iVT travels to Sweden for the launch of Volvo’s new articulated hauler vary, which delivers improved energy, productiveness and security options throughout six up to date fashions and one brand-new addition. Following our go to, two battery electrical variations have been unveiled at Bauma in Munich
In 1966, the world’s first articulated hauler, generally known as Gravel Charlie, was manufactured in Volvo CE’s manufacturing, R&D and take a look at facility in Braås, Sweden. Now, nearly 60 years later, the corporate has unveiled its largest articulated hauler launch so far. Excellent for purposes in quarrying, building and mining industries, the lineup is comprised of six upgraded fashions – the A25, A30, A35, A40, A45 and A60 – in addition to the brand-new 45-tonne A50. “The vary is split into three households,” explains Niclas Lind, technical product supervisor at Volvo CE’s manufacturing facility for articulated haulers. “We now have the small household, the A25 and A30, after which we’ve got the big household, the A35, A40 and A45 machines. On the high we’ve got the A50 and A60 machines. We now have designed the machines for a spread of purposes. As you go up the dimensions courses, the larger machines are excellent for mild mining, for instance, whereas the smaller machines are extra suited to building purposes.”
Energy and productiveness
Delivering 336kW to 385kW and a payload of 34,500kg to 45,000kg, Volvo’s articulated haulers keep a constant power-to-payload ratio throughout completely different fashions, making certain balanced efficiency no matter dimension. “Throughout all fashions, we’ve got put in three diesel engine households which have been developed and manufactured in-house at Volvo,” says Lind. “We now have the D11J for the smaller A25 and A30 fashions, D13J and D16J for the bigger A35, A40, A45 and A60 fashions, and the D16J particularly for the heavy-duty A60.”
The brand new era haulers share a number of key options designed to maximise productiveness and effectivity. The Volvo drivetrain with Terrain Reminiscence is a system that identifies and remembers slippery highway segments to make sure optimised traction management. The clever perform helps to take care of off-road mobility, delivering optimum gas effectivity with out compromising on energy. “The principle aim is to make it helpful for the shopper in order that productiveness and gas effectivity can be higher,” says Lind.
Security is vital
To enhance traction, when activated, computerized drive combos with 100% differential locks guarantee energy is distributed equally to all wheels. This prevents particular person wheels from spinning freely after they lose traction, superb for muddy, slippery or uneven floor circumstances. For added stability, the all-terrain bogie system, that includes Volvo’s specialised suspension design, permits the rear axles to pivot independently, sustaining floor contact even over uneven surfaces or ditches. In consequence, the machine has improved traction and cargo distribution which is crucial when carrying heavy payloads throughout building websites or quarries.
The Volvo Dynamic Drive system options predictive gear choice that adapts to working circumstances like load weight or floor slope. For additional operator management, the downhill velocity management maintains a preset velocity when travelling downhill, even with heavy masses, eliminating the necessity for fixed brake utility and lowering brake put on.
Superior in-cab options
Contained in the cab, all important info is conveniently displayed on simply two screens. The interactive Volvo Co-Pilot show permits the operator to manage all machine operations. “Volvo Co-Pilot is built-in within the machine,” says Lind. “In a single display screen you might see the doorway of the machine within the higher left nook, for instance, and within the right-hand nook you might see behind the machine. Utilizing the show, the operator can simply navigate machine settings, local weather management, radio, cameras, in addition to view the machine’s standing. With Volvo’s Co- Pilot’s map perform, the operator may also see different machines that it’s linked to on the identical website and the place they’re situated on the map. One other necessary perform is that the system has the flexibility to calculate how a lot the machine will transfer – or how a lot dust it is going to transfer –on daily basis. Lastly, we’ve got the haul help system with on-board weighing offering real-time payload info.”
Visibility enhancements come from redesigned cab panels and wider wiper protection in addition to a decrease entrance hood. Optionally available entrance and rear cameras and a normal entrance digicam managed through Volvo Co-Pilot additional enhances visibility. Security can also be enhanced by a repositioned door entrance, railings on each side of the machine and lighting on the steps and platform.
Operator consolation is elevated additional with adjustable seats, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, storage options, an ergonomic gear lever and a noise-reducing cab design.
Articulated haulers for the long run
The evolution of Volvo’s articulated haulers demonstrates the OEM’s continued give attention to addressing terrain challenges first recognized within the Sixties. The brand new lineup maintains the core articulated design precept whereas incorporating technological developments to reinforce operations.
“Our haulers have at all times given our clients an distinctive off-road efficiency, excellent operator consolation and most uptime,” concludes Per Trozell, product supervisor in gross sales area Europe & Worldwide at Volvo CE. “However now that we’ve got up to date them with our most fun options and easy operation, the perfect simply obtained higher. Our means to take care of a world-leading place on this phase is testomony to our unwavering dedication to excellence, with high quality, security and environmental care firmly at its coronary heart.”
This text first appeared within the June challenge of iVT
Pictures courtesy of Volvo CE
