The Kama Automobile Plant has released a promotional video on its official YouTube channel that marks the Hercules 40 super-heavy mining dump truck moving under its own power for the first time, showcasing an innovative articulated chassis design. The footage highlights the articulation unit, a component developed in Russia, and offers a close look at how the system handles articulation under real mining conditions. This moment signals a notable milestone for heavy-duty off-road vehicles, where even small gains in maneuverability and stability can translate into meaningful efficiency gains in challenging quarry environments. The video not only demonstrates motion but also reveals how the vehicle’s suspension and articulation work in concert with its powertrain to maintain traction on uneven surfaces. (Source: KAMAZ press materials)
Recall that the KAMAZ-6561 Hercules 40 was first publicly shown in September 2021. This 6×6 platform brings together a suite of innovations aimed at improving performance, reliability, and operator experience in demanding mining operations. A standout feature is its “series hybrid” powerplant. In this configuration, a turbocharged diesel engine drives an electric generator, which in turn powers the traction motor and simultaneously charges the onboard battery. The concept reduces dependence on a single energy pathway, increasing flexibility in energy management across varied load cycles. Additionally, the Hercules 40 is equipped with a recuperation system that captures kinetic energy during descents in quarries, converting it back into usable electrical energy. This regenerative approach helps lower overall fuel consumption by approximately 15 percent when compared with a conventional diesel-only truck of similar capacity. In practical terms, operators can expect steadier fuel use across long shifts and reduced emissions for heavy-duty hauling on rugged sites. (Source: KAMAZ development notes)
With an empty chassis weight of around 31 tons and a rated payload of 40 tons, the Hercules 40 is designed to maximize payload efficiency without compromising mobility or stability on uneven surfaces. The vehicle’s 6×6 driveline configuration is chosen to optimize traction, facilitating site access in challenging terrain where standard heavy haulers struggle. While the Hercules 40 remains under testing, the manufacturer has announced plans to begin assembly for mining clients as soon as validation steps are completed. This readiness to scale production reflects the company’s strategy to support the mining sector with reliable, high-capacity equipment that can be deployed promptly to meet project demands. (Source: KAMAZ product briefs)
– Driving in difficult conditions is being explored further in related channels and industry briefings, reflecting ongoing collaboration with operators to fine-tune controllability, ride quality, and response to varying rock and dust environments. The Hercules 40 represents a deliberate push toward sustainable efficiency in heavy waste-haulage, with attention to fuel economy, energy recovery, and robust reliability under harsh mining duty cycles. Note that more technical data and performance testing results are expected to be released by KAMAZ as field trials progress. (Source: corporate disclosures)
A picture: PJSC “KAMAZ”