[2] The 960-E1 is the first generation of the 960E series of haul trucks and is alternately referred to by Komatsu specifically as the 960E-1 or generally as the 960E.
A 3,500 horsepower (2,600 kW) Komatsu SSDA18V170 V18, dual-stage turbocharged diesel engine developed by Industrial Power Alliance, a joint venture between Komatsu and Cummins, is coupled to a General Electric GTA-39 insulated-gate bipolar transistor alternator that sends electrical power to twin General Electric GDY108 induction traction motors, with one induction motor located on each side of the rear axle.
The 960E-1 is shipped in component form to the customer site before undergoing final assembly.
Fully loaded the 960E-1 weighs 1,270,000 pounds (580 t) and can achieve a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h)[3] The 960E-1 competes directly with other 360 short tons (327 t) payload capacity haul trucks such as the Bucyrus MT5500AC.
Depending on customer requirements, the 960E-1 may also place pressure on sales of 400 short tons (363 t) payload capacity haul trucks, such as the Bucyrus MT6300AC or the Caterpillar 797F.