Capital Equipment News January 2018

Volvo launches own range of rigid haulers

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced that it will enter the rigid hauler market with its own Volvo brand of rigid haulers in the second quarter of 2018. The development of the new four-model range has relied heavily on the longstand- ing rigid hauler expertise of Volvo CE’s subsidiary Terex Trucks, combined with the technological strength of the Volvo Group. The range, which will initially be launched in less regulated markets, consists of the 45-t R45D, 60-t R60D, 72-t R70D and the flagship 100-t R100E. The E-Series R100E is said to be a completely new Volvo CE 100-ton (95-tonne) rigid hauler that combines a wealth of market and customer knowledge with proven components, new technologies and a striking new design – all providing a cost-effective and productive solution to fulfil the needs of today’s mining and quarrying customers. Based on the existing Terex Trucks TR- Series, development of the D-Series R45D, R60D and R70D Volvo rigid haulers follows an in-depth engineering review, ensuring that the machines meet the standards expected from Volvo products in their target markets and segments. Improvements include greater visibility and safety systems, along with Volvo technical support and branding. As a result of the launch of the Volvo- branded rigid haulers, production of Terex Mining is a dangerous business. South Africa has some of the world’s deepest mines, a distinction that comes with significant safety risks. In 2016 alone, 73 people lost their lives in mines in the country; 2017’s tally could be higher. Addressing and improving safety on a mine requires a multi-faceted approach, ranging from quality worker engagement and training processes, to high tech solu- tions such as vehicles fitted with collision avoidance systems. In this mix, safety information and warn- ing signs remain a cornerstone of creating a safe working environment. Safety signs and their visibility are crucial in helping employees negotiate high risk working environments. Safety signs have to be visible to be effective. Conditions underground are generally not conducive to visibility due to dust, water, mist and extreme temperatures. These conditions combine to obscure signs and make them illegible.

Trucks rigid haulers will, over time, cease. “Our purchase of Terex Trucks in 2014 was a strategic decision that allowed Volvo to offer customers a rigid hauler option,” says Thomas Bitter, senior vice-president of the Marketing and Product Portfolio (MaPP) function at Volvo CE. “Since then, we have been working to design a completely new rigid hauler that builds on Terex Trucks’ 84-year heritage, while also incorporating Volvo CE’s industry-leading technol- ogy and core values of quality, safety and environmental care. Today we move to the next stage, and the new Volvo ma- chines, especially the E-Series

Volvo CE has launched its first range of Volvo-branded rigid haulers.

R100E, are the outcome of this work. We are confident that they will impress customers working in the mining and quarrying segments,” adds Bitter. “Terex Trucks’ rigid haulers are known for performing well in tough conditions, while also being easy to maintain and delivering low cost of ownership,” says Paul Douglas, Volvo CE’s vice-president of Rigid Haulers and Terex Trucks. “Our proven design has provided a strong DNA on which to help develop Volvo CE’s innovative entry into this product line. Plascon’s commitment to developing solu- tions that are Designed for Life, has sparked an effort to help make high risk workplaces safer through paint that renders safety signs more effective. The result is a new enamel paint that has been developed specifically for the mining industry. It dries within two hours, instead of the six hours required for convention- al enamel paints. Application therefore disrupts operations for only a third of the time previously required. More importantly, the paint can be applied above and below ground, on surfaces ranging from walkways and equipment to timber and even rock faces, to ensure optimal safety. Rolf Redelinghuys from Kansai Plascon emphasises that underground mines de- mand utmost caution at all times. “The high quality and robustness of our mine-marking enamel ensures that warnings and signs are highly visible underground regardless of how dusty or wet it may be down there. As a result, the workplace becomes safer for

The new E-Series R100E is a completely new machine that delivers stability, a long service life, high profitability, durability and comfort. And moreover, it’s quick and simple to operate and maintain.” Meanwhile, Volvo says this announce- ment has no bearing on Volvo CE’s Terex Trucks-branded articulated hauler range. Terex Trucks-branded articulated haulers will continue to be designed, built and de- veloped at the Motherwell facility, and dis- tributed using the pre-existing Terex Trucks independent dealer network. b

Paint innovation makes mines safer

miners as they can easily identify hazardous areas and situations.” The paint is also weather resistant; an important feature in the extreme conditions that prevail under- ground. b Plascon’s mine-marking enamel is available in the five colours most commonly specified by mines, namely white, black, yellow, signal red and green.

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