Volvo articulated dump trucks: technical specifications, design, photos and videos

The Volvo A40F articulated dump truck was launched into production along with other similar types of equipment (models 35, 30, 25) by transport manufacturer Volvo Construction Equipment. A distinctive feature of this machine is the articulated frame of the articulated design. This new product on the market of special equipment introduced the F series of trucks and pleasantly surprised consumers with its increased lifting capabilities, the power of the propulsion mechanism and the useful volume of loading force up to 39 tons.

Volvo articulated dump trucks

This equipment is designed to work in the harshest conditions due to its high level of cross-country ability. Dump trucks are designed to transport large volumes of heavy loads. They are indispensable when working with bulk cargo, therefore they are actively used in the mining industry, in quarries, in the construction of roadways, in conditions of bad roads or their complete absence.

Volvo equipment has the following features:

• Motors of our own production are installed on the machines. They have 6 cylinders and are equipped with an automatic injection system and turbocharging.
• Volvo dump trucks are distinguished by axles developed directly by the manufacturer. They are characterized by a reduced load on the axle shafts.
• The presence of a special turning mechanism that allows you to make a complete turn of the machine on an area less than 10 meters wide.

Volvo A40F articulated dump truck boasts high performance characteristics

The Volvo A40F is equipped with a diesel engine model D 16, which operates on a fuel resource that has passed special Tier 4i certification. The advantage of the engines installed on the Volvo dump truck of this model is the modernized technology for efficient processing of fuel liquid. The use of V-ACT allows the torque to be increased to a maximum level despite the low speed of the crankshaft. This factor has a positive effect on the fuel consumption and reduces the level of noise effects generated during the operation of the mechanism. Also, such a system significantly extends the active operating period of the engine.

The use of D 16 model mechanisms in the propulsion system of Volvo A40F dump trucks pushes these vehicles to the level of the most representative transport in terms of energy equipment. The maximum power capabilities of the equipment are up to 6 horsepower per ton of transported mass. For such a technical device, it is possible to regulate the operating modes of the nozzle device in the turbine zone of the compressor device. The control functions over the operation of the fuel channel, which operates under high pressure, have also been improved. The engine is equipped with a cooling system for normal gas flow recirculation, and a special particulate filter that ensures regeneration of the device during the active state.

Device

Volvo dump trucks have the following device:

• The dump truck engine complies with European environmental standards. The diesel engine has 6 or 8 cylinders and turbocharging, with a volume of 6 to 16 liters. Power can range from 230 to 517 horsepower. The engine is equipped with a reliable cooling system. It is necessary to maintain engine performance under high loads. The system is equipped with a hydraulic fan drive and is located on the side of the engine compartment.
• The brake system is a perfect mechanism. It is designed for maximum loads that arise when working in off-road or poor terrain conditions. The brakes consist of several discs that are cooled by immersion in an oil solution. They are protected from dust and dirt by a closed design.
• The articulated truck's cab offers unsurpassed levels of comfort. The ergonomic, centrally located seat and control design allow for long shifts.

Technical characteristics of popular models

A25F

This model has a six-cylinder engine that saves significant fuel. The special design of the engine compartment facilitates access to the main units during repairs or diagnostics.

Technical characteristics of the Volvo A25F articulated dump truck:

Photo of a Volvo A25F articulated dump truck

A35F

This model has increased load capacity. Despite this, the dump truck is stable even in difficult terrain. The equipment in this series has minimal fuel costs and emissions of harmful substances into the environment.

Technical characteristics of the A35F dump truck:

Video review of the Volvo A35F articulated dump truck:

A30E

The model represents a series that is designed for the most severe operating conditions. Special protective devices reduce wear on mechanisms and assemblies, prolonging the service life of the dump truck. Additional equipment for the body will expand the scope of application of the equipment.

Characteristics of the A30E dump truck model:

The video shows a Volvo A30E dump truck:

А40F

Dump trucks have a maximum load capacity, which allows them to be used for transporting heavy loads and materials. This model is equipped with an automatic thrust distribution system, as well as remote control of the main operating parameters.

