News Releases
Terex
Mining introduces the new Giant MT 5500
On
family day, April 2, 2000, the plant’s large doors opened and the Unit
Rig MT 5500 came out.
Everyone was invited “touch” the 360 ton (327 t) payload monster. Attempting to reach up to the
center of the 55/80 R63 tires was indeed a stretch for most adult
visitors.
Inside, below the tire rim was even more impressive: the big rear wheel
with brushless AC motor and large dimension gearing provides this monster
with the high torque to move the heavy load.
The
MT 5500 can go from full propel to retard in less than 1 second. The
radial grids with 4600 HP retarding capacity can stop it on a loaded down
hill ramp and hold it there without using the mechanical brakes. This will
increase brake life substantially and lower maintenance requirements.
The
MT 5500 shares many proven features with the “smaller” Unit Rig truck
fleet.
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Front Beam axle for superior handling and extended tire life.
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Large rear axle box bearing for long service life
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Heavy duty design for tough mining applications
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Easy accessibility for quick service.
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Wrap around windshield for excellent visibility
Why
was such a monster created?
As
the mining sites get larger, minerals are harder to recover with more
overburden to be removed. If the conditions of the mines allow it, larger
trucks working together with larger loading tools providing a more
economical solution.
Terex
Mining offers the largest hydraulic shovel; the O&K RH 400 with a 60
cubic yard (45 cubic meter) bucket capacity. This shovel can load the MT
5500 in only 4 quick passes.
Are
larger trucks are being developed?
Once
larger tires are proven and higher engine horsepower is readily available,
the truck sizes will increase further.
The
Unit Rig MT 5500 was thoroughly checked on the factory test track and has
been shipped to a large Wyoming coal mine. Additional trucks are making
their debut in a large Mexican copper mine.
