This versatile machine is capable of many functions. In the western United States, its primary use is hauling previously excavated gravels, and the subsequent loading of the mill [1]. Although front-end loaders are not the most efficient hauling unit, their self-loading ability provides many advantages.
One is the elimination of the need to match the excavation machine with the haul unit. With a front- end loader, the excavator can operate at its own pace and simply stockpile material. The loader then feeds from the stockpile and transports gravel to the mill feed hopper. This removes the problem of matching excavator output with truck cycles or mill feed rates.
The machine is also capable of removing and transporting mill oversize and tailings; however, front-end loaders are not particularly adept at excavating consolidated material. If overburden or gravel are at all compacted, a backhoe or bulldozer should be used for a primary excavation.
Front-end loaders are capable of hauling from 24 LCY/h for a 65-hp, 1-yd3 machine to 348 LCY/h for a 690-hp, 12-yd3 machine (based on a 500-ft haul distance). Capacity varies with haul length, haul gradient, operator ability, bucket efficiency, and type of loader.
Front-end loaders are best utilized as haul units over distances of less than 1,000 ft. Their versatility makes them useful for pay gravel and overburden transportation, mill oversize and tailings removal, and general site cleanup [1].
Reference
[1] S. Stebbins, “Cost Estimation Handbook for Small Placer Mines I.C. 9170,” 1986. Accessed: Aug. 26, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Cost-Estimation-Handbook-for-Small-Placer-Mines-Stebbins/94c188525178d65cc964f7af20fff0182d8c1c14
