As part of the stepwise introduction of the new generation Volvo articulated dump trucks (ADTs), Babcock has launched the new A60 in southern Africa. The arrival of the new 55-tonne model, the largest 6x6 articulated hauler in the world, follows the launch of the other three new generation models – the A40, A45 and A50 – in June 2025.

The first ten units have been delivered to a loyal customer operating an existing large fleet of previous generation A60 units in the coal mining industry, confirms Quintin O’Reilly, the new Head of Sales for Babcock’s Equipment business, whose new role was effective January this year.

The A60 arrives on the back of an impressive uptake of the initial three articulated hauler models that made their debut last year. In just six months, Babcock has already amassed over 100 units in sales, a true indicator of the early interest in this range. O’Reilly anticipates further sales growth this year, especially with the addition of the new generation A60 to the range.

“The launch of the new generation A60 reinforces Volvo’s leadership in the articulated hauler segment. Equipped with the new Volvo powertrain, Volvo quality runs throughout every element of the A60, with the new transmission and axles enabling full power to be utilised in all gears. The result is up to 15% more fuel efficiency and 5% more productivity,” says O’Reilly.

The A60 benefits from other proven Volvo features such as OptiShift – which enables faster directional changes when moving between forwards and reverse – as well as the intelligent Terrain Memory function, which identifies and remembers slippery road segments to ensure optimised traction control and outstanding off-road mobility.

With Volvo Dynamic Drive, dynamic and predictive gear selection adapts to the operating conditions at hand, for improved comfort and fuel efficiency. In addition, the intelligent design is optimised for maximum efficiency in high payload applications, with outstanding tipping stability for safe and productive operations.

Servicing the machine is quick and easy, thanks to great service access and essential maintenance points accessible from the ground. In addition, constant greasing is eliminated thanks to long greasing intervals of 250 hours for maximum uptime.

“Service costs can be reduced by up to 5% over 12 000 hours of operation thanks to simplified servicing, longer change intervals and easy component access. The Volvo engine oil and high-performance filters offer 1 000-hour engine service intervals,” explains O’Reilly.

Performance is boosted by the addition of solutions such as Haul Assist with On-Board Weighing. Powered by Volvo Co-Pilot, it provides real-time payload data to prevent overloading and minimise carryback, which not only maximises productivity but also reduces fuel consumption and machine wear.

These benefits, says O’Reilly, bode well for mining contractors battling cost and margin pressure. In recent years, sustained inflationary pressure has materially impacted contract mining margins, with operating costs rising faster than revenue growth. Although inflation has begun to ease, elevated input costs continue to constrain profitability.

“As margins tighten, customers are looking for reliability and cost predictability. That is where the combination of a quality Volvo product and Babcock’s aftermarket capability becomes critical – it allows customers to maximise utilisation while maintaining operational efficiency and cost control,” concludes O’Reilly.