Vermeer introduces the SM55 surface miner, designed to deliver production-level performance in a compact, transportable package.
The machine weighs 120,000 pounds and features drive-on, drive-off capability that enables single-load transportation with minimal permitting requirements.
The SM55 is engineered for versatility across quarrying, surface mining, and civil construction applications. With a 415-hp Caterpillar C13 ACERT Tier 4-F engine, the machine delivers 75-degree highwall capability, a maximum cutting depth of 13.8 in and a maximum cutting width of 96 inches. In addition, it has advanced features including full-function remote control and GPS-compatible technology.
Unlike larger surface miners that require disassembly for transport, the SM55 moves as a single unit on common industry trailers. This eliminates the need for cranes, rigging crews, and extended setup times at each location, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency.
The machine's weight and compact dimensions fit within standard road and bridge weight restrictions, significantly reducing permitting requirements and transportation costs, the company says. For contractors operating multiple quarries or moving between mining sites, this translates to reduced downtime and the ability to respond quickly to project demands. Operators can drive the machine onto a trailer, transport it to the next site and begin cutting operations within hours rather than days.
The SM55 features full-function wireless remote control, allowing operators to control all machine functions from the comfort of their vehicle. This design provides operators with a broader view of the work area while reducing exposure to noise, vibration, and ground disturbance. An operator presence system automatically stops cutting operations if the operator leaves the seat or fails to respond to system alerts, providing an additional safety layer.
Watch Vermeer's promotional video below.
About the Author
Frank Raczon
Raczon’s writing career spans nearly 25 years, including magazine publishing and public relations work with some of the industry’s major equipment manufacturers. He has won numerous awards in his career, including nods from the Construction Writers Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and BtoB magazine. He is responsible for the magazine's Buying Files.