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World's 10 largest construction machines

Basel A.June 9, 2025 · 11 min read

Imagine standing next to the record-breaking Bagger 293, the tallest land vehicle on Earth, or the massive BelAZ 75710, the world's largest dump truck. These are more than just machines, they are the backbone of modern construction and mining, shaping cities, landscapes, and industries in ways that seem almost unreal.

Whether you're part of the industry or simply fascinated by extreme machines, this list highlights 10 of the largest and most powerful construction machines ever built, each designed to take on the most demanding jobs on the planet. Let’s see how many of these mechanical giants you recognize.

What are the top heavy machines in the world?

The largest heavy machines in the world include:

  1. XCMG XGC88000 Crawler Crane

  2. BelAZ 75710 Dump Truck

  3. Bagger 293 Bucket-Wheel Excavator

  4. SLJ900/32 Bridge Builder

  5. Komatsu P&H 4800 XPC Electric Rope Shovel

  6. Liebherr R 9800 Mining Excavator

  7. Komatsu P&H L-2350 Wheel Loader

  8. Bertha Tunnel Boring Machine

  9. Komatsu D575A Super Dozer

  10. Ocean X Floating Wind Turbine

Let’s take a closer look at the world's 10 largest construction machines, exploring their capabilities and contributions to the industry. 

1. XCMG XGC88000 crawler crane

The XCMG XGC88000 crawler crane stands out for its advanced safety and efficiency features. Its double rope force balance technique ensures even force distribution across boom structures, enhancing safety and preventing damage. Powered by three independent 641 kW Cummins engines, the crane offers reliable performance, ease of maintenance, and flexibility during assembly and disassembly. Additionally, its multiple movement modes, including swing and crab travel, reduce the need for extensive ground preparation, making it a versatile choice for complex construction projects.

More about the XCMG XGC88000 and how it's used in major projects. Read more.

2. BelAZ 75710 dump truck

The BelAZ 75710 dump truck, the largest of its kind, boasts a record-breaking payload capacity of 450 tonnes. This behemoth measures over 20 meters in length, 8.16 meters in height, and 9.87 meters in width, powered by two 16-cylinder diesel engines generating a combined 4,600 horsepower. These engines supply electricity to four electric motors, enabling speeds of up to 64 km/h. Despite its massive size, the truck features a unique movable axle system that evenly distributes weight across its eight tires, overcoming traditional limitations of payload capacity and tire size.

Engineered with advanced high-strength steels, including Weldox 700F and Hardox 450, the 75710 combines incredible strength with durability to endure the harshest conditions, from extreme cold to high altitudes. Its innovative design, prioritizing fuel efficiency and operational effectiveness, results in lower costs per load, making it a step forward for mining and quarry operations. 

Learn how the BelAZ 75710 is used in large-scale mining. Read more.

3. Bagger 293 bucket-wheel excavator

The Bagger 293 is the world’s largest excavator and holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest terrestrial vehicle, standing 96 meters (315 feet) tall and 225 meters (738 feet) long. Developed by German company Takraf in 1995, it was designed for open-pit lignite mining in Germany to efficiently remove overburden covering valuable coal seams.

Weighing 14,200 tons, the Bagger 293 requires five operators and is powered by an external energy source. Its bucket wheel measures 21.3 meters (70 feet) in diameter with 18 buckets, each capable of holding 15 cubic meters of material. This excavator can move up to 240,000 cubic meters of earth daily, equivalent to 96 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Primarily used in large-scale mining, the Bagger 293 is also suitable for projects like quarrying limestone, digging foundations, and building highways or dams. It operates by rotating the bucket wheel to scoop material, which is then transferred via conveyor belts to waiting trucks or processing stations.

Details on Bagger 293’s design and mining operations. Read more.

4. SLJ900/32 bridge builder

The SLJ900/32, manufactured by Beijing Wowjoint Machinery Company, is a massive piece of equipment designed to simplify the process of bridge construction. Weighing 580 tons and stretching 300 feet in length with a width of 24 feet, this machine resembles a train more than a traditional crane.

Unlike conventional cranes that lift bridge girders from the ground and place them on support structures, the SLJ900/32 takes a different approach. It drives along the previously placed girders, extending its arms to reach the next support platform. Once in position, it pushes the girder forward and gently lowers it into place. This method significantly reduces the time and labor required for bridge building while enhancing precision and safety.

The SLJ900/32 is commonly used in large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in regions with challenging terrains. Its ability to handle the heavy lifting and precise placement of bridge components makes it an essential machine for modern bridge construction.

See how the SLJ900/32 transforms modern bridge construction. More details here.

5. Komatsu P&H 4800 XPC electric rope shovel

The Komatsu P&H 4800XPC electric rope shovel is the most powerful of its kind, weighing approximately 1,750 tons. Designed to load ultra-class 400-ton mining trucks in just three passes, one less than comparable machines, it boosts efficiency and reduces costs per ton. This groundbreaking shovel enhances safety and operator comfort while delivering exceptional productivity in large-scale mining operations.

