Liebherr has used bauma 2004 to launch what it describes as the world’s largest and most powerful mining truck, the T 282B.
According to Liebherr, the diesel-electric truck puts all other transport vehicles used in opencast mining in the shade.
It certainly has gigantic dimensions: it stands 7.4m high, 8.8m wide and is 14.5m long. This makes it the largest two-axle mining truck in the world.
However, it is not just its size that is impressive, after a year of field tests of greater importance still is its internal values.
More than 200 improvements in many areas have been incorporated into this successor to the T 282, which itself was first presented in 1999.
Of particular significance are the increase in payload from 327 to 363 metric tonnes and a 35% more powerful engine.
Liebherr says the T 282B now has access to 2721kW from the world’s most powerful commercial-vehicle engine.
The company says the truck is now set to make its mark in opencast mining with the lowest operating costs per loaded tonne.
It has a maximum travel speed of 64km/h, while its radial, small low aspect ratio tyres and nitrogen-oil suspension offer a high level of ride comfort in the toughest operating conditions.