8 million, yet mining operations can replace multiple smaller trucks, reducing fleet size, maintenance costs, and operator requirements.
The world's largest dump truck became a Belarusian cultural icon, even appearing on commemorative stamps. First production units entered service in Kuznetsk Basin, Siberia, proving capabilities in the world's harshest mining environments.
To optimize massive mining operations and reduce fleet maintenance costs, operators must carefully weigh the efficiency gains of ultra-class haul trucks against their high capital cost, which ranges up to $8 million per unit. Transitioning to these giants allows operations to replace multiple smaller vehicles, but achieving maximum productivity depends on selecting the right drivetrain — such as highly controllable AC electric drive systems for steep grades or high-torque mechanical drives — and ensuring a matched loading setup that fills the truck in exactly five passes to minimize cycle times.
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2. Caterpillar 798 AC — Electric Drive Excellence
Caterpillar's largest electric drive mining truck, the Caterpillar 798 AC launched in 2019 with 372-ton payload capacity and 624 metric ton total weight. The Cat C175-16 sixteen-cylinder diesel engine produces 3,500 HP driving a completely Caterpillar-designed AC electric drive system.
Standing 7.7 meters tall, 15.6 meters long, and 9.2 meters wide, the 798 AC features 276 cubic meter body capacity perfect for oil sand operations. Its empty weight of 231 tons and massive 7,571-liter fuel tank enable full-shift operation in demanding Canadian and Australian mines where its electric drive provides superior control on steep grades.
3. Caterpillar 797F — Mechanical Drive Champion
The Caterpillar 797F stands alone as the world's largest dump truck with mechanical powertrain. Offering 400 tons (363 metric tons) payload capacity, this beast features Cat's C175-20 ACERT twenty-cylinder diesel engine producing 4,000 HP gross power through pure mechanical drive rather than diesel-electric systems.
The seven-speed planetary powershift transmission connects directly to drive axles delivering responsive power. Measuring 15.69 meters long with 623,690 kg gross weight, the 797F rides on four massive Michelin 59/80R63 XDR tires, each 4.028 meters tall. Its 252 cubic meter body capacity and oil-cooled braking system deliver exceptional performance in mines worldwide.
4. Komatsu 980E-5 — Latest Innovation
The Komatsu 980E-5, introduced in 2019, represents Komatsu's newest ultra class offering with 363-ton nominal payload capacity. Its SSDA18V170 eighteen-cylinder diesel engine produces 3,500 HP paired with advanced AC electric drive maximizing fuel efficiency.
With 250 cubic meter body capacity, the 980E-5 features an enhanced cab design meeting latest ISO standards. The optional KomVision system uses six cameras and eight radars creating 360-degree visibility. Payload Meter IV tracks haul cycles, speed data, and weight parameters optimizing efficiency across North American and Australian operations.
5. Terex MT6300AC — American Ultra Class
Debuting at MINExpo 2008, the Terex MT6300AC (later Bucyrus MT6300AC, now Caterpillar Unit Rig) brings 400-ton payload capacity through American engineering. Its MTU/DDC C3 Series 20V4000 twenty-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine produces 3,750 HP driving AC electric motors via triple-reduction gearing.
Measuring 15.57 meters long with 660-ton gross operating weight and 230 cubic meter body capacity, the MT6300AC achieves maximum travel speed of 64 km/h. Advanced AC electric drive with IGBT technology provides sophisticated traction control that automatically adjusts torque distribution for maximum productivity.
6. Liebherr T 284 — Next Generation Power
Introduced in 2012, the Liebherr T 284 maintains 363-ton payload capacity while delivering the most powerful engine in its class. The MTU 20V4000 C22 twenty-cylinder diesel engine produces 4,023 HP — unmatched engine power that accelerates faster up steep grades and performs better at high altitudes.
The T 284's improved Litronic Plus AC electric drive system maximizes power conversion efficiency. Compatible with Liebherr's Trolley Assist System and Power Rail solutions, this truck can connect to overhead electrical infrastructure on grades, dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Over 2.1 million operational hours prove its reliability worldwide.
7. Liebherr T 282C — Weight Efficiency Leader
Liebherr's Liebherr T 282C carries 400 tons of material with just 237 tons of empty weight — the best payload-to-weight ratio in its class. This Germanic precision comes from stress-flow design methodology using advanced computer modeling to optimize structural strength while minimizing mass.
