Modern Quarrying Q1 2025

BREAKING NEW GROUND

To further strengthen its product lead in the articulated dump truck (ADT) market, Babcock will introduce the new generation Volvo articulated haulers in Southern Africa by mid-2025. Among the first four models to arrive will be the new 45-tonne (t) A50, an entirely new class size machine that takes the proven full hydraulic suspension concept to the next level. H aving pioneered the ADT concept with the 1966 launch of the world’s first articulated hauler, dubbed “Gravel Charlie”, Volvo The A50 takes the concept to new heights as the only full suspension machine of its size class on the market.

COVER STORY

Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is reinforcing its leading position in this market segment with the launch of its most technologically advanced haulers to date. Making their Southern African debut first will be the updated A35, A40, A45 and the all-new A50, (estimated arrival May/June 2025) confirms David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s Equipment business. The A30 and A60 will be introduced at a later stage. The new range – the biggest and boldest ADT launch in Volvo CE’s history – has been adapted with some of the most exciting features, meeting customer needs in areas

but also plugs an important gap between the existing 42-t A45 and the 55-t A60. “Based on conversations with customers in our market, we have always been aware that there was a need for a model size that bridges the gap between the A45 and the A60. We are therefore excited to add the new A50 to our already extensive ADT line-up, thus increasing customer oppor tunities in this demanding market segment,” says Vaughan. The major talking point on the new model is the full hydraulic suspension concept, says Lance Mannix, GM Sales at Babcock’s Equipment division. Pioneered by Volvo CE in 2007, the full suspen sion has proved to be a reliable system for the toughest of driving conditions. Many mining and quar rying companies worldwide have praised the unique technology for the benefits it has brought them in terms of productivity and oper ator comfort, all while being just

of productivity, durability, service ability and maintainability, opera tor comfort, safety and efficiency, resulting in lower total cost of ownership. Plugging the gap While the updated models break new ground with key innovations, Vaughan is particularly excited about the launch of an entirely new model, the 45-t A50, which not only broadens the model line-up to cover more applications,

With a 45-t payload, the all-new A50 delivers 10% more productivity and 8% greater fuel efficiency when compared to the previous generation A45GFS – making it an ideal solution for high-production quarries, mines and large construction sites.

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