A40F dump truck parameters:

Video review of the Volvo A40F articulated dump truck:

Volvo articulated dump trucks

Until recently, machines of this type were something unknown for Russian builders. But today everything has changed. Their largest buyer was Moscow builders, in particular, Mosstroymekhanizatsiya-5 CJSC, an enterprise well equipped with the latest technology, equipment and vehicles, which carries out about 80% of the construction of housing and cultural and community facilities under municipal orders.

In 1997, JSC MSM-5 acquired the first articulated dump truck A35S, which was used for reclamation work and the construction of a buffer site in the Moscow region of Maryino. The machine was used to transport sand from a warehouse on the banks of the Moscow River to a buffer site. The ability to refuse to drive on the road reduced the haulage distance to 3–5 km at an average speed of 35–40 km/h. Increasing the height of the body by 200 mm made it possible to load up to 23 cubic meters of sand.

The test resulted in the purchase of a batch of 10 A35C articulated dump trucks, nine Volvo EC340 hydraulic excavators with 1.9 m3 buckets, one Volvo EC450 excavator with a 2.9 m3 bucket and four Volvo L180C wheel loaders with 4.4 m3 buckets for loading vehicles.

Reducing the cost per ton of cargo

In developing the world's first articulated dump truck, Volvo Construction Equipment's main goal was to reduce the cost per tonne of cargo as much as possible under the most unfavorable transport conditions. The car was born in the Swedish town of Småland, known for its harsh nature and rugged terrain.

Road builders in Scandinavia and Northern European countries were the first to become acquainted with the unique qualities of articulated dump trucks. Since then, they have gained popularity in all corners of the globe, and in many countries they have become the main alternative to traditional types of technology. Along with their main function - moving earth, articulated dump trucks have successfully mastered other types of work in quarries and mines, in tunnel construction, in the transportation of containers, long items, camp huts and equipment to places previously inaccessible to wheeled vehicles.

Practice has shown that the use of articulated dump trucks has made it possible, taking into account the main advantages of these machines, to plan the work site and the pace of construction in a new, more rational way:

– choose the shortest haulage arm when fully loaded in the most difficult off-road conditions;

– it is ideal to combine articulated dump trucks with a hydraulic excavator (the body is filled with 3–5 buckets) or, when loading bulk materials, with wheel loaders with a bucket larger than that of an excavator;

– accurately maneuver loading and unloading, saving time.

Articulated dump trucks have a great future on the Russian market - not only in the construction, but also in the mining, oil, and logging industries.

The Volvo articulated dump truck is the product of ingenious design and cutting-edge technology. Its frame is made of two sections, hingedly connected to each other. The design of the articulation allows the sections to fold and rotate relative to each other 360 degrees, thereby avoiding huge loads on supporting structures when moving over large uneven areas, constantly maintaining contact of the wheels with the ground, and maneuvering in a narrow space. This same feature makes the car very easy to drive.

It should be added that an articulated dump truck has a much smaller turning radius than a conventional dump truck of equal capacity.

Drive on all six wheels, the ability to lock differentials on all axles plus interaxle locking, automatic transmission, ideally combined with the chassis, allow the car to remain mobile in any road conditions and even off-road.

Of course, an experienced driver will not unnecessarily turn on additional wheel drive and locks, saving fuel and tires. But working conditions change, and the ability to choose makes a person more independent from the vagaries of nature:

– 6 x 4 without locking is the most economical option in normal road conditions;

– 6 x 4 with front axle differential lock is effective on slippery roads;

– 6 x 6 with interaxle blocking significantly increases the vehicle’s maneuverability in more difficult conditions;

– 6 x 6 with differential locking of the front axle and interaxle blocking facilitates movement in deep wet ruts, significantly increasing the traction force of the wheels with the ground;

– 6 x 6 with all the locks turned on makes the vehicle’s cross-country ability almost unlimited.

A three-point cab suspension on noise- and vibration-absorbing, maintenance-free rubber mounts and a rear bogie with independently swinging axles create comfortable conditions for the driver and prevent cargo from spilling. The body “swims” over uneven surfaces without losing its horizontal position.

