So, it's time to pay tribute to one of the true workhorses of any job - the truck. Key to moving all sorts of bulk materials, there are many different types of trucks, all of which rely primarily on a heavy hydraulic cylinder to lift the platform vertically or horizontally and empty the trucks.
Machinery manufacturers often design and manufacture excavators and dump trucks that are ideal for tandem work. For example, the truck that ranks second on this list (the Caterpillar 797F) has a lifting capacity that allows it to be loaded in only four passes of the largest excavator.
BelAZ 75710
This is the largest truck in the world. Made in Belarus, this huge truck is classified as a "tipper" and falls into the "ultra class" category for this type of vehicle. Simply put, it is an off-road rigid dump truck specifically designed for high-performance mining and heavy-duty construction sites.
It was designed by the general designer of BelAZ A.N. Egorov. This truck is capable of transporting up to 450 tons of rock or other mining material. By the way, its suspension, powertrain, supporting frame and steering make it very maneuverable, which is surprising given its size.
It can also be used to transport construction equipment from site to site. Some dump trucks need to be multi-axle so they can support the heavy equipment they are hauling. The ultra-class, to which this BelAZ belongs, means that it must have a minimum load capacity of 272 tons or more. In addition, the BelAZ 75710 is capable of operating in the harshest mining conditions in the world, at temperatures down to -60 degrees Celsius at an altitude of almost 5,000 meters above sea level.
As you would expect, the world's largest Kamaz BelAZo 75710 can handle a single load of up to 450 metric tons, thus taking first place as the world's largest truck. When empty, this giant weighs 360 tons, meaning that when fully loaded, the total gross weight is 815 tons.
The truck itself is 20.6 meters long, 8.16 meters high and 9.87 meters wide. To give an idea of scale, the length is about the same as two double-decker buses parked end to end. It's much larger than a typical house and has eight massive Michelin tubeless pneumatic tires that are more than twice the height of the average person.
Despite being such a hefty giant, it can still reach a fairly high speed of 64 km/h. As for the noise under the hood, it actually has two 16-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines, although it can only run on one of them to save fuel when it is empty.
It also has a 65-liter 16-cylinder four-stroke MTU diesel engine that can produce around 2,300 horsepower for a total of 4,600 horsepower. For comparison, that's about 8.5 times more than the new Porsche 911 Turbo, which produces just 540 horsepower.
While BelAZ has been around since the days of the Soviet Union, Belarus' reputation for high-quality products has been greatly enhanced by this vehicle. Since its launch in 2013, the BelAZ 75710 has proven itself to be reliable and economical. And their largest truck in the world is extremely popular.
The largest production tractor
The largest tractor-trailer is Nicolas Tractomas TR 10×10 D100. The car from the French concern is designed for transporting super-heavy road trains. Although this truck is not a giant (it is 5 times smaller than any BelAZ), it is still included in the Guinness Book of Records as the “largest tractor in the world.” Its general characteristics:
- engine: 27-liter turbodiesel from Caterpillar (912 horsepower);
- total length (without road train) - 12.5 meters, width - 3.5 meters, height - 4.5 meters;
- weight - 71 tons.
The permissible weight of the transported road train using Nicolas Tractomas is 600 tons. The main area of use is the transportation of crushed stone ballast. The approximate cost of one such tractor is 800 thousand dollars. A total of 5 such cars were produced: 4 now belong to the Rotran company, another is in the possession of Nicolas.
Caterpillar 797F
This is another largest KAMAZ, which takes second place in this ranking. With a manual transmission instead of the diesel-electric transmission popular among ultra-class trucks, the manufacturer ensures that its vehicles are head and shoulders above the competition.
The Caterpillar 797F is now in its third generation truck, having first entered production in 1998. The truck is regularly used in Australian mines. It is equipped with a 20-cylinder diesel engine and can reach a top speed of 68 km/h.
It also features a Caterpillar torque converter transmission. The vehicle has a lifting capacity of 400 tons, a length of 15 m, a height of 6.5 m and a width of 10 m. The truck uses six Michelin XDR or Bridgestone VRDP radial tires and four-stroke Cat C175-20 turbocharged diesel engines with a total power output of 1600 hp. and a top speed of 42 mph (68 km/h).
