Volvo Construction Equipment Set to Begin Delivery of E-Series Artic Haulers

Wed April 23, 2008
Aggregate Equipment Guide

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has begun delivering the new E-Series articulated haulers, featuring more power and more capacity. It will begin delivery of the new E-Series articulated hauler with full suspension (FS) in the second quarter of 2008.

The Volvo E-Series articulated hauler includes seven new models, ranging in capacity from the 26.5-ton (24 t) Volvo A25E to the 43-ton (39 t) Volvo A40E. All are equipped with V-ACT (Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology) Tier III Volvo engines that offer high torque at low revolutions to maintain fuel efficiency and reduce noise levels. Power and torque have been increased in the Volvo-designed and-built D16D engines of the Volvo A40E and Volvo A40E FS (power was increased 12 percent and torque increased 19 percent).

The Volvo A35E and Volvo A35E FS generate the equivalent power and torque of the now-replaced Volvo A40D articulated hauler.

The Volvo A35E, Volvo A35E FS, Volvo A40E, and Volvo A40E FS also are equipped with a new fully automatic nine-speed fast adaptive transmission. Shafts, planetary gears and bearings are all engineered to handle the high torque produced by larger engines.

An optimized gear shifting pattern has a precise overlap of ratios to provide constant power transfer. These new models also have new frames, axles, and a new single speed drop box with longitudinal differential and 100 percent lockup to reduce power losses and improve traction and fuel efficiency. They also are fitted with more powerful exhaust brakes and retarders, and the cooling systems have been improved to eliminate the need for additional supplemental cooling in hot climates.

The Volvo A35E and Volvo A40E are equipped with all-wheel wet disc brakes for improved stopping power and longer service life, and both carry larger body designs for easier loading and more capacity. A high dumping joint and long overhand gives the operator the ability to dump into hoppers or over an edge.

Several new body advancements also are available on the Volvo A25E and Volvo A30E haulers and on the larger platform machines. These include a bolt-on light materials kit that increases available hauler body volume, suitable when hauling low density materials. Heavy-duty wear plates also are available.

The new Volvo-engineered full suspension (FS) machine provides improved off-road performance, empty or full, allowing the hauler to travel at much higher speeds — which, in turn, increases productivity. When traveling empty, return trips are substantially faster due to the smooth ride and the ability to traverse the toughest conditions. Even when fully loaded, the new Volvo E-Series haulers’ ability to “float” over rough ground without bouncing and rolling improves operator comfort and safety.

The new Volvo FS system has automatic leveling and stability control on all wheels and, instead of traditional rubber suspension, a hydraulic cylinder is fitted to each wheel. The system constantly monitors the load and ground conditions, adapting the suspension to fit prevailing conditions, absorbing rough spots and giving a smooth and stable ride with minimal bounding, rolling, or shaking.

This radical new design also improves safety by providing significantly more ground contact. Vibration levels are lower than in other machines, and by providing a smoother ride, operators experience less fatigue, and efficiency and productivity increases exponentially, according to the manufacturer.

Simplified retarder controls and exhaust brakes require less operator input, and this, combined with easier-to-read Contronics information, allows the operator more time to concentrate on what is going on outside the cab. Automatic Traction Control is standard on the Volvo A25E and the Volvo A30E for even more simplified operation. Longitudinal differential locks are applied automatically depending on conditions at hand; this allows the operator to focus even more on material delivery.

For more information, call 828/650-2000 or visit www.volvo.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.