
The Bagger 293, built by the German company TAKRAF in 1995, stands as a true engineering masterpiece and the largest land vehicle in the world. This massive bucket-wheel excavator is a critical tool for lignite mining in Germany’s Rhineland region, designed to handle large-scale excavation efficiently.
Measuring a staggering 96 meters in height and 225 meters in length, and weighing an incredible 14,200 tons, the Bagger 293 eclipses most other machines in size and capacity. Like its sibling, the Bagger 288, the construction and assembly of this engineering marvel required years of precision and dedication. Its estimated cost is approximately $100 million, further highlighting its significance as a vital asset in mining operations.
Exceptional Capabilities
The Bagger 293 boasts an impressive ability to move up to 240,000 cubic meters of soil per day—equivalent to the workload of over 40,000 workers or more than 10,000 dump truck loads. This makes it one of the most efficient excavators in the world. Powered by 16.56 megawatts of externally supplied electricity, the machine operates under the control of five operators who ensure precision and safety during every phase of its operation.
Working primarily in the Hambach open-pit mine, the Bagger 293 plays a crucial role in extracting approximately 40 million tons of lignite annually. Overburden removal, totaling around 250 million cubic meters per year, is methodically deposited along the edges of the mine.
For a more in-depth look at the Bagger 293, you might find the following documentary informative:
Comparison: Bagger 293 vs. Bagger 288
Below is a detailed comparison between the Bagger 293 and its predecessor, the Bagger 288:
Bagger 293 | Bagger 288 | |
---|---|---|
Type | Bucket-wheel Excavator | Bucket-wheel Excavator |
Manufacturer | TAKRAF | ThyssenKrupp (Germany) |
Year of Production | 1995 | 1978 |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 225 m x 46 m x 96 m | 220 m x 46 m x 96 m |
Dimensions (US units) | 738.2 ft x 150.9 ft x 314.9 ft | 721 ft x 151 ft x 315 ft |
Weight | 14,200 tons | 13,500 tons |
Weight (US units) | 31,300,000 lbs | 29,800,000 lbs |
Power Source | 16.56 MW of external electricity | 16.56 MW of external electricity |
Blade Volume Capacity | 15.0 m³ | 6.6 m³ |
Blade Volume Capacity (US) | 19.6 cubic yards | 8.6 cubic yards |
Blade Weight Capacity | 15.0 t | 6.5 t |
Blade Weight Capacity (US) | 33,069.3 lbs | 14,330 lbs |