The heart of every car is the engine. Articulated dump trucks are equipped with their own low-emission 7-, 10- and 12-liter 6-cylinder turbodiesels with increased torque at low speeds. This increase gives machines faster acceleration, faster cycle times and greater productivity. The maximum speed is relatively low, which saves fuel, reduces noise and increases engine life. Cleaner exhaust allows dump trucks to meet all current environmental standards. The cooling system fan is hydraulically driven and controlled by a thermostat. Its rotation speed depends on the temperature of the engine, brake system and transmission.

Practice shows that the operator of an articulated dump truck with a manual transmission shifts the lever 150 - 180 times per hour. This distracts his attention from the road and tires him out. In addition, optimal engine performance is not ensured. That is why the cars are equipped with automatic transmission.

Rough terrain involves long descents and ascents, which place a large load on the vehicle's braking system. The brake system of Volvo articulated dump trucks is designed specifically for these operating conditions. The machines are equipped with multi-disc oil-cooled brakes. The completely enclosed design prevents dirt and water from entering. Each axle has a separate cooling system that operates independently of the movement of the machine. The automatic transmission has a built-in hydraulic retarder, which increases the service life of the brake discs several times. It is very effective on long, steep descents and can be switched to automatic mode. Since the retarder has become hydraulic, it is maintenance-free and functions flawlessly throughout the entire life of the machine.

Unloading at a considerable distance from the rear wheels down a slope or into a bunker eliminates the need to use additional equipment to clean up the site. Off-road performance and large wheels with low ground pressure eliminate the risk of slipping or sliding down embankments. The precisely calibrated shape of the body and its lifting angle, reaching up to 70 degrees, make it possible to complete unloading in approximately 15 seconds.

Heating the body with exhaust gases ensures a more complete release of adhering materials and their better distribution during unloading.

The standard equipment of Volvo articulated dump trucks fully meets the requirements for vehicles in this class. However, the machines can be equipped with a large range of additional equipment at the request of the buyer.

Firstly, this is the Contronic on-board computer, which monitors the operator’s actions and diagnoses the functions of the most important systems and components of the machine. The on-board display promptly informs the operator about the need for maintenance, about the operating parameters of the engine, hydraulic, brake and electrical systems. Contronic takes into account the distance traveled, engine hours used and the number of operating cycles.

Options that increase comfort include air conditioning, an electrically heated seat with air shock absorbers, electrically heated exterior mirrors, and a sound system in the ceiling panel. When working in very dusty conditions, additional filtration of the air entering the engine is necessary. Volvo installs an additional oil-type air filter and coolant filter. If the fuel quality is unsatisfactory, an additional fuel filter is offered.

Various loading and transportation conditions sometimes require additional equipment of the body with a canopy that protects the cabin and driver, a folding tailgate, or, when transporting lightweight materials, increasing the height of the sides.

However, no matter how perfect a mechanism is, it is nothing without a person. Operator convenience and comfort ultimately drive machine performance. In a Volvo articulated hauler, the operator's seat is located above the center of the front axle, where cab vibration is least felt. Excellent visibility, all controls are located in a logical order and within half-arm's reach, the steering wheel rotates as easily as a car.

Innovative solutions in the design of the new generation of Volvo articulated dump trucks

The Volvo A40F truck chassis, with automatic unloading function, is made of a profile that has a box-type section. Welding of high-strength profile material is carried out by special automatic devices. The swivel joint is completely sealed and, during constant operation of the machine, requires periodic lubrication using tapered bearings. The driver's cabin of this dump truck has an ergonomic design and is mounted on rubber shock-absorbing pads. The special design of the cab entrance doors is designed to facilitate driver access inside. The operator's seat is located above the front axle support, in the center. Wide glazing in the front part of the driver's cabin provides a wide range of visibility of traffic.

