Buyer’s Guide: Mining Trucks for Sourcing

Image source: Getty/Supapornss

Mining trucks are specialized vehicles designed for use in the mining industry. They are distinguished from other trucks by their offroad ability, large size, specialized features, multi-axle design, payload capacity, dumping mechanisms, and powerful engines and drivetrains. They are rugged in design and are specially engineered for use in heavy-duty construction and industrial environments.

These trucks play a significant role in the $2.02 trillion global mining industry, serving different purposes based on the specific cargo they transport. Mining trucks are diverse; they have a wide range of appearances and serve various functions, as they are tailored to meet particular requirements.

Here are some characteristics that distinguish mining trucks from other types of truck:

- Offroad capabilities: Mining trucks are designed to operate off-highway, on rough terrain, and equipped with specialized features to handle the harsh conditions of mining operations. Typical features include large tires, pneumatically loaded bodies for enhanced stability, and robust suspension systems that can handle rough terrain.

- Large size: They are typically larger and more powerful than regular trucks, with capacities ranging from 40 short tons (36 long tons) to 496 short tons (443 long tons). In comparison, the load capacity of non-mining trucks ranges only from seven to 14 tons on average. One large mining truck can carry a maximum load equivalent to the weight of about 100 adult African elephants or two to four Blue Whales.

- Multi-axle: They often have multiple axles to support the heavy loads that they carry and to make them more stable and easier to maneuver. Mining trucks usually have two or three axles depending on their size and the payload capacity required for the specific mining operation, and up to five axles are not uncommon.

- Payload capacity: Mining trucks are designed to transport larger loads than regular trucks, and they are used to transport materials such as ore, waste rock, and overburden (soil and other material that lies above the resource being mined).

- Dumping mechanism: They are equipped with a dumping mechanism, typically hydraulic, that allows the truck bed to be raised and lowered to unload the cargo quickly and efficiently. The dumping mechanism is usually a self-unloading one. When it is activated by the operator inside the cab of the truck, the mechanism will tilt the bed of the truck to a specific angle to allow the cargo to slide out without the need for other external equipment.

- Powertrain: Mining trucks are equipped with powerful engines and drivetrains that allow them to operate in harsh conditions and transport heavy loads. In horsepower terms, mining trucks typically have a power output ranging from 3750 to 4400 horsepower.

Global market trends for mining trucks

The global mining truck market is expected to grow due to the increased demand for minerals and ores, a shortage of skilled labor, and the rise in mining activity.

According to research by Mordor Intelligence, the mining truck market is forecast to expand at a rate of 5.73 percent annually to be worth $35.94 billion in 2028, up from its projected value of $27.2 billion by yearend 2023.

The market is moderately consolidated, and electric trucks are expected to witness a high growth rate, due to stricter rules on carbon emissions that the mining industry must comply with. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the market due to increased production in surface mining. The construction and mining sectors are the major customers in the global dump trucks and mining trucks market.

Special features of mining trucks

Trucks used for mining have special features that allow them to efficiently transport heavy loads of materials over long distances in rough terrain. These include:

- Size: Much larger than ordinary dump trucks, some models of mining truck measure up to 50 feet in length and 25 feet in height.

- Rugged design: Mining trucks are designed to withstand the tough conditions that characterize mining environments. They are built with strong steel plates and have powerful brakes to handle high-impact loads like rocks and mining materials.

- Special tires: Mining trucks use special tires, usually off-the-road (OTR) ones with a strengthened carcass, for driving on rough terrain and carrying heavy loads. These tires usually have multilayer steel belts, a thickened tread base, an optimized tread pattern and extra sidewall protectors. They also feature bead bundle designs that provide better stability and reduce the risk of tire failure.

- Energy-efficient technologies: In support of sustainability goals in the mining industry, some leading mining truck manufacturers have incorporated new rubber compounds in tires for greater tire durability and improved fuel efficiency. In addition, some trucks, especially those that are used in underground mining – such as underground loaders – and must have zero emissions, are powered by onboard batteries. There are now also autonomous haul trucks, as well as other mining vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems for efficient route planning to reduce fuel consumption.

