Capital Equipment News June 2018

ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCKS

idea is to provide a truck that moves the same payload and same material, but significantly lowering the cost per tonne in targeted applications. By removing the third axle, tyre scuffing is eliminated and parasitic losses are reduced. This reduces both both fuel and tyre running costs, ultimately providing lower cost per tonne of material moved,” explains Castle. The B30E 4x4 shares the same 240 kW Mercedes-Benz engine, six-gear Allison automatic transmission with integrated automatic retarder and a comprehensive package of productivity, safety and ease of operation features, as the conventional B30E 6x6. The features are based on real- time data collection by the truck’s sensors (onboard weighing, pitch/roll sensor, among others) and are controlled by embedded software in the truck controller. The brakes are a full wet brake system which offers reduced maintenance with rear axle inheriting the large wet brake unit of the B40E. whereas the heavier loaded 36-t rear axle uses 29.5R25 tyres, commonly found on the 40 t ADTs. With its oscillation joint providing a permanent point of contact of all wheels, and a well-balanced load distribution – empty 50:50; laden 33:66 – the 21,5-tonne Bell B30E 4x4 is said to prove itself far superior to rigid tippers or truck-trailers at undulating load and dump areas or in wet conditions. Thanks to the 4x4 drivetrain, the Bell B30E 4x4 can still safely operate in more challenging conditions than conventional rigid trucks, tippers and truck-trailer combinations. “Our 4x4 customers do not have to stop operations due to rain, and many of the B60 or B30 owners have been able to extend their normal operating season or even use the 4x4 ADT for stripping overburden,” says Castle. “Without the typical tyre scuff that a three-axle ADT experiences when operating on harder surfaces, the articulated two-axle concept guarantees substantial savings in tyre wear,” adds Castle. “Not only does the tyre scuff compromise tyre life, it also damages the road surface. Therefore, the two-axle ADT reduces site maintenance requirements.” Meanwhile, the short bin allows for optimal loading times for silo discharge or with wheel loaders, and is also compatible with the more typical excavator loading method. Capital Equipment News recently visited Bell’s Richards Bay factory to witness the production process of this niche truck. The front end is assembled as a standard Benefits abound The front tyres are typical 23.5R25,

Most important within tunnelling is the high manoeuvrability of the Bell B30E 4x4.

several years as there has been customers who have recognised the distinct benefits the configuration has to offer. However, the solution has so far gained prominence in Europe and North America than in the local African marketplace where Bell is still to deploy its first unit. However, the company says the acceptance of the company's flagship B60E 4x4 has exceeded its expectations and the wider market now sees the benefits of this configuration. “We look forward to this model and the B30E 4x4 growing from being niche products into well-recognised haulage solutions,” says Castle. Looking to the future, the company sees the potential to grow the 4x4 concept in different size classes. The positive customer feedback on both the B60E and the B30E 4x4 has led Bell Equipment to present the B45E 4x4 as an addition to its 4x4 range. The two-axle version of the B45E – with twin-tyres on the rear axle – is said to deliver all advantages of the 4x4 concept for payloads over 40 t. “It is envisaged that the model will become an alternative to 4x2 rigid trucks in medium to large quarries or mining operations,” says Castle. Castle believes that the B45E 4x4 will also be ideal for large infrastructure projects where sites are characterised by tighter turning circles. “Our new 4x4 quarry trucks provide a specific solution to a specific customer need and we look forward to both adding value to our customers and increasing our presence in the market,” concludes Castle. ❂

The wide opening scissors tailgate increases the volume of the B30E 4x4 to almost 20 m³ (SAE 2:1).

B30E 6x6 configuration which runs through the normal production line. However, the back end is run through the Specials department, which provides a specialised shorter chassis. “Due to a shorter chassis, the whole body geometry has changed to a shorter, square platform, which results in a better target zone for loading,” explains Castle. “With a typical square bin, it's easier for a loading tool operator to get the optimal load shape, resulting in a better fill.” To the future Bell Equipment has been offering the 30 t 4x4 concept to certain niche applications for

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2018 14