Capital Equipment News August 2020

RIGID DUMP TRUCKS

Servicing is even more convenient on the 777E with engine oil changes extended to 500 hours and hydraulic filter life extended to 1 000 hours.

There are a number of R100E rigid haulers currently operating locally.

Volvo Dynamic Shift Control includes a Shift Energy Management feature, an automatic, self-learning transmission-to- engine control feature maintaining constant torque output during transmission gear shifts. “Automatic Adaptive Shift Control creates adaptive shift memory based on parameters such as machine speed, acceleration, deceleration and throttle inputs.” Vaughan says the feature selects the best shift schedule, including part load shifts, based on these parameters. This feature optimises gear selection and shift point to maximise speed and torque performance. The Adaptive Shift Control is payload sensitive when connected to the optional on-board weighing (OBW) system. When the OBW registers a payload below the

programmed threshold, the R100E moves from stationary in second forward gear. The machine automatically shifts down to first forward gear if the payload is above the programmed threshold. This is to provide the power to start moving. Other Automatic Adaptive Shift Control features include a Gear Hunting Inhibitor, which changes the gear shift pattern by delaying an upshift when a potential gear hunting (cycling) scenario is sensed, as well as Transmission Over-speed Protection, which sounds a warning when the transmission is in overspeed. “The Neutral Coast or Free-wheeling Inhibitor works with the transmission over- speed protection. The transmission control senses output speed and does not permit neutral gear selection. The transmission control system downshifts the transmission

automatically. This feature activates the rear- brake retarder, should it sense over-speed.” In terms of the Vehicle Speed Limiter, the Vehicle Control Unit software “collaborates” with Volvo Dynamic Shift Controls to promote machine adaptation for regulatory mine site safety by permitting a programmable maximum machine speed or maximum gear selection. Vaughan says the V-shaped load body ensures load retention during haul cycles and the ergonomically designed cab is fully roll-over protected (ROPS) and features a falling object protection system (FOPS) while offering good visibility. “Visibility is further enhanced by the integrated Volvo Smart View which allows the operator to keep an eye on surrounding job-site traffic,” says Vaughan. “Possibly one of the most attractive features of the R100 E is that its overall design has been kept simple. This has resulted in a machine that is reliable and easy to repair, should the need arise to do so.” Market outlook “The Cat 777E is appreciated by customers throughout the industry for the performance it delivers in terms of reliability, durability and high productivity at low cost per tonne in both mining and large earthmoving applications,” says Coetzee. To him, the market outlook for 100 t haulers is “good, given that these trucks’ versatility is undisputed. These machines will no doubt continue to hold firm as a viable option in any fleet.” He says models offering lower operating cost per tonne have become a “crucial consideration” in any production environment, particularly in the current tough economic climate. “Given its versatility,” says Vaughan, “the 100 t off-highway truck makes a sensible addition to any earthmoving fleet and, as a result, will hold a place in the market for the foreseeable future.” b

“Possibly one of the most attractive features of the R100 E is that its overall design has been kept simple. This has resulted in a machine that is reliable and easy to repair, should the need arise to do so.”

David Vaughan, MD Babcock's equipment division

“Better cost per tonne and durability have resulted in this size class becoming the largest in the rigid hauler market segment.”

Stefan Coetzee, product manager Trucks and Mining Applications at Barloworld Equipment

TALKING POINTS

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS AUGUST 2020 24