Terex RH400 Dominates As Top Mining Hydraulic Shovel

In the world of heavy machinery, few pieces of equipment command as much respect as the Terex RH400 hydraulic shovel. This engineering behemoth represents the pinnacle of mining efficiency, combining raw power with precision engineering to redefine what's possible in large-scale excavation.

Unparalleled Specifications

The RH400's technical specifications read like a list of superlatives:

• Weight: 1,078 tons - equivalent to approximately 1,000 average passenger vehicles
• Bucket capacity: 94 tons - enough to hold 20 adult African elephants
• Loading efficiency: Can fill a Komatsu 930E mining truck in just 3-4 scoops
• Hourly digging capacity: Approximately 9,900 tons - equivalent to moving a small hill daily

Powerhouse Performance

At the heart of the RH400 lies a dual-engine configuration delivering 4,400 horsepower - enough to propel a small naval vessel. The machine's sophisticated preheating systems ensure operational readiness in extreme environments, with dedicated systems for engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid.

Hydraulic Mastery

• 3,400-gallon hydraulic fluid capacity (approximately 12,870 liters)
• 14 Bosch Rexroth hydraulic pumps (7 per side)
• 1,000-liter automatic lubrication system

Structural Engineering

The shovel's bucket alone weighs 80 tons, capable of carrying 85 tons of material for a total load of 165 tons - comparable to the weight of a Boeing 737 aircraft. This massive load is supported by a hydraulic arm secured with a 3-ton metal pin made from high-strength alloy steel.

Operator Considerations

Despite its industrial nature, the RH400 prioritizes operator comfort with a spacious cabin featuring full amenities, including a kitchen area with refrigerator and microwave. This attention to ergonomics helps maintain operator efficiency during extended shifts.

Dimensional Dominance

• Height: Over 10 meters (three-story building equivalent)
• Width: More than 8 meters (two traffic lanes)
• Length: Exceeds 20 meters (standard city bus length)

Industry Impact

Primarily deployed in large open-pit mines, the RH400 significantly enhances operational efficiency while reducing per-ton costs. Its capabilities make it particularly valuable for operations involving ore and coal extraction where scale directly correlates with profitability.

Competitive Landscape

While facing competition from machines like the Liebherr R9800 and Komatsu PC8000, the RH400 maintains its position through superior bucket capacity, power output, and system efficiency.

Future Developments

The evolution of hydraulic shovels points toward increased automation, with potential developments including autonomous operation capabilities and alternative power systems to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance standards.

The Terex RH400 stands as a testament to human engineering capability, demonstrating how technological advancement continues to push the boundaries of industrial productivity in the mining sector.