Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best mining truck for sale

Mining trucks, or big dump trucks are tough machines that work hard moving rocks and earth from place to place in quarries and mines. These long-life and much-needed machines come up on the second-hand market. If they are well maintained, they can be a wise buy over a new machine. This article explores the range of used mining trucks that are available in the online market and suggests key areas to inspect before buying. 

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Table of Contents
The used mining truck market
What types of used mining trucks are available?
What to look for when buying a used mining truck
Final thoughts

The used mining truck market

The mining market is primarily driven by the global demand for minerals, metals, stone and coal, and other needed construction materials such as sand and gravel. It is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from a value of $.1 billion to $.5 billion by . Within that market, the global demand for mining trucks to move those materials is projecting a CAGR of around 4.8% through .

The attraction of a used mining truck over a new one is, quite simply, the lower cost. Quarrying and mining operations require a lot of hardware, so cutting costs anywhere possible is desirable. Mining trucks are relatively uncomplicated machines, so if well maintained, used trucks can be a good buy.

What types of used mining trucks are available?

Large mining trucks, also known as dump trucks, tipper trucks, haul trucks, or quarry trucks, are designed for heavy-duty quarrying and construction jobs. They move vast amounts of materials to offload elsewhere, usually by raising the ‘dump box’ hydraulically to tip out the materials. A less common type is the rear-eject truck, which uses a hydraulic ram to push materials out the back. These types typically have a lower center of gravity than tipper trucks, so they are more stable on uneven ground. 

Trucks can be fixed chassis or articulated, can feature multiple axles, and can have 10-12 wheels, with tire sizes up to double the height of an average-sized adult. Smaller trucks that may be able to operate on public roads can weigh from 30 to 80 tons, but the bigger mining trucks, called ultra trucks, are used off-road and can reach over 400 tons. Caterpillar recently successfully tested a battery-powered electric truck, but at present the trucks available in the used machine market use diesel engines, mainly with Euro 2, 3, or 4 certification.

The following section looks at some examples of second-hand mining trucks available in the online market, with weights ranging from 30 to 400 tons, and with fixed or articulated chassis.

30-80 ton dump trucks

Multipurpose and plentiful, trucks available in this range are used as much for construction projects as for heavy mining. As such, many are road-worthy with 2-3 axles and fixed chassis, although a few are articulated. These trucks operate hydraulic tippers.

80-100 ton dump trucks

Above 80-tons capacity, these big trucks are mostly off-road and intended for quarries and mining sites. There are not as many available second-hand options in this size category, and prices start to overlap with new models of cheaper brands. Most trucks of this size have a single axle front and rear, with four wheels on the rear axle, but with massive-sized tires front and rear.

Over 100 tons

The much bigger ‘ultra trucks’ start above 100 tons and can reach up to 400-ton capacity. These are very specialized machines used for large mining and quarrying operations and are expensive to buy new, with many selling for well over USD 1 million. They are not plentiful on the second-hand market as they are used heavily from new, then maintained and repaired for many years. However, few brands produce higher sizes, such as Caterpillar.

What to look for when buying a used mining truck

Mining trucks are not a great deal different in structure from any other working truck, aside from the bigger scale, so the areas to inspect will be fairly familiar to most mechanics. These trucks do live a rugged life around salty and dusty work sites, and these elements can take their toll on various parts of the machine, which require some extra focus for inspection. Buying a used truck online will not tell the whole tale, so a physical inspection is essential. Here are a few important areas to inspect:

An online and physical inspection

The first impression will come from what can be seen, in photos and on-site. Does the machine look to be in good condition? Many online pictures show quite dirty machines, so look closely. Does it look like that dirt is hiding anything? Are there signs of rust or bubbled paintwork? Are there any visible cracks or dents? Check the cab, chassis, and dump box. A hardy machine can be expected to take some knocks and scrapes so these do not necessarily indicate bad condition. However, resprayed bodywork might indicate damage has been covered up. Also, signs of welding can indicate previous structural damage and weakness.

