June 22, 2025 - In this video, we’re on-site at an active mining operation, watching the powerful Liebherr 974 hydraulic excavator at work. This heavy-duty machine is tasked with loading overburden material onto a steady rotation of Mercedes and MAN 4-axle dump trucks, ensuring efficient clearing of the upper layers of the mine.

With the overburden removed, the team can reach the valuable ore layers underneath—making this phase one of the most important steps in the mining cycle. 

The Excavator: Liebherr R 974 Litronic

The Liebherr 974 is a staple in the mining and quarrying industry thanks to its power, durability, and reliability in harsh working environments.

Key Specs:

• Operating Weight: ~80,000–90,000 kg (176,000–198,000 lbs)

• Engine Power: ~570–620 hp

• Bucket Capacity: 4.0 – 5.0 m³

• Dig Depth: Over 7 meters

• Ideal For: Overburden removal, rock loading, and large-scale excavation

In this video, the excavator showcases its strength and reach as it smoothly lifts large volumes of earth and loads them into waiting trucks with high precision.

The Trucks: Mercedes & MAN 4-Axle Dumpers

Supporting the excavator is a fleet of 4-axle dump trucks from Mercedes-Benz and MAN—well-known for their robustness and ability to handle heavy payloads on uneven mine roads.

These trucks ensure:

• Continuous material flow

• Minimal downtime

• Safe and stable transport of loose overburden to dumping or processing areas

A Well-Oiled Operation

This mine operates with a highly synchronized flow:

1. The Liebherr 974 digs and loads with rapid cycle times

2. Trucks rotate efficiently, with one always ready to be filled

3. Material is transported out to deposit zones, making room for deeper excavation

This teamwork between machines and operators maximizes daily productivity and keeps the mining schedule on track.

Check out https://megamachineschannel.com for unrivaled mega machines, heavy machinery specs, and industrial engineering highlights!