Yes—100-ton dump trucks do exist, and they’re a mainstay of mining and quarry operations

Several manufacturers build off-highway dump trucks in the 100‑ton class. Depending on whether you mean 100 short tons (approximately 90.7 metric tonnes) or 100 metric tonnes (about 110.2 short tons), models such as the Caterpillar 777, Liebherr T 236, and Volvo R100E fit the bill. These trucks are rigid-frame haul trucks designed for heavy-duty work in mines and large quarries, not for public roads. Below, we explain what “100 tons” means in practice, how these machines are classified, and which models exemplify this capacity.

What “100 tons” actually means

In heavy equipment, “ton” can refer to different units. A 100-ton rating can therefore describe two different payload classes. Understanding the unit is crucial for apples-to-apples comparisons and for matching a truck to material densities and haul profiles.

Common tonnage units

Manufacturers and fleets typically reference one of three units when discussing payload ratings.

• Short ton (US ton): 2,000 lb (907 kg). A “100-ton” truck in this context carries about 90.7 metric tonnes.
• Metric tonne (tonne, t): 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb). A “100-tonne” truck carries about 110.2 short tons.
• Long ton (imperial ton): 2,240 lb (1,016 kg). Less common in current OEM specs.

When a model is marketed as “100-ton class,” check the datasheet for the rated payload and the unit used. Body selection, liner kits, and site conditions can also nudge real-world payloads up or down from nameplate figures.

Current 100‑ton‑class dump trucks: notable examples

The following models illustrate what’s available today in the roughly 90–110 t (metric) or ~100 short-ton class. Availability can vary by region, dealer network, and emissions package.

• Caterpillar 777 (current generation 777G/777): Widely known in the “100 short-ton” class; commonly specified around 90–100 t (metric) nominal payload depending on configuration and region. A standard choice for large quarries and mid-size mines.
• Liebherr T 236: Diesel-electric rigid haul truck with an approximate 100 t (metric) payload, aimed at the 100-tonne class segment with modern energy management and braking systems.
• Volvo R100E: Rated payload about 95 t (metric), which equates to roughly 105 short tons; often selected for hard rock and aggregate operations seeking high productivity in the 100‑ton class.
• Terex legacy TR100 / market successors: The historic “TR100” was a 100 short-ton class rigid; the segment today is represented by updated platforms (e.g., Volvo R100E) with comparable payloads and modern control systems.

These examples sit below the “ultra-class” trucks (such as the Caterpillar 797F, Komatsu 980E, or BelAZ 75710) that carry several hundred tonnes, and above articulated dump trucks, which typically top out around 55–60 t.

Where 100‑ton dump trucks are used

Trucks in this class are purpose-built for demanding, off-road material movement where a balance of maneuverability, fleet flexibility, and payload is needed.

• Surface mining: Coal, iron ore, copper, gold, and industrial minerals where haul distances and ramp grades favor mid-size rigs.
• Large quarries and aggregates: Limestone, granite, and other aggregates where bench access and cycle times benefit from 100‑ton‑class hauling.
• Large earthworks: Major infrastructure projects with controlled haul roads and high-volume material movement.

Because they are off-highway machines, they are not street-legal and operate within mines or private haul roads engineered for their size, weight, and braking requirements.

Key considerations when specifying a 100‑ton truck

To determine whether a 100‑ton class truck is the right fit, operators evaluate site and material factors alongside the truck’s technical limits.

• Material density and body selection: Matching body volume to material density prevents underloading or overloading; liners and rock boxes affect capacity and durability.
• Haul road design: Grades, widths, turning radii, berms, and surface conditions must meet OEM guidelines for safety and productivity.
• Cycle time and fleet balance: Loader match (bucket size and passes), truck count, and dispatch strategy drive cost per tonne.
• Regulatory and emissions package: Tier/Stage engine compliance and site environmental rules influence model and engine choice.
• Total cost of ownership: Fuel burn, tires, planned component life, and parts/service support can outweigh initial purchase price.

A well-matched 100‑ton truck can significantly lower cost-per-ton when paired with the right loading tools, haul profiles, and maintenance practices.

Bottom line

Yes—100‑ton dump trucks are very much real and widely used. Depending on whether you mean 100 short tons or 100 metric tonnes, models from major OEMs like Caterpillar, Liebherr, and Volvo cover this payload class and are optimized for off-highway mining and quarry applications.

Summary

There are multiple 100‑ton class dump trucks on the market. The exact meaning of “100 tons” depends on whether you’re using short tons or metric tonnes, but trucks such as the Caterpillar 777 (100 short-ton class), Liebherr T 236 (about 100 t metric), and Volvo R100E (about 95 t metric, ~105 short tons) demonstrate that this capacity is standard in modern mining and quarry fleets. Choosing the right model hinges on material density, haul road design, loader match, and total cost-of-ownership considerations.

What is the largest dump truck available?

Day. It can load over 450 tons and has two diesel engines under the hood with a total of 3,430 kW kemarovo in Siberia.

What are 100-ton trucks typically used for?

The Caterpillar 777 is a 100-ton haul truck, typically used in open pit mining, manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. The first model of Caterpillar 777 was introduced in 1974.

How many tons can go in a dump truck?

A typical dump truck can hold anywhere from 10 to 14 tons, but this varies significantly by size, with smaller trucks holding around 6.5 to 7.5 tons and large heavy-duty trucks hauling 20 to 30+ tons or more. The actual capacity is determined by the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and is influenced by the number of axles and the weight of the material being hauled. 
Factors Affecting Dump Truck Capacity

• Size and Axle Configuration: Opens in new tabSmaller single-axle dump trucks generally carry less weight than larger tandem-axle or tri-axle trucks. 
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Opens in new tabThis is the maximum allowable weight of the truck, including its own weight, the payload, and all its hardware. 
• Material Density: Opens in new tabDifferent materials have different weights. For example, a cubic yard of gravel weighs more than a cubic yard of topsoil or sawdust. 
• Local DOT Regulations: Opens in new tabWeight limits vary by location and are set by Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which drivers must adhere to. 

Examples of Load Capacities

• Small Dump Trucks: These trucks typically hold about 6.5 to 7.5 tons, suitable for residential or smaller projects. 
• Standard/Medium Dump Trucks: Can carry around 10 to 15 tons. 
• Large/Heavy-Duty Dump Trucks: These are built for large construction sites and can transport 20 to 30+ tons. 

How to Determine Capacity

• Check the Truck’s Specs: Opens in new tabRefer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications for the exact carrying capacity of a specific model. 
• Consider the Material’s Density: Opens in new tabYou can estimate the tonnage by knowing the cubic yards of material needed and its specific gravity. 

How many tons can a cat 777 carry?

101.1 ton
Operating Specifications

Target Payload (100%)	101.1 ton (US) 91.7 t
Note (2)	* Refer to the Caterpillar 10/10/20 Payload Policy for maximum gross vehicle weight limitations. * Refer to the Caterpillar 10/10/20 Payload Policy for maximum gross vehicle weight limitations.