Review the maintenance history

In the dust and salt of a quarrying or mining environment, particles can get stuck into all parts of machinery and can easily cause wear and breakdown. Air filters in particular get blocked frequently. Maintenance records will show how frequently the truck was serviced, what issues were fixed, and how frequently oils and filters were changed.  If there are any records of major parts replacements, check if quality parts were used and if there was any recurrence. 

Check the engine

Start the engine and drive the truck forward and backward. Check for signs of leaks, knocking, or juddering from the engine, and look for signs of smoke from the exhaust. Most older mining truck engines are either Euro 2 or Euro 3 certified, although a few are Euro 4, especially Caterpillar models. Test the engine emissions to check that the exhaust is still within range. If buying for the US or European market, ensure that the emissions quality meets local requirements.

Inspect the driver’s cab

A mining truck does not have many functions other than driving, except to raise and lower the dump box. Check the cab, the seats, and the doors and windows. More importantly, check whether the steering wheel has no excessive play, the pedals are smooth and not overly worn, and all instruments and gauges work.

Inspect the dump box hydraulics

Check that the dump controls work properly, raise and lower the dump box, and check for smooth operation of the hydraulics. Check the hydraulic cylinders and rods for damage and scarring that can indicate particles stuck in the movement. Check that hoses have a tight seal and no leaks.

Inspect the tires and chassis

Check tire condition for tread wear or cracks. Any signs of uneven wear would indicate an alignment problem. Also, check that wheel rims and axles are in good condition. Next, check the main chassis and the truck frame rails.

Any downward bending or sagging could indicate overloading. An upward bending or bowing could indicate that the truck was driven with a raised but loaded dump box. If the truck has an articulated chassis, check that the articulated steering moves correctly, and check joints, bushings, and pins are well lubricated.

Final thoughts

Mining is essential for many of the consumer products we use every day. It also helps the world gain access to energy resources that keep various vital operations running. Mining equipment lets us collect the valuable rocks, ore and minerals we need daily.

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There are many types of heavy mining equipment, such as excavators, trucks, shovels and drills. These machines are essential to performing mining tasks and keeping workers safe in potentially hazardous conditions. This guide to mining equipment will help you learn more about the different types of heavy machinery used on mining projects and how to choose the appropriate tools for your next project.

Mining typically falls into two different categories — surface and underground. The material you're extracting and the environment will dictate what equipment you'll use. Still, each mining method follows the same general steps.

1. Extraction: This step involves any methods used to extract materials, including drilling, digging or blasting.
   
2. Material handling: The second step is handling the mined materials, including loading materials to a processing site or a waste area.
3. Material processing: Once materials reach the processing site, workers can grind, crush, separate, refine and smelt them to achieve the finished product.

Surface Mining

Surface mining is the method that extracts materials that sit close to the Earth's surface. This approach is typical for non-fuel minerals, and there are three primary ways to mine the surface.

• Quarrying: This method involves cutting stone for ornamental purposes or extracting byproducts such as gravel or sand. Quarrying uses similar techniques as open-pit mining, but some distinct differences exist.
  
• Strip mining: This method removes multiple thin surface layers of rocks and soil to reach the minerals. This technique can prepare for open-pit mining.
• Open-pit mining: This method involves drilling into the surface and setting explosives, which create a large pit for miners to access the minerals and rocks under the surface.

Underground Mining

Underground mining is likely what most people picture when they think about mining. Underground mining extracts minerals, such as specific ore or metals, that are far below the surface. Since underground mining involves more confined spaces than surface mining, the material extraction process is different. This type of mining usually requires some automation and limiting the use of emission vehicles to protect miners. The most common types of underground mining include the following.

Different tools are suitable for handling specific mining activities. The machinery you use will vary depending on whether you're mining the surface or underground and which materials you're extracting, such as coal, crude oil or gold. If you're new to mining, you may not know what is available to help you do your work. Below, we've compiled an equipment list for mining businesses to help you learn about the best equipment for mining projects.

1. Large Mining Trucks

Large mining trucks are essential at mining sites. These trucks help move materials and debris around job sites.