The exact technical characteristics of the Volvo A40F can be found by reading the accompanying documentation, which is included with each vehicle when leaving the manufacturer's factory. The permissible lifting weight when operating a dump truck is no more than 39 tons, while the volumetric capacity of the working body is 18.4 cubic meters. The engine of special vehicles operates with a power of up to 475 liters per second, that is, 350 kW. The torque figures are 2525 Nm, with a shaft rotation speed of up to 1050 rpm. With overall dimensions of 11263*3430*3560 (length, width, height) and a dead weight of 30.8 tons, the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 57 kilometers per hour.

A Volvo A40F dump truck, the sale price of which is calculated taking into account VAT and customs duties, can be purchased for 17 million rubles. This amount can vary in the range of plus or minus 1.5 million, which depends on the availability of additional (individual) vehicle equipment, operational mileage and year of manufacture of the car. Options for additional equipment are discussed when placing an order for delivery of the car to the buyer.

Areas of application of trucks

Mining dump trucks are capable of solving a wide range of tasks. But since their operation is associated with certain difficulties, the following work is most often performed with their help:

• carry out quarrying;
• transport bulk and bulk materials;
• deliver quarry masses to their destination.

Also, mining dump trucks produced by the Volvo concern are indispensable when performing construction work and logging.

Distinctive features of mining dump trucks

Mining dump trucks produced by the Volvo concern have many advantages. But like any other truck, they have their drawbacks.

Advantages of vehicles

Volvo mining dump trucks consist of a body and a cab, which are independent of each other. This design feature allows them to move on poor quality roads, as well as on soft ground. The body and cabin are connected to each other using hinges, which increases the maneuverability of the equipment given the existing dimensions.

The equipment is equipped with a high-quality hydraulic system that allows you to operate vehicles on swampy and rocky soil areas.

Thanks to the presence of a differential lock option, which increases cross-country ability, Volvo dump trucks can be operated in mud and wet snow. No weather conditions can interfere with the completion of the assigned tasks.

Some models of special equipment are equipped with an improved power unit that can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

A mining dump truck is a heavy piece of equipment, so the manufacturer paid special attention to the braking system. Its design includes hydraulic and electrical elements, which guarantees effective braking of the machine when fully loaded.

Volvo mining dump trucks are highly reliable. If individual elements fail, repairing the car will not be difficult.

Disadvantages of operation

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to do without a fly in the ointment. For all their advantages, trucks produced by the Swedish concern consume too much fuel. But this drawback is typical for any truck of this class.

Another disadvantage is the inability of Volvo dump trucks to move on public roads. The significant mass of the vehicle puts excessive pressure on the roadway, destroying the road surface. This feature requires additional costs for transporting the vehicle to the work site.

Articulated dump trucks: operational problems

Articulated dump trucks are quite a specific technology for Russia. How to use it correctly to avoid downtime and breakdowns, how often to change the oil, how to monitor tire wear. We talked to leading industry representatives on this topic.

We asked the experts the following questions:

• What are the main problems in operating articulated dump trucks?
• Methods for solving them and how to avoid them?

Anton Veremchuk: John Deere product marketing manager:

“As with any other type of equipment, before purchasing an articulated dump truck (ASD), it is important to determine the type of work for which this machine will be most effective.

Anton Veremchuk, product marketing manager at John Deere.

The main purpose of the ShSS is the removal of material or soil; it is not without reason that according to the Russian nomenclature the machine is referred to as a land transporter. However, not all operating organizations realize that the maximum economic efficiency of the ShSS is achieved when hauling up to 1,000 meters (one way). As the hauling length increases, the unit costs per ton of material increase, and dump trucks with a rigid frame, for which the effective shoulder is almost 3,000 meters, become more economically feasible and also more productive. However, the use of “rigid-frame” dump trucks entails the need for serious preparation of the roadway, and, as a result, additional costs are required for its construction and maintenance, which can be minimized when using the SSS. Therefore, the first problem in operation can be called a decrease in the economic efficiency and productivity of the SSS when operating on an increased arm. This problem can be avoided with more careful design of the work site initially, for example, you can move the crusher closer to the removal point or redirect traffic flows to reduce their mileage.

