
Mining Shovels Shipping
Electric Rope Shovel & Hydraulic Shovel Transport
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Ship Your Mining Shovels
Get expert advice on the best shipping solution for your equipment.
Related Equipment
Overview
Mining shovels, whether electric rope shovels or large hydraulic excavators, are the backbone of surface mining operations. These massive machines can weigh over 1,000 tons and require extensive disassembly for transport.
Electric rope shovels like the P&H 4100 series involve complex disassembly of the revolving frame, crawler assemblies, boom, and electrical systems. Each component requires specialized handling.
Our team coordinates with shovel OEMs and experienced disassembly crews to ensure safe, efficient transport to mining sites worldwide.
Typical Specifications
| Operating Weight | 400 - 1,500+ metric tons |
| Bucket Capacity | 30 - 120+ cubic meters |
| Boom Length | 20m - 30m+ |
| Crawler Width | 10m - 15m |
Recommended Shipping Methods
Breakbulk/Heavy Lift
RecommendedRequired for major components.
Heavy Haul Trucking
RecommendedMulti-axle for crawler assemblies.
Flat Rack Container
RecommendedFor electrical cabinets and smaller parts.
Rail
Efficient for long inland distances.
Container, flat rack, RoRo or breakbulk?
We quote in this order because it is usually cheapest first. Most machines that look too big for a box fit once our crew takes off the bucket, boom, cab or wheels; larger ones are taken further apart across several containers, and pieces too big or heavy for a flat rack or roll trailer go breakbulk.
01Container
- Work needed
- We partially disassemble when needed (bucket, boom, cab, wheels), or take larger machines further apart across several high-cubes and open-tops, then crate, block and lash every part.
- Destinations
- Widest: almost every port worldwide, plus inland delivery by rail.
- Typical cost
- Usually the lowest, with no out-of-gauge surcharges.
- Protection
- Sealed steel box; loose parts and attachments travel locked inside.
- Best for
- Most machines: compact ones as they are, others after partial disassembly, and large ones split across several containers.
02Flat rack
- Work needed
- Ships assembled, blocked and lashed. Surcharges apply when wider than 2.4 m or taller than about 1.95 m.
- Destinations
- Most container ports, on the same vessels as containers.
- Typical cost
- Moderate; rises with every centimetre out of gauge.
- Protection
- Open to the weather; we protect cabs, electronics and hydraulics.
- Best for
- Excavators, dozers and loaders too wide for a container door.
03RoRo
- Work needed
- Drives on assembled; non-runners go on a roll trailer.
- Destinations
- Fewer destinations: regular lanes to Europe, West Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and parts of Latin America.
- Typical cost
- Often competitive for large self-propelled machines where a lane exists.
- Protection
- Below deck, but loose items and attachments cannot ride inside the cab.
- Best for
- Running machines going to a port with regular RoRo sailings.
04Breakbulk
- Work needed
- Lifted aboard piece by piece by ship’s or shore cranes, on its own skids or cradle, then stowed and lashed in the hold or on deck.
- Destinations
- Ports with breakbulk berths and heavy-lift cranes; sailings are booked voyage by voyage.
- Typical cost
- Usually the highest for a single small machine; often the only option for the largest pieces.
- Protection
- In the hold or lashed on deck; we crate, wrap and protect exposed parts.
- Best for
- Pieces too large or heavy for a flat rack or roll trailer: transformers, process modules, mining trucks, crane sections.
Handling & Preparation Requirements
- OEM or certified disassembly supervision
- Crawler assembly separation
- Boom and dipper disassembly
- Electrical system preservation
- Counterweight individual handling
- Precise reassembly documentation
Common Models We Ship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the heaviest single component?
The revolving frame or counterweight assembly can weigh 200-400+ tons and requires heavy-lift vessels or specialized transport.
How long does shovel transport take?
From disassembly start to reassembly complete typically takes 4-8 months depending on distance and logistics complexity.
Do you handle rope shovel vs hydraulic shovel?
Yes, we handle both electric rope shovels and hydraulic mining excavators with the appropriate expertise for each type.
Plan your shipment
Import Duty & Tax Estimator
Estimate duty and VAT on the CIF value for 70+ destinations.
Dimensional Weight Calculator
Work out chargeable weight before you book.
Container Space Calculator
See how your cargo fits in 20ft, 40ft, and HC containers.
Route Finder
Load port, sailings, duty and rules for a machine and destination.
Ready to Ship Your Mining Shovels?
Get a customized quote for your equipment. Our experts handle mining shovels shipments worldwide.