Mining trucks are different from conventional trucks, often equipped with larger tires to support heavy material loads or maneuver around uneven terrain. These trucks can also carry higher payload capacities, allowing you to move heavy materials or ore around the construction site. Large mining trucks can also perform in harsh conditions, such as extreme heat, cold or heavy dust.

2. Mining Shovels

Hydraulic mining shovels, also known as excavators, can help dig through tough materials commonly found at a mining site. Most hydraulic mining shovels have similar components and design. For example, many of these machines have tracks with a cab on top. The cab's pivoting capabilities allow the equipment operator to rotate in a circle without making significant movements, allowing them to dig more efficiently.

There are various applications for mining shovels, including moving materials, lifting materials into a loader, removing rock or dirt from the surface to open up the mines and transporting some mining materials.

3. Bulldozers

Bulldozers are essential for moving materials and mined ore. You can choose between a wheeled or tracked bulldozer, depending on the surface at your work site. You can also equip bulldozers with different attachments that allow them to perform tasks like these:

• Raking the materials around the mining site
• Pushing dirt away from working areas to keep the mining site maintained
• Constructing mining sites by exposing the ground underneath surface materials, such as vegetation or brush
• Ripping plants or other materials from the ground

4. Rotary and Rock Drills

Rotary and rock drills help create holes in rock or soil. These drills allow workers to place blasting charges, which can create open mining areas. Rotary drill rigs use a drill bit to cut rocks under pressure. Compressed air from the equipment sends the drilled rock to the top to help keep the hole free from debris.

Alternatively, rock drills use pressure to create holes in the ground, using the same compressed-air method to clean out the holes. Both drills have numerous applications at mining sites, including creating mining holes, splitting rocks, creating wells and expanding mines.

5. Motor Graders

Often, mines lack access to roads, and many mining sites have debris, vegetation, rocky terrain and other materials that can damage the equipment when driving across. Even mines located off highways will need stable roads to haul and move materials. Motor graders help create roads at mining locations, transporting equipment and materials along the smooth ground.

Motor graders are vital in mining operations, ensuring you can maintain roads' integrity. Some common uses of motor graders include creating grades to drain water from roads, constructing roads for hauling materials and mined ore and pushing materials away from roads to ensure they stay clear.

6. Wheel Loaders

Wheel loaders can pick up and move materials across a mining site, where workers can load them into trucks. Large wheel loaders are ideal for mining projects, since these machines have a larger bucket capacity and load-handling capabilities. Matching the wheel loader's handling capabilities to your material's density and volume is essential so your equipment can hold up without wearing prematurely.

Wheel loaders are primarily for surface mining projects and can help with digging, loading materials for transport and supporting the tasks of other loading equipment on your job site.

When shopping for mining equipment, you'll likely come across new and used models. Both options have specific advantages. For example, new machinery comes equipped with the latest technology, and you don't have to wonder about its history. However, there are many benefits to buying used mining equipment.

• More options: Buying new equipment may limit you to the latest models that came out this year or the year before, and you may not find what you want. Buying used equipment allows you to choose from the most popular models from previous years, giving you a better chance to get the exact features on your wish list.
• Cost reduction: Cost is paramount when investing in your business. New equipment will have the highest price tag, especially models with the latest technology. If you're looking for a way to save on costs while still getting what you need, used equipment is an excellent option. The prices between new and used equipment can differ drastically, and used equipment generally costs less upfront than new equipment.
• Lower rate of depreciation: New equipment depreciates significantly faster than used equipment. When you buy used, you won't have to worry about initial depreciation, which can sustain the equipment's long-term value.
• Lower insurance rates: Insurance rates on new machinery are often more expensive, which can increase overall spending. You can reduce your costs further by purchasing used equipment, allowing you to get lower rates from your insurance company.

While there are several potential advantages of buying new equipment, buying used can help you save money without sacrificing work quality.

When looking at different used models, follow some tips for choosing mining equipment. For example, you'll want to consider your needs, depending on whether you're mining the surface or underground and what the terrain is like at the work site. You'll also want to account for other factors, such as your budget, brand preference and optimal size.

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