The second important point is the efficiency of using technology. Many have probably encountered a situation where dump trucks line up for loading, or vice versa, when an excavator is idle, waiting for a dump truck. This issue must also be addressed during the planning stage. It is important to select an excavator for a dump truck so that the body can be loaded optimally in 3–4, maximum 5 buckets. Next, the time required for one trip of a dump truck and the required number of dump trucks to ensure uninterrupted removal are calculated. Downtime of a machine not only leads to a loss of productivity, but, more importantly, in financial losses it has an impact on excessive fuel consumption, acceleration of maintenance intervals, and, as a result, leads to an increase in unit costs per cubic meter. meter or ton of material.

The standard method of operation is for the dump truck to be loaded at the bottom (in the “pit”), after which the material is transported upward to a warehouse or crusher. However, there are unusual applications where a loaded truck is driven down a hill to unload. And in this case, such operation can lead to accelerated wear of the brakes, aging of the axle oil, and in some cases, periodic overheating.

To eliminate such situations on the John Deere SSS, we have provided a retarder, which is integrated into the gearbox and, in fact, works by analogy with a torque converter turned in the opposite direction. That is, the retarder is the component that allows you to slow down the gearbox, reducing the load on the standard braking system. At the same time, on a John Deere machine you can set the maximum speed of movement down a slope, and the automation will select the optimal gear and the degree of retarder braking for the operator, simplifying his work. Such a system allows you to avoid possible problems with the brake system, as well as minimize the cost of its maintenance.

John Deere, as well as the customer, are interested in ensuring that machines are as efficient as possible, transporting more material in less time. However, we should not forget about such a problem as overloading the machine. Constant overload leads to accelerated tire wear, increased load on axles and gearboxes, increased shock loads on frame structures, which can ultimately lead to problems with unexpected equipment failures. To eliminate possible overload, all John Deere dump trucks are equipped as standard with a weighing system in the body. The system has a color indication on the rear-view mirror, so the excavator operator, when performing loading operations, can clearly see whether it is still possible to load or whether the limit has already been exceeded.

To summarize, we can say that the most important parameters for eliminating possible problems with the operation of the SSS are careful planning at the initial stage, as well as familiarity with the features of the equipment and systems that allow increasing its productivity.”

Denis Aleshin: sales support engineer, official dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment:

“Premium construction equipment fails due to unskilled and untimely maintenance or due to incorrect operator work. These factors entail financial losses and production downtime.

Denis Aleshin, sales support engineer, official dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment.

Qualified and timely service in the form of a service contract with an official dealer helps to avoid such situations. It can significantly reduce machine downtime and reduce repair costs. For example, identifying and replacing a failed part at an early stage can cost hundreds of thousands of rubles less than a complete shutdown of a piece of equipment and its subsequent repair.

Trained and certified personnel will always prevent possible malfunctions in a timely manner and thereby increase production efficiency, extending the service life of the machine. High-quality and professional instruction of operators plays an important role, because thanks to their qualifications, equipment productivity can be increased by 50%. We, as an official dealer, recommend our clients to use services for training, certification and monitoring of operator performance on the job. This allows us to significantly reduce fuel, repair and fuel consumption costs, as well as increase productivity by unlocking the full potential of the machine.”

Vadim Frolov: Service Technical Representative /Caterpillar Global Construction & Infrastructure:

“An articulated dump truck is a highly productive vehicle in conditions of unprepared or poorly prepared technological roads. These dump trucks are unpretentious to road conditions, overcome steep climbs, and move on weak soils. Four-wheel drive on all wheels together with locks on all axles makes them practically the only means of transporting rock in icy conditions. These machines are often operated around the clock with short stops for maintenance, refueling and operator rest. The operator’s work on these machines requires constant attention to the road situation, and the high weight of the loaded machine, together with the high speed of movement, leads to serious consequences in the event of an accident. To reduce the level of operator fatigue, various systems are designed: stability control system, automatic activation of machine locks, automatic loading and unloading, automatic transmission, climate control system in the cabin, sound insulation, etc.

