A range of new Volvo equipment for the earthmoving and surface mining sector was launched earlier this month at equipment supplier Babcock Africa’s eMalahleni branch, in Mpumalanga.

Babcock is the sole Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) distributor in Southern Africa.

Volvo’s new and updated generation of articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and a new range of excavators in the 21 t to 30 t class were unveiled.

The updated A40 and A45 ADTs, as well as the new A50 ADT, were the first to be launched, with the A30 and A60 ADTs to be launched at a later stage, says Babcock equipment division MD David Vaughan.

The new Volvo ADTs encompass the most significant updates the group has undertaken in more than 20 years, he points out, adding that the updated models mark a “significant technological leap forward” because of their innovations such as a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission.

These developments will result in fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15%, depending on the model and use case of equipment.

The new Volvo ADT range offers new features to enhance productivity in quarrying, mining and construction, Vaughan adds.

The drivetrains of the ADTs also offer terrain memory – a function to identify and remember slippery road segments to ensure improved fuel efficiency without compromising on power in varying terrains.

Further, the automatic drive combinations, with 100% differential locks, an all-terrain bogie and hydro-mechanical steering work in tandem to provide improved traction, stability and precision control.

The Volvo Dynamic Drive mode incorporates predictive gear selection algorithms that optimise transmission shifting based on real-time operating conditions, while a downhill speed regulation system and advanced braking architecture enhance operational efficiency, safety metrics and operator comfort.

The updated ADT model range is engineered with reinforced axles, designed to withstand higher loads, with increased torque levels ensuring enhanced stability and structural integrity.

Maintenance procedures have also been streamlined through extended service intervals, simplified component accessibility and rapid servicing protocols, thereby increasing machine uptime and reducing operational costs.

“Notably, the industry-leading greasing interval of 250 hours eliminates the necessity for daily or weekly lubrication, increasing productivity and minimising downtime,” says Vaughan, adding that the Volvo ADTs use less lubricating fluid compared to those of competitors, resulting in decreased environmental impact and lower maintenance requirements.

Higher Volume Hauler

The new Volvo A50 ADT, with a payload capacity that surpasses that of the previous generation A45 model by 10%, offers 45 t of hauling capacity and an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency. This makes the ADT highly suitable for high-volume quarries, mining operations and large-scale construction sites.

“As part of Volvo’s latest line of articulated haulers, the A50 maintains the key benefits of its predecessors,” enthuses Vaughan.

It delivers increased efficiency through a new in-house-developed Volvo transmission, which integrates a fully hydraulic suspension system. Originally devised by Volvo CE in 2007, this suspension system has proven reliable in tough conditions.

The A50 elevates this design, becoming the only machine in its class equipped with full suspension, resulting in faster cycle times, higher hourly hauling output and lower costs, compared to those of standard suspension models.

Volvo CE’s full suspension innovation reduces vibrations, noise and shocks, helping to reduce repetitive strain injuries among operators.

It also offers a smoother ride on various road surfaces, which can lead to decreased maintenance costs.

With more than 12 000 hours of operation, service expenses for the A50 can be reduced by up to 6%, owing to easier maintenance access, longer service intervals and simplified procedures, states Vaughan.

New Scoops

The new range of Volvo 21 t to 30 t excavators, comprising the EC210, EC220 and EC300, is ideally suited to general construction, plant hire and earthworks applications.

The 21 t EC210 replaces the EC200DL, while the EC220 replaces the EC210DL, welcoming a new light-class excavator to the 20 t to 22 t market, which Vaughan says is the most popular size class in the Southern Africa excavator market.

The larger 30 t EC300 fits the bill for mid-size construction sites, sand works and small-scale quarrying operations.

Vaughan concludes that the new excavators come at a time when the South African construction sector – an industry that has generally been in decline over the past decade – anticipates the potential implementation of a significant infrastructure rollout programme, announced in March.