Modern Quarrying Q3 2018

HAULAGE

The short bin allows for optimal loading times for silo discharge or with wheel loaders.

With a 28 tonnes payload and 18,6 m³ body volume, the Bell B30E 4x4 targets high production, all-season transport applications in the quarry industry.

platform, which results in a better target zone for loading,” explains Castle. “With a typical square bin, it is easier for a loading tool operator to get the optimal load shape, resulting in a better fill. Gaining prominence Bell Equipment has been offering the 30 t 4x4 concept to certain niche applications for 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 mar- ket 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

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 of 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,” says 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. Modern Quarrying recently visited Bell’s Richards Bay factory to witness the production process of this niche truck. The front end is assembled as a standard B30E 6x6 configuration which runs through the normal pro- duction line. However, the back end is run through the Specials depart- ment, which provides a specialised shorter chassis. “Due to a shorter chassis, the whole body geometry has changed to a shorter, square

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

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.”. Castle believes that the B45E 4x4 will also be ideal for large infra- structure 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. l

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 3 - 2018