How much is a Cat 797 dump truck?

A brand-new Caterpillar 797F ultra-class mining dump truck typically costs about $6–$8 million (USD) before options and delivery, with fully equipped, delivered prices often landing between $7–$10 million depending on region and specification. On the used market, older 797 models can range roughly from $500,000 to $2 million, while later-model 797F units often sell in the $2–$5 million range based on hours, condition, and rebuild status. These figures vary because Caterpillar sells through dealers and prices are quote-based, influenced by configuration, support packages, and logistics.

What is the Cat 797?

The Caterpillar 797 series is an ultra-class, off-highway mining haul truck used in large open-pit operations. The current mechanical-drive model is the 797F, with a nominal payload around 400 short tons. Caterpillar also offers the 798 AC (electric-drive) in the same payload class, which competes directly with other 400-ton-class haulers.

Current pricing (2025)

New 797F price range

Industry buyers and dealer guidance indicate a new Caterpillar 797F generally prices in the $6–$8 million range before options, taxes, and delivery. Once you account for region-specific options, site assembly, freight, dealer support contracts, and local taxes, many delivered, fully configured units total between $7–$10 million. Because Caterpillar uses dealer quotations, final pricing hinges on specification, market conditions, and exchange rates at the time of order.

Used and rebuilt pricing

The used market is broad: older 797/797B trucks can appear between about $500,000 and $1.5 million depending on hours and component life, while later 797F trucks are commonly advertised from roughly $2–$5 million. Certified rebuilds and life-extension programs can position a truck’s cost midway between used and new; plan on several million dollars for a full-frame rebuild with major component replacements, often tied to a dealer support agreement.

What drives the price up or down

Several technical, operational, and regional factors shape the actual price you’ll be quoted for a Cat 797. Understanding these drivers can help you calibrate a realistic budget and negotiate a package that fits your mine plan.

• Configuration and options: Body style (e.g., MSD, lightweight, or rock body), liners, and payload-monitoring systems affect base price.
• Autonomy-readiness: Hardware and software to enable Cat Command or future autonomous operation add notable cost.
• Climate/altitude packages: Cold-weather, high-altitude, and dust/sand kits, plus extra cooling, increase price.
• Safety and regulatory equipment: Fire suppression, proximity detection, object detection, and lighting packages are common add-ons.
• Tires and spares: 63-inch OTR tires can run tens of thousands of dollars each; spare sets and wheels add up quickly.
• Dealer support and warranty: Extended warranties, component guarantees, and availability contracts are priced into the deal.
• Freight and site assembly: Trucks ship in modules and are assembled on site; logistics and build teams add substantial cost.
• Currency, taxes, and duties: Exchange rates and import regimes can move the final price materially between countries.
• Market conditions and lead times: Backlogs, commodity cycles, and tire supply can influence both price and delivery timing.

Collectively, these elements can swing the total cost by more than a million dollars between otherwise similar orders, which is why dealer quotes are essential for a firm figure.

Common options and approximate add-on costs

While exact pricing is quote-specific, buyers often plan for common add-ons. The ballpark figures below are typical industry ranges intended for budgeting. Final numbers depend on brand, region, and contract terms.

• Haul body liners (AR steel, rubber, or composite): roughly $100,000–$300,000+
• Autonomy-ready kits (hardware/software enablement): often several hundred thousand dollars per truck, plus site infrastructure
• Fire suppression systems: approximately $25,000–$60,000
• Fast-fill fuel and fluid service: about $30,000–$70,000
• Cold-weather packages (heaters, insulation, fluids): roughly $50,000–$120,000
• On-board payload monitoring and health telemetry: roughly $50,000–$150,000 depending on integration
• OTR tires (59/80R63 class): commonly $40,000–$80,000 each; a full set of six can reach $240,000–$480,000
• Freight and site assembly: commonly hundreds of thousands; complex or remote sites can approach or exceed $1,000,000

These extras are often necessary to match local geology, climate, and production targets, and they should be evaluated alongside availability guarantees and component life targets.

How to get an accurate quote

Because Caterpillar and its dealers price to specification and support level, a structured approach will yield the most reliable quotation and total cost of ownership outlook.

1. Define your mine plan and spec: required payload, body style, duty cycle, climate/altitude, and autonomy roadmap.
2. Engage your local Cat dealer early: request a provisional spec sheet and budgetary quote with option line-items.
3. Ask for lifecycle cost modeling: include component life targets, tire strategy, fuel burn, and availability commitments.
4. Plan logistics: align on delivery timelines, site assembly scope, commissioning, and operator/technician training.
5. Negotiate support: parts consignment, component rebuild pricing, and extended warranty can reduce downtime risk.

