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A Giant Born of Steel and Current
The P&H 5700 electric mining shovel stands as a monument to the era when brute force met precision engineering. Built by Harnischfeger Corporation (P&H), a Milwaukee-based company founded in 1884, the 5700 was among the largest two-crawler electric rope shovels ever constructed. Designed for open-pit mining, it was powered by electricity and operated using steel wire ropes rather than hydraulics—a configuration that offered unmatched digging force and mechanical simplicity.
Unlike modern hydraulic excavators, which rely on fluid pressure and complex valve systems, the 5700 used electric motors to drive hoist, crowd, swing, and propel functions. This setup allowed for smoother operation, minimal drift, and exceptional longevity. Operators often remarked on the machine’s responsiveness and the absence of hydraulic creep, even after long idle periods.
Bucket Capacity and Loading Challenges
The P&H 5700 was equipped with a massive bucket, reportedly ranging from 60 to 90 cubic yards depending on the configuration. At peak performance, it could move up to 100 tons of material in a single pass. This immense capacity, however, presented logistical challenges. When paired with Caterpillar 777 haul trucks—rated for 70 tons—the shovel had to be operated with extreme care. Operators would lower the bucket gently into the truck bed, rest it on the floor, and slowly trip the door to avoid damaging the truck or injuring the driver. Even then, only half to three-quarters of a bucket could be loaded safely.
To better match the 5700’s output, some operations introduced larger Cat 789 trucks, which could accommodate two full passes. Still, the shovel’s size often outpaced the fleet’s ability to keep up, leading to idle time and the occasional crossword puzzle in the cab while waiting for trucks to return.
Weather, Terrain, and Operational Realities
The 5700’s massive weight and footprint made it vulnerable in wet conditions. After heavy rains, the machine could become bogged down in slurry, requiring bulldozers like the Caterpillar D10 to reposition cables or assist in recovery. Despite these challenges, the shovel’s productivity remained unmatched in dry conditions, especially in hard rock environments where blasting was minimized to save costs. In such cases, the 5700’s raw digging power compensated for wider drill spacing and larger rock fragments.
Comparisons to Modern Equipment
While modern electric rope shovels like the Caterpillar 7495HF boast similar or even larger bucket capacities—up to 120 tons per pass—the P&H 5700 remains a benchmark in mining history. Only five units were ever built, making it a rare and revered machine. Its closest modern equivalent, the P&H 4100XPC, features AC drive systems and digital controls, but the 5700’s mechanical simplicity and raw power still earn it respect among seasoned operators.
Engineering Evolution and Future Concepts
There has been speculation about reviving the 5700 platform with modern upgrades, such as an XPC variant with AC drives and digital diagnostics. Such a machine could potentially handle 400-ton trucks in three passes, aligning with the trend toward larger haulage units. However, the cost of retrofitting or redesigning such a behemoth may outweigh the benefits, especially when newer models already meet current production demands.
Conclusion
The P&H 5700 electric shovel represents a pinnacle of mechanical engineering in the mining world. Its legacy is not just in its size or capacity, but in the stories of those who operated and maintained it. From carefully loading undersized trucks to navigating muddy pits, the 5700 demanded skill, respect, and patience. Though only a handful were built, their impact on mining operations and equipment design continues to echo through the industry. In a time when machines are increasingly automated and digitized, the 5700 reminds us of an era when raw power and human intuition worked side by side to move mountains.
The P&H 5700 electric mining shovel stands as a monument to the era when brute force met precision engineering. Built by Harnischfeger Corporation (P&H), a Milwaukee-based company founded in 1884, the 5700 was among the largest two-crawler electric rope shovels ever constructed. Designed for open-pit mining, it was powered by electricity and operated using steel wire ropes rather than hydraulics—a configuration that offered unmatched digging force and mechanical simplicity.
Unlike modern hydraulic excavators, which rely on fluid pressure and complex valve systems, the 5700 used electric motors to drive hoist, crowd, swing, and propel functions. This setup allowed for smoother operation, minimal drift, and exceptional longevity. Operators often remarked on the machine’s responsiveness and the absence of hydraulic creep, even after long idle periods.
Bucket Capacity and Loading Challenges
The P&H 5700 was equipped with a massive bucket, reportedly ranging from 60 to 90 cubic yards depending on the configuration. At peak performance, it could move up to 100 tons of material in a single pass. This immense capacity, however, presented logistical challenges. When paired with Caterpillar 777 haul trucks—rated for 70 tons—the shovel had to be operated with extreme care. Operators would lower the bucket gently into the truck bed, rest it on the floor, and slowly trip the door to avoid damaging the truck or injuring the driver. Even then, only half to three-quarters of a bucket could be loaded safely.
To better match the 5700’s output, some operations introduced larger Cat 789 trucks, which could accommodate two full passes. Still, the shovel’s size often outpaced the fleet’s ability to keep up, leading to idle time and the occasional crossword puzzle in the cab while waiting for trucks to return.
Weather, Terrain, and Operational Realities
The 5700’s massive weight and footprint made it vulnerable in wet conditions. After heavy rains, the machine could become bogged down in slurry, requiring bulldozers like the Caterpillar D10 to reposition cables or assist in recovery. Despite these challenges, the shovel’s productivity remained unmatched in dry conditions, especially in hard rock environments where blasting was minimized to save costs. In such cases, the 5700’s raw digging power compensated for wider drill spacing and larger rock fragments.
Comparisons to Modern Equipment
While modern electric rope shovels like the Caterpillar 7495HF boast similar or even larger bucket capacities—up to 120 tons per pass—the P&H 5700 remains a benchmark in mining history. Only five units were ever built, making it a rare and revered machine. Its closest modern equivalent, the P&H 4100XPC, features AC drive systems and digital controls, but the 5700’s mechanical simplicity and raw power still earn it respect among seasoned operators.
Engineering Evolution and Future Concepts
There has been speculation about reviving the 5700 platform with modern upgrades, such as an XPC variant with AC drives and digital diagnostics. Such a machine could potentially handle 400-ton trucks in three passes, aligning with the trend toward larger haulage units. However, the cost of retrofitting or redesigning such a behemoth may outweigh the benefits, especially when newer models already meet current production demands.
Conclusion
The P&H 5700 electric shovel represents a pinnacle of mechanical engineering in the mining world. Its legacy is not just in its size or capacity, but in the stories of those who operated and maintained it. From carefully loading undersized trucks to navigating muddy pits, the 5700 demanded skill, respect, and patience. Though only a handful were built, their impact on mining operations and equipment design continues to echo through the industry. In a time when machines are increasingly automated and digitized, the 5700 reminds us of an era when raw power and human intuition worked side by side to move mountains.
