TU-16 Underground Dump Truck Shipped to Russia – Built for Extreme Mining Conditions

As a leading Underground Dump Truck – China Manufacturer, Tuoxing recently shipped two units of the TU-16 underground dump truck to a large copper-nickel mine in Siberia, Russia. These units will replace the mine’s old imported vehicles, solving a series of severe operational challenges including extreme winter cold, muddy drifts, low ceilings, steep gradients, and heavy dust. This shipment also marks Tuoxing’s efficient, economical, and compliant new solution for Russian customers in the fields of Mining Equipment – China Import and Parallel Import of Mining Equipment.

Extreme Challenges in Russian Underground Mines

Many Russian underground mines (especially in Norilsk, Magadan, and similar regions) face the following harsh conditions:

Challenge Specific

Extreme cold Winter tunnel temperatures can drop to -30°C to -45°C. Conventional equipment suffers from frozen hydraulic oil, battery failure, and brittle rubber parts.

Narrow & low drifts Some haulage drifts are only 2.5–3m wide and 2.3–2.5m high, preventing large vehicles from entering.

Muddy & waterlogged floors High water content in ore causes wet, slippery floors with mud up to 20–30cm deep – ordinary vehicles easily slip and get stuck.

Continuous slopes Ramp gradients commonly range from 12° to 14°, placing extreme braking loads on fully loaded downhill runs.

Heavy dust Drilling, blasting, and hauling generate large amounts of rock dust, imposing strict requirements on engine intake and electrical systems.

The Russian mine had previously used second-hand imported vehicles that frequently suffered from brake failure, drivetrain overheating, and cold-start difficulties. Furthermore, spare parts supply was severely affected by international sanctions. Therefore, the mine urgently needed a highly reliable, easy-to-maintain, cold-resistant underground dump truck. Through the Parallel Import of Mining Equipment channel, the mine ultimately chose Tuoxing’s TU-16 model.

TU-16 Underground Dump Truck – Core Parameters & Targeted Solutions

The Tuoxing TU-16 is a 16-tonne payload articulated underground dump truck, specifically designed for medium-scale underground metal mines. The following parameters perfectly match the harsh Russian conditions.

1. Powertrain – Combating Extreme Cold & Heavy Dust

Parameter TU-16 Specification Solved Environmental Problem

Engine DEUTZ BF6M1013 (Germany), water-cooled, 165 kW Water-cooled system warms up quickly in low temperatures; DEUTZ engine intake system has good sealing and dust resistance

Cold-start aid Optional intake air preheating + low-temperature hydraulic oil Ensures first-time startup success at -35°C

2. Drivetrain & Braking – Handling Wet, Slippery Slopes

Parameter TU-16 Specification Solved Environmental Problem

Torque converter DANA C270, single-stage, dual-phase Provides smooth starts, prevents wheel spin on muddy surfaces

Transmission DANA R32000 power shift 4 forward + 4 reverse gears, clear shifting, adapts to frequent direction changes

Braking system Fully enclosed multi-disc wet brake, spring-applied hydraulic release Completely waterproof and mud-proof; wet brakes provide no fade even when submerged or in mud; spring brake ensures safe parking/emergency braking on slopes

Maximum traction 160 kN Climbing 14° grades without slipping under full load

3. Dimensions & Maneuverability – Navigating Narrow, Low Drifts

Parameter TU-16 Specification Solved Environmental Problem

Overall length 7678 mm Articulated design provides small turning radius

Overall width 2212 mm Can pass through 2.5m wide drifts

Overall height (including cab) 2312 mm Can enter areas with 2.4m roof height

Ground clearance 260 mm Passes over crushed rock and mud without bottoming out

Inside turning radius 3553 ± 250 mm Flexible turning in narrow stopes

Articulation swing angle ±7° All four wheels maintain ground contact, preventing rollover on uneven surfaces

4. Dumping Performance – Fast Discharge

Parameter TU-16 Specification Advantage

Maximum dumping height 4212 mm Matches large ore passes or mining trucks

Raise time 9.1 seconds Shortens cycle time

Lower time 8.2 seconds Fast return to loading point

5. Hydraulic System – Low-Temperature Sealing

Hydraulic components maintain elasticity at low temperatures, eliminating oil leaks.

Independent systems (work, steering, brake, supply) – no mutual interference, low failure rate.

Shipment & Customer Feedback

The two TU-16 units were shipped to Russia via the China-Europe railway and are expected to arrive at the mine in 25 days. Tuoxing also provides:

Complete machine + spare parts kit (including filters, brake pads, seals)

Russian-language operation manual and remote video guidance

12 months or 2,000 hours warranty

Why Choose Tuoxing as Your Underground Dump Truck – China Manufacturer?

Global supply chain – Featuring DEUTZ engines, DANA drivetrains, Parker hydraulic components, matching international first-tier performance.

Proven in extreme environments – The equipment has been field-tested in cold mining regions including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.

Flexible trade methods – Supports direct Mining Equipment – China Import procurement as well as delivery via Parallel Import of Mining Equipment to sanctioned regions.

Fast spare parts response – Stocked parts warehouses in Moscow and Khabarovsk.

Get a Quote or More Information

If you need to equip your mine in Russia, Central Asia, or Canada with 16-tonne underground dump trucks, contact the Tuoxing sales team today.