The Effect Of Weight-To-Horsepower Ratios On Off-Highway Haulage Trucks

As recently as the mid-1930's, steam and rail haulage were still the primary means of moving large quantities of rock. However, 2- to 5-ton standard on-highway trucks were beginning to be used in the mining industry's efforts to lower haulage costs. It was quickly obvious that rubber-tired equipment was more flexible, faster and more maneuverable. The trend towards haulage trucks had begun. Now while savings were being realized, the severe operating conditions encountered in open pit operations proved too much for the lightly constructed frames, gasoline engines and highly inflated tires. As a result, a few years later, the first 10 to 15-ton, two-axle heavy duty trucks were designed specifically to operate under off-highway conditions.