Inspired by the needs of cost-focused and safety-driven mining industries, the 4800XPC features Komatsu’s Adaptive Controls technology and optimized structures, offering up to a 20% production increase and a 10% reduction in costs per ton compared to its predecessor. With a payload capacity of 135 tons, it sets a new standard for electric mining shovels, meeting the demands of modern mining environments with unmatched reliability.

More about the technology behind the 4800XPC. Read more.

6. Liebherr R 9800 mining excavator

The Liebherr R 9800 mining excavator is a powerhouse designed to excel in the most demanding mining environments. Weighing approximately 810 tons, it features a massive bucket capacity of up to 47 cubic meters, allowing it to move 92 tons of material in a single pass. Built for durability, its modular design ensures a service life of 80,000 hours, with extended component lifetimes maximizing uptime in the pit. This robust construction makes it a reliable choice for large-scale open-pit mining operations worldwide.

Efficiency is a cornerstone of the R 9800’s design. It incorporates Liebherr’s Power Efficiency – Engine Control system, which optimizes fuel consumption to save up to 120,000 liters annually. With the best payload capacity in its class, the excavator offers superior material-handling capabilities while reducing operational costs. These advancements make the R 9800 a benchmark for productivity, sustainability, and cost-efficiency in the mining industry.

7. Komatsu P&H L-2350 wheel loader

The Komatsu P&H L-2350 wheel loader is the largest of its kind, boasting an impressive payload capacity of 80 tons and powered by a 16-cylinder engine. Designed for mining and large-scale construction, it can lift materials up to 7 meters, efficiently handling heavy loads like coal, iron ore, and gravel. Despite its massive size, it maintains exceptional agility, making it an essential tool for high-efficiency operations.

Complementing Komatsu’s portfolio, the P&H 4800XPC rope shovel is the largest rope shovel globally, with a 135-ton payload. Recently deployed at Anglo American's Mogalakwena platinum mine in South Africa, it took 47,711 man-hours to assemble its 63,770 parts. It’s also a leader in sustainability, emitting 90 g of CO₂ per ton moved, far lower than traditional hydraulic excavators, showcasing Komatsu’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

8. Bertha tunnel boring machine

Bertha, named after Seattle’s first female mayor, Bertha Knight Landes, was the world’s largest earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine at the time of its construction. Built by Hitachi Zosen in Japan and assembled in Seattle, this 57.5-foot-diameter (17.5 m), 326-foot-long machine was designed for the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. Bertha began boring in July 2013 but faced a two-year delay due to damage caused by striking a steel pipe.

The machine resumed operations in December 2015 and successfully completed its 1.7-mile-long tunnel in April 2017. Weighing over 6,000 tons, Bertha’s cutterhead was ultimately scrapped after disassembly, while the tunnel opened to traffic in February 2019. Despite its challenges, Bertha remains a symbol of innovation and perseverance in large-scale infrastructure projects.

The story behind Bertha’s journey and challenges. Read more.

9. Komatsu D575A super dozer

Known as the world’s largest production bulldozer, the Komatsu D575A Super Dozer is a massive powerhouse with a 1,150-horsepower engine capable of moving up to 125 cubic yards (96 m³) of material per pass when equipped with its optional blade. Standing 16 feet tall and 38 feet long, this machine was designed for surface mining and large-scale earthmoving projects, particularly in the United States, Australia, and Japan. Its remarkable power and efficiency made it a favorite for operators in challenging environments, including remote-controlled operations in residentially sensitive mining areas.

First introduced in 1991, the D575A series evolved over time, with the final updated version, the D575A-3SD Super Dozer, featuring advanced electronics, enhanced operator comfort, and improved durability. Despite its impressive capabilities, production ceased due to declining demand and high manufacturing costs. By the time it was retired, only 53 units had been built, cementing its legacy as a symbol of engineering excellence in heavy equipment history.

More about Komatsu D575A super dozer.

10. Ocean X floating wind turbine

OceanX, the world’s largest single-capacity floating wind platform, represents a breakthrough in offshore wind energy. Developed by Mingyang Smart Energy, this dual-turbine V-shaped platform has a generation capacity of 16.6 MW, powered by two MySE8.3-180 wind turbines. Capable of producing 54 GWh annually, it can power 30,000 households. Built with ultra-high-performance concrete and a cable-stayed system, OceanX ensures durability, structural efficiency, and adaptability to deep water conditions.

Designed for resilience, OceanX utilizes an adaptive single-point mooring system to maintain stability during extreme conditions like typhoons, withstanding winds up to 79.8 m/s and waves as high as 30 meters. This pioneering platform sets a new benchmark for sustainable energy generation in offshore environments.

Why these machines matter in construction and mining

These massive machines represent more than just impressive engineering, they’re essential tools for industries that build the world around us. From mining raw materials to constructing bridges, tunnels, and wind farms, each machine has a specific purpose that contributes to the global infrastructure.

Advancements in heavy equipment have led to improved efficiency and safety in construction and mining. Machines like the XCMG XGC88000 crane and the Bagger 293 excavator are examples of how the industry continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For more insights into heavy machinery and to explore a range of fully inspected equipment from trusted brands, visit makana.com, a global digital marketplace for buying and selling fully inspected heavy machinery, offering transparent listings, 360° views, and expert reviews, with worldwide shipping and a focus on quality and trust.

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