The world of mining trucks is one of sheer scale and power, and few vehicles embody this as impressively as the Euclid R-170. This behemoth, first announced in 1974, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of off-road haulers. Let’s delve into what made this truck so remarkable.
A History Forged in Change
The Euclid R-170’s story is intertwined with the shifting landscape of the automotive industry. Following the bankruptcy of General Motors’ Euclid division in 1968, Euclid came under the ownership of White Motor Corporation.
It was during this period that Euclid began pushing the boundaries of truck design, experimenting with diesel-electric powertrains and introducing some of the largest mining trucks the company had ever produced – the R-170 being a prime example.
Power Under the Hood
The R-170 wasn’t just about size; it was about raw power. Euclid offered two different diesel engine configurations to cater to customer preferences.
One option was a Detroit 16V 149 TI two-cycle turbocharged and aftercooled V16 diesel engine, generating a staggering 1492 horsepower and 4600 foot-pounds of torque. The second was a KTA 50C four-cycle turbocharged and aftercooled V16 diesel engine, which produced 1519 horsepower and 4400 ft-lb of torque.
To get these massive engines started, the R-170 used a 24 CFM air starting system with an Ingersoll Rand SM 450 air starting motor.
Built for the Rough Stuff
Mining trucks operate in some of the most demanding environments on Earth, so durability and operator comfort are paramount.
The R-170 featured a robust main frame and Euclid’s independent trailing arm suspension system. This suspension system, with its energy-absorbing fluid suspension struts, was designed to increase tire life by minimizing tire movement in the vertical plane, thus preventing tire scuffing.
Vital Statistics
To keep this giant operational, it had equally large capacities. The diesel fuel tank holds 510 gallons of fuel, and the hydraulic oil reservoir tank for the body hoist system holds 130 gallons of oil.
Diesel-Electric Power and Braking
The Euclid R-170 employed a diesel-electric drive system. Instead of a traditional transmission, the engine powered a General Electric GTA5 alternator, which in turn provided power to General Electric 776 traction wheel motors located in the rear wheel hubs.
The truck also featured a dynamic braking system, using the DC motors and a General Electric grid package to provide 2700 horsepower of braking force. An optional three-step extended range retarding package was available for operating on severe downgrades.
**Legacy**
The empty operating weight of the R-170 is a hefty 112 tons. The Euclid truck line changed hands several times, eventually becoming part of a joint venture with Hitachi, which led to the development of the upgraded R170C model and its successor, the Euclid Hitachi EH3000.
The Euclid R-170 stands as a testament to the ingenuity and power of engineering in the mining industry. Its size, power, and robust design made it a true titan of the mines.
🎥 Want to see this mining giant up close?
Check out the video below by PAmining for a full walkaround and inside look at the Euclid R-170. It’s the next best thing to being there in person!
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A locked Cummins, a frozen cab, and a tree growing through the frame make this 4070 revival one brutal challenge.