When it comes to large-scale mining, few names carry as much weight as P&H, a brand under Komatsu. For over a century, P&H has been designing and building some of the world’s most powerful surface mining equipment, trusted by operations that need to move millions of tons of material efficiently and reliably.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of P&H’s most remarkable machines—icons of engineering that continue to shape modern mining.
P&H 4800 XPC Electric Rope Shovel
The 4800 XPC is one of the largest electric rope shovels on the market. With a bucket capacity of 65–70 cubic meters, it can load up to 580 tons of material in just six minutes. Standing nearly 14 meters high and 15 meters wide, it’s built for ultra-class operations where efficiency and productivity are non-negotiable. This model is often seen working in massive open-pit mines, pairing seamlessly with haul trucks that carry hundreds of tons per trip.
As part of the renowned 4100 series, the 4100XPC is designed for high production rates. Its bucket can handle 52–67 cubic meters with a working radius of 24 meters, making it a perfect fit for 240–400 ton haul trucks. This machine is more than just specs—it once set a record at Sierra Gorda copper mine in Chile by moving 230,000 tons of material in a single day, showcasing the raw power and reliability that miners rely on.
P&H 2650CX Hybrid Mining Shovel
Sustainability is becoming a bigger focus in the mining industry, and the P&H 2650CX hybrid shovel reflects that shift. By combining a diesel engine with electric drive technology, this machine reduces fuel usage and emissions while maintaining the digging power needed for tough mining environments. For companies aiming to balance productivity with environmental responsibility, the 2650CX stands out as a future-ready solution.
P&H 320XPC Open-Pit Drill
Drilling and blasting are essential steps in surface mining, and the 320XPC drill was built for exactly that. Known for its stability, precision, and reliability, it continues to be a trusted open-pit drilling machine even after Komatsu streamlined its brand lineup. Its endurance in the market highlights how well it has adapted to the demands of modern mines.
P&H L-2350 Wheel Loader – The “Super Beast”
If there’s one machine that turns heads, it’s the P&H L-2350, once dubbed the “Super Beast.” Weighing 272 tons, this loader is recognized as the largest wheel loader in the world. With an 80-ton bucket capacity and a massive 16-cylinder turbocharged engine generating 1,715 kW, it’s designed to load the biggest haul trucks—those in the 320–400 ton class. More than just a piece of equipment, it represents the extremes of what mining technology can achieve.
Why P&H Still Matters in Mining
From the world’s largest electric rope shovels to innovative hybrid mining shovels, P&H machines continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in surface mining. They aren’t just tools for moving material—they are essential to modern mining operations striving for both productivity and efficiency.
For anyone curious about the evolution of mining technology or looking into the backbone equipment of open-pit mining, P&H remains a fascinating case study in engineering excellence.
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