Scrapers are frequently used to level and scrape surfaces. They are also known as wheel tractor scrapers. In addition to moving mud and gravel, these powerful earthmoving machines are capable of transporting these materials over longer distances—from one construction site to another [1].
When it comes to moving materials, scrapers are far more efficient than other earthmoving equipment. Their cycle times—the amount of time it takes to load, transport, dump, and reposition—measure their all-in-one productive approach. A single scraper operator can move up to 72 cubic yards of material every cycle, which can reduce your labour costs by half [1].
These machines are noted for their high productivity when used to transport overburden, pay gravel, and tailings. As with front-end loaders, scrapers are self-loading, although bulldozers or other scrapers often assist. They are capable of much higher speeds and greater capacity than front-end loaders, and exhibit haulage characteristics similar to rear-dump trucks. Scrapers, however, are more costly to purchase and maintain [2].
Scrapers are limited in their ability to excavate consolidated or unsorted material. A bulldozer equipped with a ripper must precede them in overburden or gravel that is not easily drifted. If boulders are present, they must either be blasted or removed by other means. The nature of the scraper-dumping mechanism renders them unsuitable for direct mill feed. When used to haul pay gravel, scrapers will typically unload near the mill, and bulldozers will then be used to feed material [2].
Capacities range from 201 LCY/h for a 330-hp machine to 420 LCY/h for a 550-hp machine (based on a 1,000-ft haul distance). Capacity is contingent upon haul distance and gradient and loading procedure. In placer mining, scrapers are best utilized for transportation of unconsolidated overburden or mill tailings over distances ranging from 500 to 5,000 ft [2].
Reference
[1] D. Eusebio, “What Is A Scraper and How Does It Work? | BigRentz,” https://www.bigrentz.com. Accessed: Aug. 26, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/scraper-in-construction
[2] 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