The T 282C spans 15.69 meters in length and features a 20-cylinder diesel engine producing 3,750 HP connected to Liebherr's Litronic Plus AC electric drive system. Its 661-ton gross weight and top speed of 64 km/h deliver exceptional performance across Chilean, Australian, and South African mining operations.
8. Komatsu 960E — Japanese Engineering Excellence
Komatsu's Komatsu 960E series, including the 960E-1 and 960E-1K models, delivers 360-ton payload capacity through precision Japanese engineering. The SSDA18V170 eighteen-cylinder diesel engine produces 3,500 HP, paired with a General Electric AC electric drive system featuring insulated-gate bipolar transistor technology.
Measuring 15.6 meters long and 9.19 meters wide with a gross weight of 635 tons fully loaded, these trucks operate primarily in United States and Australian mines. The 960E-1K variant features enhanced Komatsu Drive with Siemens liquid-cooled technology for improved torque capacity and efficiency.
9. BelAZ 75604 — Extreme Climate Specialist
The BelAZ 75604 handles 360 tons of nominal payload while operating in temperatures from -50°C to +50°C. This Belarusian beast features a 2,800 kW engine and 218 cubic meter body capacity designed specifically for harsh environments in Eastern Europe, Siberia, and other extreme climates.
Four models comprise the BelAZ 7560 range, all offering identical 360-ton payload but different engine configurations. This flexibility allows operators to match power systems to specific site conditions while maintaining the rugged construction BelAZ trucks are known for worldwide.
10. Caterpillar 795F AC — Electric Drive Pioneer
Launched in 2009, the Caterpillar 795F AC pioneered single-source AC electric drive technology from a major manufacturer. With a nominal payload of 338 tons, this dump truck features a Cat C175-16 sixteen-cylinder diesel engine producing 3,400 HP of gross power connected to an AC electric drive system.
The 795F AC measures 15.15 meters long and 9.45 meters wide, with 252 cubic meter body capacity optimized for coal operations. Its empty weight of 257.68 tons and maximum speed of 64 km/h make it ideal for operations in Central and South America and other regions where Tier 2 emissions compliance suffices.
The Evolution of Mining Giants
The progression from 360-ton to 450-ton capacity represents decades of engineering advances in engine power, electric drive systems, and structural design. Manufacturers increasingly adopt AC electric drive systems for superior efficiency, control, and reduced maintenance versus mechanical drivetrains.
Autonomous operation represents the next frontier. Several manufacturers now offer autonomous haulage solutions allowing ultra class haul trucks to operate with minimal driver intervention, promising improved safety, extended hours, and optimized efficiency through precise control.
Integration with loading equipment continues improving. Modern haul trucks coordinate with the largest hydraulic excavator models, with manufacturers designing matched sets optimizing the loading process. The best pairings fill truck bodies in just five passes, minimizing cycle time and maximizing productivity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest dump truck in the world and what are its capacities?
The BelAZ 75710 is the world's largest dump truck, featuring a 450-ton payload capacity and a 268 cubic meter heaped body capacity. It is powered by two 16-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines producing a combined 4,600 HP.
What are the main advantages of an AC electric drive system over a mechanical drive system?
AC electric drive systems offer smoother power distribution, superior control and traction on steep grades, and reduced mechanical wear. Additionally, some electric models can integrate with overhead trolley systems to drastically lower fuel consumption.
How do ultra-class haul trucks improve overall mining profitability despite their high purchase price?
With prices ranging from $6 to $8 million, these trucks allow operations to replace multiple smaller units. This consolidation reduces overall fleet size, lowers long-term maintenance costs, and decreases the number of heavy equipment operators required.
Which ultra-class haul truck offers the best payload-to-weight ratio?
The Liebherr T 282C is the class leader in weight efficiency, carrying a 400-ton payload with an empty vehicle weight of only 237 tons. This is achieved using advanced computer-modeled stress-flow design to minimize structural mass.
What technology is being used to improve safety and efficiency in modern haul trucks?
Manufacturers are increasingly integrating autonomous haulage systems to allow driverless operations, extending running hours and safety. Additionally, systems like Komatsu's KomVision use radar and camera arrays to provide operators with 360-degree situational awareness.