Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has bolstered its suite of safe and productive solutions for the toughest worksites with a new line-up of articulated haulers.
Volvo Construction’s seven new generation articulated hauler models have revamped updates to the already proven A25, A30, A35, A40, A45, and A60 units.
The company has also introduced a new class machine, the 45-tonne A50. Designed to meet customers’ evolving needs, this range makeover marks the next wave in Volvo CE’s largest-ever product roll-out.
“Our haulers have always given our customers exceptional off-road performance, outstanding operator comfort and maximum uptime,” Volvo CE product manager for sales region Europe and International, Per Trozell, said.
“But now that we have updated them with our most exciting features yet for effortless operation, the best just got better.
“Our ability to maintain a world-leading position in this segment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, with quality, safety and environmental care firmly at its heart.”
Many new features have been included to help maximise productivity across the most challenging quarrying, mining and construction projects.
The Volvo drivetrain with Terrain Memory provides fuel efficiency without compromising power. It can also identify and remember any slippery road segments. Automatic drive combinations with 100 per cent differential locks and all-terrain bogie and hydro-mechanical steering also combine to provide unmatched traction, stability and precision control.
Volvo Dynamic Drive, with its predictive gear selection that adapts to operating conditions, downhill speed control function, and leading braking systems, further enhances efficiency, safety and comfort.
Volvo CE’s updated articulated haulers are equipped with in-cab information which is conveniently displayed on just two screens. This helps operators stay on top of what is happening on-site and to make informed decisions from the cabin,
The interactive, integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display offers control over essential functions such as media, camera settings, climate control, and machine status. This, combined with the dynamic instrument cluster positioned in front of the steering wheel, provides vital vehicle data at a glance.
The addition of adjustable seats, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, storage solutions, an ergonomic gear lever, and a noise-reducing cab design are designed with the operator in mind.
The operator’s visibility is improved thanks to redesigned cab panels and wider wiper coverage, resulting in a broad field of vision. Optional front and rear cameras and a standard entrance camera, all managed via Volvo Co-Pilot, further enhance visibility.
Entering and exiting the cab is simple and safe due to the repositioned door entrance, railings on both sides, and focused lighting on the stairs and platform.
The updated range has been engineered for durability, thanks to features such as reinforced axles that can withstand heavier loads and higher torque, resulting in superior stability and strength.
Safety is also a priority, with new harness anchor points in the cab that meet WorkSafeBC and OSHA regulations and can withstand up to 22kN of force.
With simplified servicing, longer change intervals and easy component access, servicing is quicker and easier than ever, while costs are reduced. The 250-hour greasing interval eliminates the need for daily or weekly greasing, boosting productivity and reducing downtime. According to Volvo CE, its articulated haulers require less fluid volume than comparable models, reducing operating costs.
Volvo also offers flexible service contracts tailored to operator needs. This service enables operators to receive service when they need it while still maintaining their uptime.
Customers can boost the performance of their articulated haulers even further by adding solutions such as Haul Assist with On-Board Weighing. Powered by Volvo Co-Pilot, this provides real-time payload data to prevent overloading and minimise carryback, maximising productivity and reducing fuel consumption and machine wear.
Digital and advisory tools such as Connected Map, Performance Indicator, and Site Optimisation can improve traffic flow, vehicle performance and on-site logistics. The CareTrack telematics system is designed to help boost machine uptime and reduce repair costs.
The latest generation of Volvo articulated haulers features a new software architecture that allows customers to adapt to changing needs, seamlessly incorporate future upgrades and new smart solutions, and ensure their equipment stays updated with the latest technology.
The updated models are planned to be introduced to international markets.
A Develon first in Scotland
Cross Civils & Construction Services, located in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland, has acquired a new Develon DA30-7 articulated dump truck (ADT).
This ADT marks the company’s first from Develon and was supplied by James Gordon (Gordons), the brand’s newly appointed authorised dealer for Scotland, based in Castle Douglas.
Gordons is now solely responsible for the sales and servicing of the Develon crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheeled loader, ADT, dozer, and attachment ranges in Scotland and Cumbria, England.
Since it was established six years ago, Cross Civils & Construction Services has specialised in various markets, including civil engineering, construction, pipe supplies, aggregates, and forestry equipment. The company facilitates large construction projects and sells pipe supplies, aggregate supplies, and forestry equipment for companies and individuals.
Cross Civils & Construction Services owner Kevin Cross has been impressed with Gordons’ level of expertise and professionalism.
“David Moir at Gordons, whom I’ve known for a long time, invited me over to try out the Develon DA30-7 ADT as a possible replacement for one of the machines in our fleet,” Cross said.
“David and Gordons showed impressive attention to detail and understanding of our business needs to ensure a very quick turnaround from placing the order to delivering the new machine.
“I was convinced about the DA30-7 right from the start. It has a shorter turning circle and is very stable, with a lower centre of gravity compared to other machines of its size on the market. The permanent six-wheel contact and drive offers excellent performance on all the surfaces we work on, such as soft ground, uneven surfaces, steep slopes, tight turns, or a combination of these difficult conditions.”
The DA30-7 is one of three models in Develon’s ADT range, comprising the DA30-7 and DA45-7 6×6 models, complemented by a new 4×4 version of the DA45-7. The DA30-7 6×6 model has a payload of 28 tonnes and is powered by the Scania Stage V-compliant DC09 nine-litre diesel engine, which provides 276kW of power.
The DA30-7 and DA45-7 models feature an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to distribute weight equally to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This, combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie, ensures equal weight distribution to each wheel and guarantees permanent six-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and excellent performance, particularly on all types of terrain.
The forward turning point, the unique tandem bogie and the sloping rear frame collectively result strong performance in rough and soft terrain.
Like all Develon ADTs, the DA30-7 is equipped with a modern cab and self-levelling front suspension that works independently to suit ground conditions and to give the operator a truly comfortable working environment.
The DA30-7’s features a dynamic look that stands out on the work site. The machine performs well with regard to load capacity, consumption, precision control, reliability, durability, operating costs, and low maintenance requirements.
“Due to work demands, the Develon DA30-7 became an addition rather than a replacement, bringing the number of different brands in our fleet to four,” Cross said,
“We utilise the DA30-7 in every part of our business, from our civils and housing development projects to working in our quarry, where we produce sand and gravel.
“Without doubt, the DA30-7 has proved itself to be the best machine we have, and this is strongly supported by the two drivers who normally operate the machine between them.” AB