new equipment
Robyn Grimsley
The A40G ( left ), Volvo ’ s previous largest ADT , was placed next to the new A60H to demonstrate the difference in capacity .
to be in very good condition . Given the often difficult on-site conditions in Africa , including high rainfall , the option to use an ADT over a rigid vehicle without sacrificing payload capacity is one we believe will have a high take-up . We expect the A60H to compete very well against the rigid 60t market .”
The A60 ’ s payload capacity — 55 metric tonnes , or just under 34m 3 — represents a 40 % increase in carrying capacity over Volvo ’ s previous largest ADT , the A40G . Babcock has several customers in the Middelburg area who are using Volvo A40s to haul coal and overburden , and like its smaller counterpart , the 6-wheel , all-wheel drive A60H can handle nearly any terrain , allowing it to work through the rainy season .
“ The constraint of the ADT has always been the carrying capacity ,” Vaughan explains . “ For a long time , the 40t class was the largest available . Then a number of companies , including Volvo , went up to the 45t class as well , but the A60H really represents a quantum leap in improving the carrying capacity on an ADT .”
Powered by a 16l , 6-cylinder turbocharged Volvo D16 diesel engine , the 495kW A60H has a fully automatic Allison planetary transmission with six forward and two reverse gears . The matched drivetrain , automatic drive combinations , all-terrain bogie , hydro-mechanical steering , and active hydraulic front suspension allow for higher hauling speeds in tough conditions and help optimise production and minimise operational costs .
Volvo ’ s new on-board weighing system also comes standard , as does the company ’ s CareTrack telematics system , both of which enable the customer to access information , such as fuel consumption and idling time , allowing them to work out their on-site efficiencies and improve productivity . The truck also has a range of options , including extended sideboards for carrying light material , allowing customers to tailor the machine to their site specifications .
As far as the environmental impact of the A60H , O ’ Callaghan explains that despite it being so much larger and stronger than the A40 and the A45 , its ground pressure is actually better . “ Even though it ’ s heavier than the A40 , thanks to the 33.25R29 tyres ,
Robyn Grimsley
Bridgestone , Goodyear , and Michelin will manufacture the specialised 33.25R29 tyres required for the A60H .
18
JULY 2017