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.
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JULY 2017