BEST GETS BET TER

Volvo CE unveils brand new line-up of its world leading articulated haulers

Volvo CE has unveiled its biggest and boldest articulated hauler launch to date as part of the market leading manufacturer’s most extensive product portfolio overhaul in decades, with over 35% of its range renewed in the past 12 months.

Awesome Earthmovers travelled to Sweden to witness the roll out of seven new generation models, designed, says Volvo CE, ‘to meet the modern-day need for connected solutions, productivity performance and emission reduction,’ all designed with the operator in mind. awesomeearthmovers.com

In addition to the launch of the revamped updates to the already proven A25, A30, A35, A40, A45 and A60 haulers there was an entirely new class machine, the 45-ton A50; it was the undoubted ‘star’ of the event which took place at a purpose built tree lined demonstration area where we saw all of the haulers in action.

Volvo CE says the updated models mark a significant technological leap forward thanks to key innovations such as a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission, delivering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15% depending on model and application.

During our visit we were also able to speak to Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE. “Here at Volvo CE, we have been on a fantastic journey over the past 60 years, and especially over the last 10 years. Today, we are now a totally different company with an even stronger focus on the future.

“Our previous generation of haulers were really good, but we are always striving to make improvements to make life even easier for operators. This new upgraded range takes into account feedback from our customers, which is an important part of our DNA.

“Our customers know to expect a first-class operation when they get into one of our haulers, and that experience has just got even better with a host of cutting-edge features designed with our customers in mind.

“With operators spending up to eight hours in a machine they deserve and appreciate a cab that is spacious, comfortable and with well designed controls, and that’s what they will get from our new generation haulers. We want them to return home from work in an even better shape than before.”

Effortless Operation

And commented Per Trozell, Product Manager in Sales Region Europe & International: “Our haulers have always given our customers an exceptional off-road performance, outstanding operator comfort and maximum uptime. 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 testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, with quality, safety and environmental care firmly at its heart.”

A lot of focus during the launch event was understandably put on the all new A50. Boasting faster cycle times than its rivals, as well as superior efficiency and operator comfort, as well as a 45-ton payload, it delivers 10% more productivity and 8% greater fuel efficiency when compared to the previous generation A45GFS – clearly making it an exceptional solution when working over rough terrain such as in quarries, mines and large construction sites.

“THIS NEW UPGRADED RANGE TAKES INTO ACCOUNT FEEDBACK FROM OUR CUSTOMERS, WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR DNA”

Volvo CE pioneered the full hydraulic suspension concept in 2007, and now the A50 takes the concept to new heights as the only full suspension machine on the market of its size class.

Added Per Trozell: “We are proud to be further innovating our range of articulated haulers with this new addition to the family. Filling a significant gap in the market, the A50 is the optimum choice for customers looking to achieve more for less, with the same incredible strength and durability that is recognised throughout our full range of articulated haulers.”

Fuel Efficient & Productive

During a ‘walk round’ of the new A50, Tyler Smith, Volvo CE’s Articulated Hauler Product Development Manager, said that compared to the previous A45, the A50 offers a 10% increase in productivity, in addition to improved fuel efficiency of eight per cent.

“We have also made improvements to the truck’s serviceability and maintenance. The previous model’s fuel filters had a manual priming system but having consulted with our customers we now have upgraded that to an electronic priming system. Greasing only needs to take place every 250 hours and for those models with Stage V/ T4f engines there are oil change intervals of 1,000 hours.

“New safety improvement features on the A50 include handrails around all of our walking platforms and we have made it easier and safer to clean windscreens, while the service access area is located directly in front of the cab for easier daily checks by the operator.

“The completely new cab offers increased visibility on both the left and right hand side of the truck and there is a much bigger windshield on the front to further improve visibility, while the redesigned hood also expands the view. Also available is an optional air conditioned and heated premium seat with multiple temperature settings. The air pressure of the seat is automatically adjusted to take account of the operator’s weight.”

“THE A50 IS THE OPTIMUM CHOICE FOR CUSTOMERS LOOKING TO ACHIEVE MORE FOR LESS”

The A50 also comes with Volvo Co-Pilot, an award winning cutting-edge on-board display with a high definition touchscreen providing unrestricted access to all the integrated functionality required to unlock the machine’s full performance potential.

Not only does Volvo Co-Pilot make light of heavy-duty jobs, but it also minimises interruptions in the workflow for greater onsite safety. The ergonomically-positioned display reduces operator interaction with fewer on-screen menus, helping to keep the focus on the task at hand. When pre-set operating limits are met, Volvo Co-Pilot alerts the operator through audio and visual signals. Utilising this intelligent technology, movement around the machine is eliminated as well as the need for additional onsite personnel, improving safety and operator autonomy.

The A50 also delivers exceptional traction and stability thanks to the Volvo drivetrain with Terrain Memory, while the Volvo Dynamic Drive feature, with its predictive gear selection, offers improved comfort and fuel efficiency. The new Volvo transmission and axles also generate greater power and productivity.

As with all Volvo articulated haulers, this 45-tonne workhorse benefits from a range of Smart Solutions, such as Haul Assist with On-Board Weighing. A suite of supporting digital tools can further boost uptime, reduce fuel consumption, improve site logistics and maximise productivity across the most challenging of tasks.

Focus on Sustainability

The new models have also been built with a focus on sustainability. This includes the introduction of low carbon emission steel made from recycled materials and produced using fossil free electricity and biogas in the production of haulers manufactured at the Braås site.

Given steel is a major component in Volvo CE products – it makes up approximately 60% of Volvo articulated haulers’ total mass and traditionally generates significant carbon emissions, this is another example of Volvo CE taking action across its operations to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Rickard Alm, Head of Volvo CE’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) programme, said: “We are proud to lead the way in the industry and move forward towards minimising our climate footprint across the entire lifecycle of our products. While emissions from product use represent the vast majority of carbon output in our industry, it is important to also act to cut emissions in the production phase, including materials like steel, in close collaboration with our global supply partners.”