The world’s biggest haul truck
The biggest haul truck in operation today is the BelAZ 75710, a Belarusian-built ultra-class mining truck with a rated payload of 450 metric tons. Unveiled in 2013 and still unmatched in payload capacity as of 2025, it holds the benchmark for moving the largest single loads in open-pit mining, particularly in high-volume coal and iron ore operations.
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What sets the BelAZ 75710 apart
BelAZ’s flagship is engineered to move more rock per cycle than any other truck, reducing the number of trips required and the size of supporting fleets. It achieves this by pairing immense payload with an electric-drive system designed to translate engine power into reliable tractive effort over long, punishing duty cycles.
Key specifications
The following highlights summarize the BelAZ 75710’s headline specifications that secure its status at the top of the haul-truck class.
- Payload capacity: 450 metric tons (about 496 short tons)
- Gross vehicle weight: roughly 810 metric tons (with an empty weight near 360 t)
- Powertrain: dual diesel engines driving an AC electric traction system (total output around 4,600 hp)
- Configuration: two axles with eight tires (twin 59/80R63 tires at each corner)
- Dimensions: approximately 20.6 m long, 9.75 m wide, and 8.2 m high
- Top speed: up to about 60–65 km/h unloaded (site- and load-dependent)
- Dump body volume: roughly 270 cubic meters (heaped), depending on body option
- First unveiled: 2013; recognized for record payload capacity
Together, these figures underscore why the 75710 is used sparingly—its size and weight demand enormous benches, robust roads, and loading tools that can keep pace, but it delivers unmatched productivity where conditions allow.
How the drivetrain works
The 75710 uses two large diesel engines to power generators that feed Siemens AC traction motors—one at each wheel position—delivering high torque at low speeds and efficient braking through retarding. Electric drive reduces mechanical complexity compared with mechanical transmissions at this scale and helps modulate traction on steep haul roads.
Where it operates
The 75710 has been deployed in very large open-pit mines, notably in Russia’s Kuzbass coal basin, where haul roads, benches, and loading fleets can support its size. Units have also been tested and demonstrated in other former Soviet regions. Because it requires specialized infrastructure, it remains a niche tool for the largest, most uniform pits.
How it compares to other ultra-class trucks
Several manufacturers build ultra-class haul trucks, but none regularly exceed the 75710’s payload rating. The models below represent the closest competitors commonly seen in large mines across the world.
- Caterpillar 797F: 400 t payload; mechanical drive; a mainstay in hard-rock and oil sands with broad global support.
- Komatsu 980E-5: 400 t payload; electric drive; popular in large iron ore and coal operations with trolley-assist options.
- Liebherr T 284: up to 400 t payload; electric drive; known for high power-to-weight and modular engine options.
- Caterpillar 798 AC: about 372 t payload; electric drive; designed for sites preferring AC drive within the Cat ecosystem.
While these trucks match closely in payload and performance, the BelAZ 75710’s 450-ton rating remains the current ceiling for a production haul truck, giving it a singular role in mines that can exploit its scale.
Why bigger isn’t always better
Despite the headline payload, the biggest truck is not automatically the best choice for every mine. Site geometry, climate, maintenance capability, and loading tools all influence the optimal truck size.
- Infrastructure fit: Ramps, switchbacks, and dump points must accommodate extraordinary width, height, and turning requirements.
- Loading match: Shovels or excavators must fill the bed in an efficient number of passes to avoid cycle-time penalties.
- Tire logistics: Eight 63-inch tires per unit raise costs and require careful spares planning and road maintenance.
- Flexibility and fleet mix: Slightly smaller 350–400 t trucks may offer higher availability or better match to variable ore faces.
- Regulatory and transport constraints: Moving, assembling, and supporting the largest class can add time and cost.
These trade-offs explain why many mines standardize on the 350–400 t class, reserving the largest units for specific pits that can fully leverage their productivity.
Outlook: technology and efficiency trends
Ultra-class trucks are evolving toward lower emissions and higher automation. Trolley-assist (overhead electric) is increasingly paired with 400 t electric-drive trucks to cut diesel consumption on uphill hauls. Autonomy—already mainstream in 220–300 t classes—is expanding into the 350–400 t segment to improve consistency and safety. Longer term, miners and OEMs are trialing alternative fuels and hybrid systems, including hydrogen fuel-cell/battery hybrids in smaller classes, with lessons expected to migrate upward as energy density and charging/refueling infrastructure mature.
Summary
The BelAZ 75710 is the biggest haul truck currently in service, rated to carry 450 metric tons and optimized for the largest, most uniform open-pit mines. Close competitors from Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Liebherr top out around 400 tons, a segment that remains the global workhorse due to broader site compatibility. As mines push for lower costs and emissions, electric-drive systems, trolley assist, and autonomy are shaping the next chapter of ultra-class hauling.
How much is a 400 ton haul truck?
From the Archive: Priced at $3.4 million and powered by two V-12s lashed together, the 797 produces 3400 horsepower and can haul up to 400 tons.
How much can a 797 haul?
The Caterpillar 797 haul truck’s payload capacity depends on the model, with the latest 797F having a nominal payload capacity of 400 tons (363 metric tons). Earlier models, like the 797B, had lower capacities, such as 380 tons, while the original 797 model was rated for 360 tons.
Here’s a breakdown of the payload capacities for different 797 models:
- Cat 797F: 400 US tons (363 t)
- Cat 797B: 380 tons (345 t)
- Cat 797: 360 US tons (327 t)
The payload capacity of the 797F makes it one of the largest haul trucks in the world by payload.
What is the biggest haul truck?
And that’s why it’s used in the world’s largest open pit mines. There’s simply no other truck that can match its. Capacity.
What’s the biggest U-Haul truck available?
The largest U-Haul truck available for rent is the 26-foot “Super Mover” truck, which is suitable for moving a 3-5 bedroom home and features a low deck and an EZ-Load ramp for easier loading. This truck has an inside capacity of approximately 1,682 cubic feet and an interior length of over 26 feet.
Key Features
- Capacity: Can hold belongings from a 3-5 bedroom home.
- Loading: Equipped with a low deck and an EZ-Load ramp for easier loading and unloading of furniture and appliances.
- Interior Dimensions: Roughly 26’2″ long, 8’1″ wide, and 8’3″ high.
- Overhead Storage: Includes a “Mom’s Attic” for additional space.
- Towing: Comes with a trailer hitch hookup.
When to Use a 26-Foot Truck
- Moving into a large home.
- Transporting a significant amount of belongings.
- Relocating furniture and supplies for several rooms in a home or office.
- Transporting large items or delivering goods in bulk.