10 Most used types of mining truck

Mining trucks are a crucial part of the mining industry, and there are various types depending on the type of cargo they carry and the task they perform in the mining operation. Here are some of the most common types of mining trucks used in the industry:

1. Earthmovers: This type includes bulldozers, excavators and dump trucks. Bulldozers move overburden and debris so that other mining trucks can have a clear surface to work on. Dump trucks are used to haul away the debris. Wheeled or tracked excavators, with buckets attached to their long arms, dig up earth and other materials and move them. Dump trucks haul away large amounts of excess dirt and debris.
2. Off-Highway Trucks: Off-highway trucks are an indispensable tool for mining operations. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from the mammoth ones used to transport 320 tons at a time to smaller units that can move loads of up to 90 tons.
3. Articulated Trucks: Articulated trucks are a type of off-highway truck that is designed to handle rough terrain. They have a pivot joint in the middle that allows the truck to bend in the middle, making it easier to navigate uneven ground.
4. Haul Trucks: Haul trucks are designed to transport large loads of materials, such as ore, from the mine to the processing plant or to the waste dump.
5. Electric-Drive Mining Trucks: Powered by electric motors instead of diesel engines, they are becoming increasingly popular in the mining industry due to their energy efficiency and lower emissions.
6. Water Trucks or Tankers: They transport water to various locations around the mine site to provide water for mine workers, to control dust in the area, and to maintain equipment.
7. Tow Trucks: Used to move other vehicles – such as those that are broken, in need of repair, or are too large – around the mine site.
8. Lube Trucks: These are used to provide lubrication to and service heavy equipment like excavators and mining trucks. to equipment around the mine site.
9. Service Trucks: These are used to transport tools and equipment around the mine site. They are commonly used to provide maintenance and repair services to equipment.
10. Tire Handlers: The tires of trucks and other heavy machinery in the mines typically weigh hundreds of kilograms, so these trucks, which are similar in appearance to wheel loaders but with different front attachments and controls, are used to change the tires on mining trucks.

Other types of mining truck

In addition to the most common types, other types of truck used in mining operations include:

1. Scoop Trams: This is a type of underground mining truck used to transport ore and other materials from the mine face to the surface. They are typically small and can maneuver in tight spaces.
2. Fuel Trucks: These transport diesel fuel to various locations around the mine site and are used for refueling mining trucks and other equipment.
3. Lowboy Trailers: Designed to be low to the ground, these trailers are used to transport heavy equipment such as mining trucks and excavators from one location to another.
4. Concrete Mixers: These are used to mix and transport concrete to various locations around the mine site, for construction tasks and to repair mine infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions about mining trucks

How much does a mining truck cost?

The price of a mining truck can vary widely depending on the size, capacity, and manufacturer of the truck. The Caterpillar 797 had a price tag of $3.43 million in 2000, while the world's largest dump truck, the Belaz 75710, costs between $6 million and $7.5 million.

Dump trucks can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $200,000, and new dump trucks in 2023 are expected to range from $100,000 to $200,000, with larger models costing more.

The cost of a mining dump truck is influenced by several factors, including fuel costs, maintenance costs, and capital expenditures.

What trucks do they use in mines?

Mining trucks are essential pieces of equipment in the mining industry. They come in different shapes and sizes to suit different operational needs.

The most common types of mining trucks used in mines include dump trucks, off-highway trucks, rail trucks, and haul trucks. These trucks are used to transport materials such as rocks, dirt, and other materials from one location to another.

How big is the biggest mining truck?

The biggest mining truck in the world is the Belaz 75710, made by BelAZ, an automobile plant in Belarus reputed as one of the primary manufacturers in the world of large dump trucks. The Belaz 75710 has a nominal payload capacity of 450 metric tons, is 20.6 meters long, 8.17 meters high, and 9.87 meters wide. The truck weighs 360,000 kg (793,664 lb) when empty and can achieve a speed of up to 64 kilometers per hour.

The Belaz 75710 has eight wheels with a two-axle setup, but its wheels are doubled, like the 1950s-era International Payhauler 350. For this reason, it needs two 59/80R63 tires. The truck is also equipped with eight large-size Michelin tubeless pneumatic tires. It also has four-wheel drive and four-wheel hydraulic steering.

This truck’s length is comparable to that of two double-decker buses parked in a line and its weight exceeds that of a fully loaded Airbus A380 plane. Standing next to a Belaz 75710, even a person who is 6ft 7in tall would reach only halfway up one of its tires.  In the words of BBC.com, the Belaz75710 is a “behemoth”.

Below is a gallery of mining trucks on offer from verified suppliers on Global Sources.

Product Gallery 

1. Slagging truck with telescopic boom

Company: Maxizm Construction Machinery (Qingdao) Co. Ltd

The HNBZ8512 from Maxizm is a slagging truck with a three-section hydraulic telescopic boom with a maximum lifting height of 3200mm, slag power of 10kN and maximum extension distance of 8500mm. This truck is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine and adopts front-wheel drive, rigid suspension and rear axle-steering structure. It is fire-, heat-, and oil-resistant. Maxizm is an ISO 9001-certified exporting company that provides OEM/ODM services.

Price: $59,999 to $99,999 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 10 to 15 days

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2. ECE R29-compliant 6x4 dump truck

Company: Oriemac Machinery & Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd

Model 7038kk from Oriemac is a 6x4 dump truck with a driving cab that has a single door and a single seat. It has a metal framework and stressed skin design that conform to the European ECE R29 regulations. Unit dimensions are 7.1x2.5x3.2m and weight is 10,700kg. Established in 2008, Oriemac is an ISO 9001:2008-certified company specializing in construction machinery and heavy industrial equipment. It provides OEM services.

