Liebherr claims to be the only manufacturer at this year's MINExpo exhibition in Las Vegas to present two ultra class, over 300 short ton, AC drive haul trucks - the T 282 and the TI 272.

Three prototypes of the T1 272 - which the company says represents a paradigm shift in the way trucks have been designed - are operating in various locations around the world, including at Mt Owen in New South Wales' Hunter Valley.

The company said the key to the TI 272 is productivity. According to the company, early tests show the T1 272 is a 320 ton truck and can go uphill faster than trucks of the same weight and payload.

"Given comparable available horsepower, a truck with a lower gross vehicle weight will go uphill faster than a significantly heavier truck," the company said.

An important design feature in the TI 272 truck is the reduction of dead weight. Liebherr said it has removed redundant structure in the frame, which, combined with the modern drive system, has increased productivity by 12%, mostly in deep pit mines with long hauls.

Increased speeds and reduced operating costs mean lower costs per tonne, the company said.

Other cost savings are lower tyre costs, lower fuel consumption and fewer moving parts.

Liebherr said with a lower GVW, the TI 272 uses a smaller tyre. Actual costs are thought to be around 10% less but Liebherr believes a longer tyre life is possible because the rear axle incorporates an oscillation device with allows the axles to rotate over bumps in the road and achieve better weight distribution.

Liebherr is also showing what it describes as the most powerful machine in its class - the R995 Litronic mining shovel. With an operating weight of 414 tons, at 1600kW and with a bucket capacity of 23m3, Liebher said it was the most economical loading machine for haul trucks with payloads of 210 tons or greater.

A company spokesman said the shovel in-the-field use was enhanced by improved service accessibility.

Liebherr says the R995 will become a benchmark for future designs.