Volvo CE Expands Rigid Hauler Lineup With Two New Models

Wed September 18, 2024
Volvo

For quarrying and light mining teams who rely on rigid haulers to move material, Volvo Construction Equipment is adding two new sizes to its lineup in North America.

Now, in addition to the R100 with a 105-ton payload, customers can trust the R60 (55-ton) and R70 (65-ton) to get the job done. These haulers are designed to move material at the lowest cost per ton while giving operators the latest comfort and safety features. Both the R60 and R70 are now available to order in North America.

Powerful Productivity

Rigid haulers are known for high productivity with a low center of gravity, balanced weight and tough yet flexible chassis. The R60 has a body volume of 47 cu. yd., and the R70 offers 55.6 cu. yd., which makes them well-matched for the loading abilities of Volvo's EC950 crawler excavator and L350H wheel loader.

The machines feature a V-shaped haul body for maximum load retention and minimal carry-back post-dumping. The dumping process itself also is speedy due to a fast-tip system.

Providing real-time insights on payload, the optional on-board weighing system helps operators apply the industry standard 10/10/20 payload policy, where the machine can take 10 percent overload for 10 percent of the time but should not exceed 20 percent.

Speed and stability go hand in hand with rigid hauler operation. Both the R60 and R70 are designed with a new adaptive retarder system that can automatically control the rear braking system when traveling downhill.

When it comes to grip, the high-drive axle multiplication ensures maximum traction while the high-torque engine reduces fuel consumption with an automatic adaptive gear selection called Volvo Dynamic Shift Control. The engine also has an ECO mode that defaults to the most efficient gear, while the auto engine idle reduces engine wear. Both features boost fuel efficiency as well.

Photo courtesy of Volvo

Safety, Comfort Reign

For long downhauls, the haulers feature gear-dependent speed control and a selectable brake or transmission retarder, which also helps reduce operator fatigue. The gearbox has overspeed protection and a neutral coast inhibitor for downhill travel. There is fail-safe braking and a secondary steering system to keep the machine safely on track.

The cabs on the R60 and R70 are fully ROPS/FOPS certified, and operators can enter from either side via anti-slip steps. A large windscreen and low raked dashboard provide optimal visibility, further supported by the left-positioned operator station and optional Volvo Smart View for 360-degree sightlines.

When it comes to comfort, an ergonomic, air-suspended seat, independent suspension and vibration-damping viscous mounts offer the smoothest possible experience for the operator. The steering is low effort, the wheel is adjustable, and the operator will enjoy a powerful air conditioning system, ample storage space and Bluetooth radio.

On-the-Ground Support

Uptime is top of mind for hauler customers, and Volvo CE and its dealer network stand ready to support them with parts and technicians on the ground. Both the R60 and R70 have 500-hour service intervals, and maintenance can be completed swiftly due to a straightforward machine design that includes grouped maintenance points located within easy reach either from the ground or the service platform.

Common-sized bearings keep parts stocking simple and cost-effective.

On-board diagnostics provide insights into system pressures and temperatures and fault reporting to facilitate and speed up troubleshooting.

Photo courtesy of Volvo

Where Rigids Excel

The choice between a rigid and articulated hauler in quarrying and mining depends mostly on the conditions of the site. While rigid haulers thrive on sites with wide, firm, well-maintained haul roads where they can travel quickly (up to 38 mph) over long distances, articulated haulers are better on uneven, narrow, slippery and/or steep haul roads with shorter haul cycles.

Volvo haulers are known for their high productivity, low maintenance requirements and long service life, and the R60 and R70 are no exception to the rule, the manufacturer said.

The Volvo Site Simulation service can recommend the optimal site setup and machine fleet to help fleets meet production targets, reduce CO2 emissions and boost profitability.

These new haulers are manufactured at Volvo's plant in Motherwell, Scotland: a site that has been the global heart of rigid truck development for 75 years.

For more information, visit www.volvoce.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.