When it comes to trucks, most people think of trucks or dump trucks that are seen on the roads every day. But there are real monsters of carrying capacity - vehicles capable of transporting hundreds of tons of cargo in one flight. These giants are not intended for public roads: their scope of application is in quarries, mines and construction sites where rocks, coal or other bulk materials need to be moved on an industrial scale.
In this article we will figure out what kind of truck is considered today the largest in the world, compare it with other record holders and tell you how such machines work. You will learn about the technical characteristics that make them unique, as well as how much these giants cost and where you can see them in action. If you've ever wondered how thousands of tons of cargo are transported at a time, this material is for you.
Who makes the biggest trucks in the world?
Three brands have remained leaders in the production of super-heavy trucks for decades: Belarusian BelAZ, American Caterpillar and German Liebherr. These companies specialize in mining equipment and constantly compete for the title of creator of the largest dump truck. Their products are in demand in the mining industry around the world - from Siberia to Chile.
Interestingly, the record holders change almost every year. For example, in 2013 the palm was held by BelAZ-75710 with a carrying capacity of 450 tons, but after a few years it was overtaken Caterpillar 797F with an indicator of 400 tons (but with better dynamic characteristics). Today the leadership is back BelAZ, but competitors are not asleep.
- 🇧🇾 BelAZ (Belarusian Automobile Plant) is the flagship of Soviet and post-Soviet quarry equipment. It is famous for its reliability and adaptation to extreme climatic conditions.
- 🇺🇸 Caterpillar is an American giant whose dump trucks are valued for their innovative control systems and efficiency.
- 🇩🇪 Liebherr — German quality in the segment of super-heavy equipment. Their models are often chosen for European and Asian quarries.
All these manufacturers offer not only the machines themselves, but also a full range of services: from operator training to after-sales service. Note: it is almost impossible to buy such a truck second-hand - they are sold only new, on order, with a waiting period of many months.
Top 5 largest trucks in 2026
To determine the largest representative, it is not enough to look only at the carrying capacity. It is important to consider dimensions, engine power, body volume and even ground pressure. We compiled the rating based on current data from manufacturers and independent tests.
| Model | Load capacity (t) | Engine power (hp) | Body volume (m³) | Max. speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BelAZ-75710 | 450 | 4 600 | 270 | 64 |
| Caterpillar 798 AC | 400 | 4 000 | 250 | 68 |
| Liebherr T 284 | 363 | 3 650 | 200 | 64 |
| Komatsu 980E-4 | 360 | 3 500 | 220 | 65 |
| XCMG XDE440 | 400 | 3 800 | 230 | 60 |
BelAZ-75710 remains the absolute record holder in terms of carrying capacity (450 tons), but in other respects it is surpassed by its competitors. For example, Caterpillar 798 AC faster and more economical, and Liebherr T 284 considered the most maneuverable in its class.
It is important to understand that such cars do not drive on regular roads. They are moved through quarries with a specially prepared coating or transported disassembled. Even the tires for them are made to order - each costs tens of thousands of dollars.
Technical features of record holders
What makes these cars so unique? Firstly, engines: all of them are equipped with diesel engines of 16–20 liters with turbocharging, developing up to 4,600 hp. By comparison, a typical truck rarely produces more than 500 hp. Secondly, transmission: electromechanical or hydromechanical gearboxes are used here, capable of withstanding enormous loads.
No less important suspension. Unlike classic springs, hydropneumatic systems are used here, which automatically adjust the ground clearance depending on the load. Shock absorbers for such cars weigh several tons each! Also worth noting:
- 🔧 Frame: welded structure made of high-strength steel, weighing up to 100 tons (by itself!).
- 🛞 Wheels: the diameter of the tires reaches 4 meters, and the pressure in them is only 3-4 atmospheres (so as not to destroy the soil).
- 📡 Electronics: load monitoring systems, GPS navigation and even an autopilot for moving around the quarry.
Fun fact: fuel tank BelAZ-75710 holds 4,500 liters of diesel. With a flow rate of 200–300 liters per hour, this is enough for 12–15 hours of continuous operation. Refueling such a monster takes about 40 minutes and requires a special tanker.
If you ever find yourself near a truck like this, pay attention to the ladder to get into the cab - there are no less than 15 steps!
Where and how are super-heavy trucks used?
The main scope of application of these machines is open pit mining. They transport ore, coal, limestone and other rocks from the mining site to crushing plants or dumps. One such dump truck replaces dozens of conventional trucks, which significantly reduces the cost of logistics. For example, in the Mir quarry (Yakutia) or at the Kudukduk deposit (Kazakhstan) entire parks operate BelAZ and Caterpillar.
They are also used in the construction of hydroelectric power stations, dams and other large-scale projects. For example, during the construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China, more than 50 super-heavy dump trucks were used. Such machines are not used in civil engineering - they simply will not pass on public roads.
⚠️ Attention: In Russia and the CIS countries, driving mining dump trucks with a carrying capacity of over 200 tons requires a special category of rights - D1E (for quarry equipment). The training takes at least 3 months and includes practice at the training ground.
The cost of renting such a truck starts from $10,000 per month (without fuel and operator). Buying a new machine costs $5–7 million, but pays off in 3–5 years due to high productivity. For example, one BelAZ-75710 carries up to 10,000 tons of cargo per shift - this is the equivalent of 200 trips of a conventional dump truck!
