Capital Equipment News January 2018

The 40-45 t size class is the most prominent range of ADTs for Volvo CE globally.

where construction-type tippers wouldn’t be effective,” says Lundberg. Brad Castle, Bell Equipment product mar- keting manager, says there is definitely a place for both of these types of trucks de- pending on the application. “In mines and heavy construction, the ADT is the only ma- chine that can do the job, so I don’t see tipper trucks influencing 30 t ADTs and upwards, in particular, because tippers have their limita- tions. In poor underfoot conditions, custom- ers need the off-road ability of an ADT,” says Castle, adding that even a 6x6 tipper truck won’t be able to replace an ADT because it can’t compete with the off-road ability that the oscillation and articulation of an ADT provides. Growth in sizes As construction-type tippers challenge for a share of the lower end of the haulage market, it is worthwhile to note the rapid progression in ADT sizes. Available specs show that in 2006, the smallest ADT was only 12 t, while the largest was about 38 t. During that year, most models were in the 20-30 t size classifications. By 2015, the smallest ADT was about 22 t and the largest was in the 50 t class size. The growth trend showed no sign of stopping by 2016 when units in the 60 t class size rolled

QUICK TAKE

Articulated haulers are designed for rough off-road conditions and require minimal haul road maintenance and can operate in all weather conditions and steep slopes

The choice between a construction-type tipper truck and an articulated hauler all depends on the ground conditions

There is general consensus that the 40-45 t is the most prominent ADT class size at this stage, demonstrated by the number of models in this range

ADTs may get bigger than the size of machines we are seeing now, but ease of transport, tyre choices and powertrain capabilities will likely dictate how large they may end up

40-45 t

off the production line for the first time. But, what are some of the reasons behind this progression in size over the years, especially the last decade? “Economy of scale is one of the main rea- sons behind the progression in size because companies want to be able to move more dirt

for less – to reduce their cost per tonne,” says Castle. “Being able to move the same tonnage with fewer vehicles also impacts on safety because there are fewer vehicles on site. Perhaps, most importantly though, has been the need for a larger ADT for all-weath- er operations. If you can move the same pay-

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JANUARY 2018 9