The 797F benefits from features that minimize fuel consumption and enhance operational safety, such as superior braking and traction control common to all Caterpillar power-driven trucks, cameras and radar for enhanced cab visibility, and zero fuel consumption on grades.
Fuel consumption
Of course, such a giant cannot consume fuel economically. According to the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer, fuel consumption is 198 g/kWh. In simple language, for 12 hours of continuous operation, it needs 2 tanks, each with a volume of 2800 liters. That is, in 1 hour of operation it will consume 460 liters of fuel. However, this figure is the maximum if you take into account the full load of the car. In practice, the consumption turned out to be more economical. You can fill it through a regular gas filler neck, like any other car.
Liebherr T 282C and T 284
The trucks introduced in 2012 are both innovative and reliable.
With the same lifting capacity as the Cat 797F, the Liebherr weighs 30 tons less, reducing the stress on the machines when operating at maximum load. Liebherr claims that the T 284 is the lightest (based on empty weight) and the most productive (maximum payload) ultra-class mining truck. The trucks are equipped with a 20-cylinder engine producing over 4,000 horsepower and a top speed of 64 km/h.
Liebherr vehicles are renowned for their durability, and many mines around the world still use models that have long since been discontinued.
Freightliner Columbia
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The Freightliner Columbia is the quintessential 21st century truck that is respected by professional truckers and truck enthusiasts alike.
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Once again, there is no need to talk about the American character of the Freightliner Columbia: bulky, aggressively beautiful, with sparkling chrome, in the “Western” style. Without exaggeration, the best Freightliner knowledge and concepts about trucks accumulated over 60 years are accumulated in this model.
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When it comes to cabin comfort, the Freightliner Columbia is hard to beat by any other truck. Even the lowest cabin height of the Freightliner Columbia, 177 cm, is enough not only for a comfortable stay in it, but also for the driver to exercise, which is important for long hours behind the wheel of such a colossus. Plus the configuration of all kinds of ceiling cabinets and shelves. The sleeping compartment in its comfort and functionality is not much different from the sleeping compartment on the train.
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The wide Freightliner Columbia driver's seat, in addition to its air spring and spring properties, also has a high backrest with a comfortable fixed headrest. There are adjustable leg support bars under the chair. On the chair itself you can find a position indicator.
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Panoramic views of the road due to the large glass area, 324-degree windshield and huge West Coast-style mirrors provide the driver with maximum visibility, which also affects the maneuverability of the truck. And the kilometers of road above the massive hood look pre-conquered. At the same time, the tractor does not lose its aerodynamic characteristics, which are achieved thanks to the ergonomic lines of the cabin, including the signature Freightliner Columbia visor with built-in LEDs that encircles the cabin.
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The devices are located on the console at an angle of 120 degrees, which allows you to simultaneously read technical information and monitor the road. In general, all truck controls are located according to the principle “everything is at hand” and provide the driver with convenient switching while driving.
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The driver and passenger seats are separated by a console for glasses and bottles. The cabin, including the sleeping compartment, is equipped with air filters. The inside of the doors is decorated with decorative panels on which there is an additional armrest, electric side windows, central and side locking controls and loudspeaker speakers. In the cabin there was also room for a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a folding table, and a folding seat.
Terex/Bucyrus MT6300AC
BucyrusMT6300AC are the world's largest trucks. This truck was renamed from Terex to Bucyrus after their mining equipment division was acquired in 2010. It features heated body technology for more efficient unloading in cold climates. With a lifting capacity of 360 tons, the MT6300AC has a top speed of 64 km/h and is powered by a 20-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine.
The Bucyrus MT6300AC, powered by a 20V4000 four-stroke diesel engine producing 3,750 horsepower, has two geared electric motors located on each side of the rear axle. By the way, unloading certain materials in cold climates becomes easier and faster with this truck.
Komatsu 960E-1
Announced in 2008, the Komatsu 960E-1 is capable of transporting 325 tons of materials. However, the Komatsu has a slightly smaller payload than the larger 360 tonne vehicles and is renowned for its ease of driving and comfort. And these are two things that are important when working long shifts in dangerous conditions.