Price: $48,500 to $49,600 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 10 to 20 days

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3. 6x6 dump truck

Company: Sinomada Heavy Industry (Changsha) Co. Ltd

Sinomada’s model TL843 is a 6x6 mining dump truck powered by a 247kW diesel engine with 336 to 420 horsepower. The truck’s transmission is 3400+1400mm, loading capacity is up to 19MT, gradeability is up to 30 percent and minimum turning radius is 10m. Sinomada is an ISO 9001:2008-certified construction machinery exporting company with more than 12 years of experience in providing OEM/ODM services.

Price: $59,000 to $63,000 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 15 to 30 days

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4. Articulated 6x6 dump truck

Company: Acntruck Vehicle & Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd

Model XDA40 from Acntruck is a 6x6 articulated dump truck with automatic transmission and oil-cooled disc brakes. It is equipped with technology for self-adaptive driving, thermal energy control, stability control and intelligent machine interaction and diagnostics. It has a large-flow hydraulic dump system. Acntruck is an ISO 9001:2008-certified company that specializes in heavy construction machinery and provides OEM/ODM services.

Price: $90,000 to $100,000 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 7 to 60 days

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5. Diesel-fueled, with electronic control

Company: Newindu Construction Engineering (Shanghai) Co. Ltd

Newindu’s model SK90A is a mining truck powered by a diesel engine with an electronic control unit that enables it to conform to China-III and EU-IIIA emission regulations. The truck’s steel frame is 100mm wide and 450mm high. The frame is flexible, with a single integral two-layer (12+12) longitudinal beam. M24 hexagon flange nuts are used in the truck’s balance suspension bolts. Newindu has 10 years of experience in exporting construction machinery.

Price: $55,000 to $60,000 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 10 to 30 days

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6. 30-ton dump truck

Company: Evangel Industrial (Shanghai) Co. Ltd

Model ZZ3257N3447C1 from Evangel is a Howo-branded 6x4 dump truck with a WD615.47 Euro II engine. The 30-ton 10-wheeler’s engine has the following features: 6-cylinder in-line configuration, 4-stroke combustion cycle, water-cooling system, turbocharger, air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection configuration. The truck has a displacement of 9.726 liters, maximum output of 371 horsepower at 2200rpm and maximum torque of 1460NM at 1100 to 1600 rpm. Evangel is an ISO 9000-certified exporting company.

Price: $30,000 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 7 to 20 days

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7. Dump truck with 338kW diesel engine

Company: Cruking Engineering Equipment (Xiamen) Co. Ltd

Cruking’s model MT3900 is a Shantui-branded dump truck with a 338kW diesel engine and manual transmission. The WP series engine has an electronic control unit that enables the truck to comply with China-III and EU-IIIA emission regulations. The truck has two suspension structures. The first is a slider-type rubber damping structure for the front suspension. The second is an 8-thrust bar high-reserve shaft structure for the rear suspension. The truck’s dimensions are 4190x2300x800cm and its weight is 16,000kg. Cruking is an ISO 9001-certfied exporting company that offers OEM/ODM services.

Price: $118, 000 to $138,000 per unit
MOQ: 1 unit
Lead time: 7 to 15 days

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8. Electric dump truck

Company: Shanghai Stong Industry Co. Ltd

Model HT3363 from Shanghai Strong is an electric mining dump truck with rollover protective structures (ROPS) that meet SAE J-1040 requirements for off-road machines greater than 700kg in mass. The engine meets EPA Tier 2 emission standards and has multiple protective functions as well as an automatic firefighting system. It has a McPherson independent front suspension and a four-link non-independent rear suspension. Shanghai Strong is an import-export company with 30 years of experience in trading industrial machinery and products.

Price: Please inquire
MOQ: Please inquire
Lead time: 240 to 270 days

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9. Explosion-proof transport truck

Company: Chonghong Industries Ltd

Chonghong’s model WC5J is an explosion-proof underground transport vehicle with a diesel-powered Yunnei 4102 turbocharged engine generating 72kW engine power. Its total load capacity of 5,000kg. This rear-drive truck has a 545 rear high and low speed transmission, a 1089 weighted rear axle and a 1069 weighted front axle. It has a double-layer riveted frame, a wheelbase of 3100mm and ground clearance of 185mm. Overall dimensions are 5100x2100x1650mm while the container dimensions are 3300x2100x650mm. Chonghong is an ISO 9001-certified exporting company with 26 years of experience in providing OEM/ODM services.

Price: Please inquire
MOQ: Please inquire
Lead time: 15 to 20 days

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