How much does the largest truck in the world cost?
The price of quarry giants depends on the configuration, country of origin and additional options. Basic cost BelAZ-75710 in 2026 is about $6.5 million. This amount includes:
- 💰 The car itself has a standard body.
- 🔧 Warranty for 2 years or 20,000 hours.
- 📦 Set of spare parts (filters, belts, brake pads).
- 👷 Training of two operators at the manufacturing plant.
Additional options can increase the price by another 10–15%:
- 🔥 Fireproof system (for work in mines) - +$150,000.
- ❄️ Arctic package (for operation at -50°C) — +$200,000.
- 📡 Remote control system - +$300,000.
- 🛢️ Increased fuel tank (up to 6,000 l) - +$80,000.
For comparison: Caterpillar 798 AC It costs less - about $5.8 million, but its maintenance is more expensive due to imported components. And here is Chinese XCMG XDE440 can be purchased for $4.5 million, but its reliability still raises questions among large mining companies.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a mining dump truck, consider shipping costs. Transportation BelAZ-75710 from Belarus to Siberia costs $200,000–$300,000 - the car is transported disassembled on special platforms.
Is it possible to buy a used mining dump truck?
There is a market for used mining equipment, but it is extremely limited. Main reasons:
- High wear: even with careful operation, after 5–7 years the machine requires major repairs, which can cost up to 30% of a new one.
- Complexity of logistics: Moving a 400-ton dump truck from one quarry to another is not an easy task.
- No Warranty: Manufacturers do not provide warranties for used equipment, and spare parts are very expensive.
However, sometimes lots from bankrupt companies appear at auctions. For example, in 2023 in Australia they sold Caterpillar 797B 2010 model for $2.1 million - almost 3 times cheaper than a new one. But before purchasing you must:
Order a complete engine and transmission diagnostics
Check service history (must be recorded every 500 hours)
Assess the condition of the frame for cracks and corrosion
Make sure you have all the documents (car passport, certificates)
Take a test drive with a full load-->
Another option is rent with subsequent purchase. Many mining companies lease equipment for 3–5 years, after which they offer to buy it back at the residual value. This allows you to reduce initial costs and evaluate the reliability of the machine in real conditions.
The future of super-heavy trucks: what awaits us?
Manufacturers are already working on the next generation of mining giants. Main trends:
- 🔋 Electrification: Liebherr and Caterpillar testing hybrid and all-electric models. For example, prototype Caterpillar 798 AC Electric should appear by 2026.
- 🤖 Autonomous control: driverless dump trucks are already operating in Australia (project Rio Tinto). By 2030, up to 30% of quarry equipment may become unmanned.
- 🌍 Environmental friendliness: new engines meet the standard
Euro Stage V, and in the future it is planned to switch to hydrogen fuel.
An increase in carrying capacity is also expected: engineers BelAZ They announce plans to create a 500-ton machine by 2027. The main problem is not so much the engine or frame, but the tires: there are no tires yet that can withstand such loads with an acceptable service life.
Why don't mining dump trucks drive on regular roads?
The main reasons are weight and dimensions. Even empty BelAZ-75710 weighs 360 tons, which is 10 times the permissible axle load for public roads (maximum 11.5 tons per axle in Russia). In addition, the width of the car reaches 8 meters and the height - 7 meters, which makes it impossible to drive under bridges or along serpentines. Finally, the pressure on the ground for such dump trucks is 0.5–0.7 kg/cm², while for asphalt no more than 0.3 kg/cm² is permissible - otherwise the coating will simply collapse.
The main conclusion: mining giants are not just big trucks, but high-tech complexes that require special infrastructure, trained personnel and millions of dollars in investment. Their purchase is justified only for large mining enterprises with a volume of work of 10 million tons of cargo per year.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the largest trucks
How much does the largest truck in the world weigh?
Gross weight BelAZ-75710 with the load reaches 810 tons (360 tons - dead weight, 450 tons - cargo). For comparison: this is the weight of two fully loaded Boeing 747s!
What is the fuel consumption of a mining dump truck?
Depending on the load and operating conditions, the consumption is 150–300 liters of diesel per hour. For a 12-hour shift, this is 1,800–3,600 liters per day. Over the course of a year, one dump truck “eats” up to 1 million liters of fuel.
Is it possible to drive such a truck without a special license?
No. In Russia, a category is required to operate quarry equipment D1E (for dump trucks) or C1E (for other special equipment), as well as additional training under the “Mine Dump Truck Driver” program. Minimum age - 21 years, driving experience - 3 years.
How much does a tire cost for the largest truck?
One tire for BelAZ-75710 (size 59/80R63) costs $40 000–$60 000. Resource - about 10,000 km or 1 year of operation. The car has 6 tires, so replacing a set costs $240,000–$360,000.
Where can you see these trucks in Russia?
The largest fleets of mining dump trucks are concentrated in the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. For example:
- 🏔️ Udachny Quarry (Yakutia) is a diamond mining enterprise with BelAZ and Caterpillar.
- ⛏️ Lebedinsky GOK (Kursk region) is one of the largest iron ore quarries.
- ⚒️ Mirny GOK (Republic of Sakha) - machines with a lifting capacity of up to 360 tons operate here.
Tours of the quarries are usually closed to outsiders, but open days are sometimes held for specialists.