After three months of operation, on June 27th, China's first large-scale excavator with full independent intellectual property rights, the WK-20 (20 cubic meters), successfully passed expert and user evaluations in Taiyuan. The assessment concluded that its core technologies have reached international advanced levels, matching those of similar products globally. This achievement marks a significant milestone for China’s mining equipment industry.
Before the successful trial production of this machine, China had relied heavily on imported or joint-venture-produced large excavators. In 1961, China developed its first 4-cubic-meter excavator based on a Soviet model, setting the stage for domestic production of large-scale equipment. Over time, the company independently developed a 10-cubic-meter excavator and later the improved WK-10B model. It also collaborated with U.S.-based P&H to produce the 2300XP and 2800XP models, raising the product's localization rate from 34% to over 80%.
Through more than two decades of technology introduction, digestion, and re-innovation, the company accumulated extensive technical and manufacturing expertise, laying the groundwork for the development of large-scale excavators with independent IP. Today, it has over 1,000 types of excavators, holding a market share of more than 95%. These machines are used in domestic open-pit mines, iron ore operations, non-ferrous metals, and construction materials, and have also been exported to countries like Pakistan and Vietnam.
In 2005, Taizhong decided to independently develop the 20-cubic-meter WK-20 model, driven by the needs of Shenhua Zhugeer Energy Co., Ltd. and Shougang Mining Co., as well as national demand. During development, the team focused on reaching international standards, boldly adopting AC variable frequency motors and their control systems, replacing traditional thyristor power supplies and DC motors. This innovation brought the WK-20’s core technology up to par with global counterparts.
The first fully independent 20-cubic-meter excavator was officially put into use at Shenhua Zhugeer Energy Co., Ltd. in March 2006. As the industry expanded to 20, 27, and 35-cubic-meter models, mine managers and experts provided valuable feedback on design rationality, process applicability, and service quality. As the first company in China’s heavy machinery sector to introduce foreign technology and engage in technical cooperation, Taizhong took steps such as hiring foreign engineers and consultants, accelerating the absorption and re-innovation of foreign technologies, and exploring partnerships with overseas design firms.
By strengthening independent innovation, Taizhong upgraded its traditional products, broadened its service scope, and enhanced competitiveness, forming a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Recently, the company signed three 20-cubic-meter excavator contracts with Huaneng Yimin Coal and Electricity Co., Ltd., two 27-cubic-meter units with CLP Humei Group, and a 35-cubic-meter contract with Shenhua Zhugeer Energy Co. Industry experts believe that the successful development of the WK-20 represents a new path for the localization of large open-pit mining equipment in China.
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