Vadim Frolov, Service Technical Representative Caterpillar Global Construction & Infrastructure.

Let's consider these systems separately. All modern manufacturers of articulated dump trucks offer an automatic transmission (automatic transmission) in their design. The number of gears varies, but the general principle is: the more gears in the box, the more efficient the engine operates. This means improved fuel efficiency. An absolute advantage for a car is that the engine and gearbox have the same manufacturer.

Often this is the only opportunity to correctly configure the joint operation of all machine components. A modern automatic transmission is a complex unit and technologically more complex than an engine. Therefore, providing high-quality service support for each automatic transmission is a strong argument for choosing a car in the long term. The CAT 740 and 745 articulated dump trucks use an automatic transmission with 9 forward and 2 reverse gears. This automatic transmission is Caterpillar's own development.

These machines are especially often used in conditions of overcoming descents and ascents, and if the ascent speed depends on engine power and transmission efficiency, then the descent speed depends on the effectiveness of the braking system. Almost all manufacturers use systems in articulated dump trucks to slow down the vehicle on descents - a retarder. The modern design of the retarder is usually transmission hydraulic - for light machines or motor compression - for heavy machines.

The automatic retarder operating system is a definite plus for the machine. Without intervention by the operator, this system must maintain a given descent speed, select the desired gear for effective deceleration, protect machine components from high speeds and overheating, select the maximum descent speed depending on the slope and weight of the machine, and prevent wheels from blocking and sliding on the ground. The absence of an automatic retarder control system places an additional burden on the machine operator and, as a result, leads to errors. The service brake system also has different designs, usually multi-disc brake discs with oil bath cooling or dry disc brakes. Multi-disc oil bath brakes with forced cooling by oil circulation are preferred for use despite their design complexity. Often, when retarders are used correctly, their service life coincides with the service life of the entire machine.

The use of dry disc brakes is justified in the case of light cars without intense descents. The CAT 740 and 745 articulated trucks use a compression engine retarder. Its design is quite simple: at the end of the compression stroke, the exhaust valves open and compressed air is discharged into the exhaust manifold. In this mode, the transmission or engine oil does not heat up. The service brake system uses multi-disc brake discs operating in an oil bath with an additional cooling system. The circulation pump is driven by the engine; a liquid-oil heat exchanger is used as a cooler for the brake circuit. It is important that the CAT 740 and 745 articulated dump trucks are equipped with a hill descent control system.

High-quality lubricants are an important issue in ensuring a long service life of the machine. Using recommended oils in all machine components will certainly avoid component failure. An important point is to investigate the failure of a component due to poor-quality lubricants or filters; in the case of several suppliers, this makes it difficult and delays the search for the responsible party. Caterpillar produces a full line of lubricants and filters through an extensive dealer network. This makes it impossible to substitute or falsify these products at the delivery stage.

All modern articulated dump trucks use a hydraulic system for steering. An absolute condition is the presence of an emergency steering pump drive system. The CAT 740 and 745 use an electric drive for the emergency steering pump. This allows not only to safely stop a moving vehicle without losing steering, but also to use this system when towing a faulty vehicle and carrying out repair work without starting the engine.

Articulated dump trucks are often used in stripping operations. In conditions of strong rocks and savings on explosives, the appearance of large fragments is inevitable, which can damage the body during loading and unloading operations. Here the professionalism of the loading equipment comes first: excavator, loader, conveyor, etc. It is good practice to first load well-broken rock as a base on the bottom of the body and carefully load oversized materials onto the base. This extends the life of the body, but does not preclude the use of special bodies and wear plates.

The main reasons for machine downtime when working on rocky rocks are tire wear and damage. In this case, it is a good practice to engage a tire supplier representative to evaluate the performance of the machines and follow the recommendations for tire brand, required tire pressure and wear assessment and carry out quality repairs.”

Models of mining special transport

Volvo dump trucks are available in several modifications:

Looking at the model designations, it becomes clear that their differences lie in the wheel formulas. But it is precisely this design feature that determines the scope of application of the machines and their operational characteristics.