Big Brutus, an immense Model 1850-B-series electric power shovel, is an impressive piece of heavy machinery, measuring 69.92 meters (229 feet) in total length and 18 meters (59 feet) in beam (width), with an operational weight exceeding 4,970 metric tons.
Dimensions and Specifications of Big Brutus
Big Brutus is recognized as one of the largest electric power shovels ever built. Its massive scale allowed it to scoop enormous quantities of overburden (earth and rock covering coal seams) in a single pass. To understand its full "bigness," consider the following key specifications:
| Characteristic | Measurement (Metric) | Measurement (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Model 1850-B-series Electric Power Shovel | |
| Operational Weight | 4,200 t (machine) + 770 t (ballast) = 4,970 t | 9,260,000 lb (machine) + 1,700,000 lb (ballast) = 10,960,000 lb |
| Total Length | 69.92 m | 229 ft |
| House Length | 24.2 m | 79 ft |
| Max Boom Length | 45.72 m | 150 ft |
| Beam (Width) | 18 m | 59 ft |
These dimensions highlight that Big Brutus was not just a large machine, but a truly colossal one, designed for massive-scale mining operations.
Understanding Its Scale
- Length: The total length of 69.92 meters (229 feet) includes the main house structure and the extended boom. This is roughly equivalent to the length of two Boeing 747 jumbo jets parked nose to tail.
- Width: Its beam of 18 meters (59 feet) indicates a significant footprint, necessary for stability and to accommodate its powerful machinery.
- Weight: Weighing close to 5,000 metric tons when operational, Big Brutus is a testament to the engineering capabilities required to move such an immense mass for earth excavation.
Today, Big Brutus stands as a historical landmark in West Mineral, Kansas, serving as a monument to the open-pit coal mining industry and its engineering marvels.
For more details on this historic machine, you can explore resources like the Big Brutus overview.
