Energy, process, mining and construction engineering company Babcock has launched three new generation Volvo articulated dump trucks (ADTs) into the South African market. The machines were introduced at the launch on 26 June at Babcock Equipment Middelburg headquarters, following their initial global launch in January.

The new ranges of ADTs – A40, A45 and A50 – have been updated with features to further strengthen their ability to meet customer needs in areas of productivity, operator comfort, safety and efficiency. They also boast a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission, delivering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15% depending on model and application.

“We are excited about the arrival of the new generation, most technologically advanced Volvo articulated haulers to date, which we believe will reinforce our leading position in this market segment. While the range comprises seven models, we are initially bringing to market the updated A40, A45 and the all-new A50. The A30 and A60 will be introduced at a later stage,” says David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s Equipment business.

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The specs

With its ability to identify and remember any slippery road segments, the Volvo drivetrain, with terrain memory, ensures fuel efficiency without compromising on power. Automatic drive combinations, with 100% differential locks and all-terrain bogie and hydro-mechanical steering, also combine to provide traction, stability and precision control.

In addition the Volvo Dynamic Drive system, with its predictive gear selection, adapts to operating conditions, with the downhill speed control function and braking systems further enhancing efficiency, safety and comfort.

The ADTs also have longer change intervals and easy component access, which makes servicing quicker and easier, maximising uptime and reducing costs. Greasing intervals of 250 h also eliminate the need for daily or weekly greasing, boosting productivity and reducing downtime.

The arrival of the all-new A50 broadens the model line-up to cover more applications and also plugs the gap between the existing 42-t A45 and the 55-t A60. The hauler has a full hydraulic suspension concept reliable in tough driving conditions typically found in mining and quarrying environments.

“Southern Africa is a key market for Volvo CE, and Babcock is an essential partner in delivering on our customer promise here. The feedback from early global adopters of these models has been exceptional – especially around operator comfort and fuel efficiency. We are confident these innovations will resonate with customers across the region,” says Joakim Arndorw Head of Sales Region International at Volvo CE.