The two-stage turbocharged engine consumes an average of 160 liters per hour when running, which also proves to be more efficient than its heavier dump truck counterparts. The Komatsu 960E-1 may not be the largest truck, but it is both reliable and efficient. It is ideal for mining operations looking to reduce costs.
LoneStar HD
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LoneStar vehicles offer a new level of functionality and comfort that has its own unique differences from typical American long-haul trucks.
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Much attention is paid to driver comfort; for this purpose, the car cabin is equipped with a number of necessary and useful furnishings, while cluttering its space was avoided. The cabin is both convenient and comfortable.
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Firstly, the workplace and rest area in the cabin are separated in the sleeping bag by a wooden floor. The bed has a lift mechanism and a 42-inch soft Latto Flex mattress. The soft Latto Flex mattress is produced by the medical industry, which is a reliable guarantee of its safety and comfort. In addition, the cabin has comfortable swivel chairs, and in some versions there is even a full-fledged sofa.
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Entertainment options include a radio, 17-inch LCD TV, DVD player and a stereo system with 11 speakers, a subwoofer and an amplifier. In addition, the cabin boasts a mini-fridge and a retractable office table with connectors for a laptop and other office equipment.
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The LoneStar HD features unique features, such as its headlights, which are similar to those found on motorcycles. However, this is not the only similarity with bikes - there are many Harley logos on the LoneStar HD. Added to this are 24.5-inch wheels with unique nut-shaped caps on mounting bolts, anodized aluminum trims, and round exhaust pipes with a diameter of 7 inches. You should also remember the custom-made radiator grille, made in retro style, and the heavy winch hidden behind it.
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LoneStar HD Special Edition will allow the truck driver to feel like a biker while working. When creating the LoneStar HD truck, special attention was paid to giving it an original appearance and creating a unique image. For this purpose, techniques and elements were used that are usually used to create handmade cars. For example, these are dials with “visors” located on the dashboard. At the same time, the appearance and design of the car, despite its originality, meet strict international standards.
BelAZ 75601
75601 has a lifting capacity of 396 tons. It was specially designed for transporting loose rock from deep open-pit mines and for transport in various climatic conditions. It is equipped with a 20-cylinder, four-stroke V-engine and can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h.
By the way, this truck consumes 1300 liters per 100 km. By using advanced high-strength steel combined with a unique design, BelAZ creates huge trucks that offer significant advantages in terms of performance and fuel economy. The axle suspension uses high-strength Weldox structural steel to reduce thickness and withstand extreme axle loads.
Even distribution of load on the front and rear wheels, combined with a low center of gravity, results in increased stability and safety. Additionally, the use of Hardox wear plate in the housing reduces abrasive wear and impact dents. The Caterpillar 795F AC has a lifting capacity of 345 tons. The truck has a modular design and offers two body options, including the popular MSD (Mine Design) and Gateless Coal Body.
Hitachi EH5000AC-3
The vehicle has a carrying capacity of 326 tons. This is Hitachi's newest and largest rigid-frame vehicle, introduced at MINExpo International 2012 in Las Vegas, which took place 8 years ago.
The total operating weight of the Hitachi EH5000AC-3 is 551 tons. Overall its length is 15.51 meters. The width and loading height are 8.6 m and 7.41 m, respectively. The truck has a 16-cylinder Cummins QSKTTA60-CE low-emission diesel engine.
The rated power output of the four-stroke engine is 2850 hp. It is also equipped with Hitachi IGBT AC electric drive system and can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h.
Longest off-road road train: LeTourneau Overland Train
As long as its name! This miracle of technology was created in the 1960s in the USA as part of a program to create tractors for the US Army. Then the engineer thought that the appearance of a road train for army needs that could travel over rough terrain was a good idea. The tractor had a central control system for the road train using a special remote control. She helped the train maintain the necessary alignment, even on the worst terrain. The Americans have done a tremendous job to make 12 170-meter-long trailers, driven by a push-pull engine led by a 1183-horsepower diesel unit, drive properly! Ultimately, the Pentagon rejected the idea.