This process typically produces both a capital price and an operational plan, clarifying the true cost per ton over the truck’s service life.

Comparable trucks and price context

In the 400-ton class, the Cat 797F competes with the Cat 798 AC (electric-drive), Komatsu 980E-5, and Liebherr T 284, among others. New-unit pricing across this segment generally clusters in the mid–single-digit millions before options, and fully equipped delivered costs frequently approach the high single digits. Final figures depend on drive type, dealer packages, and regional logistics.

Bottom line

Expect a new Caterpillar 797F to price around $6–$8 million before options, with many fully specified, delivered trucks reaching $7–$10 million. Used pricing spans roughly $0.5–$5 million depending on age, hours, and rebuild status. For a precise number, you’ll need a dealer quote tailored to your site, specification, and support requirements.

Summary

A Cat 797 dump truck typically costs $6–$8 million new before options and $7–$10 million delivered and fully equipped, while used units range from about $0.5–$5 million. Variations stem from configuration, autonomy and safety systems, tires, dealer support, freight, and market conditions. Obtain a dealer quote aligned to your mine plan for an accurate, current price.

How much does a caterpillar 797 cost?

A new Caterpillar 797 mining truck costs approximately $5 million, though the price can vary significantly based on customer specifications. The total price for a 797 can even range from $6 to $8 million, when including factors like shipping, handling, taxes, and infrastructure changes required at the mine site.
 
Factors influencing the price:

• Customization: The final price depends on the specific configurations and features chosen by the customer. 
• Ancillary costs: The purchase price doesn’t include the extensive costs for infrastructure, such as preparing the mine roads, enlarging service shops, and setting up fuel depots. 
• Shipping: Trucks are delivered in pieces, requiring 12 semi-trucks for transport, which adds to the overall cost. 
• Operating costs: Fuel consumption alone can cost over $770,000 per year for a single truck, making the total cost of ownership substantial. 

What is the most expensive dump truck?

The most expensive dump trucks are massive mining haulers like the BelAZ 75710, which can cost over $6 million and has a payload capacity of about 450 tonnes. Other high-cost examples include the Caterpillar 797, priced around $5 million or more, and custom, high-spec models such as the Peterbilt 567, which can cost as much as a luxury car.
 
This video provides an overview of the world’s largest mining dump trucks: 44sDigNDozeYouTube · Nov 12, 2022
Top Expensive Dump Trucks

• BelAZ 75710: This mining dump truck, manufactured in Belarus, is the largest and one of the most expensive, costing between $6 million and $7.5 million. It can haul up to 450 tonnes of material and features dual engines and eight super-sized tires. 
• Caterpillar 797: The Caterpillar 797 is another massive mining truck with a high price tag, with some sources listing its cost at approximately $5 million or more, according to Wikipedia. 
• Specialty Models: While not as massive as the mining trucks, customized road-legal dump trucks can also reach high prices. A 2024 Peterbilt 567 with specific customizations was reportedly priced similarly to a high-end sports car, such as a McLaren 750S, which could be around $300,000. 

Factors influencing the high cost

• Size and Capacity: The BelAZ 75710 and Caterpillar 797 are designed for extreme conditions and are among the biggest and most capable trucks in the world, with massive payload capacities. 
• Dual Engines and Power: These trucks often feature dual diesel engines and multiple traction motors to manage the stress of hauling enormous loads, increasing complexity and cost. 
• Customization: For models like the Peterbilt 567, customization and added features for specific applications, as well as prestige, contribute to a high price. 
• Specialized Tires: The sheer size of these trucks necessitates custom, super-sized tires that are incredibly expensive to produce. 

How much fuel does a cat 797 use per hour?

What makes this fuel consumption partially justifiable is the truck’s incredible efficiency per ton moved. Despite burning up to 77.6 gallons hourly, the 797F’s 400-ton payload capacity means it can replace dozens of smaller vehicles, reducing overall trips and labor costs.

How much is a 2025 Caterpillar truck going to cost?

The truck will be available at Caterpillar dealerships and some commercial vehicle retailers. Details The base model is expected to start at $85,000, with fully-loaded models costing over $120,000. The truck is expected to be a high- performance, heavy-duty truck with industrial-grade performance.