To mark its 70th anniversary and 40th year as an articulated dump truck (ADT) manufacturer, Bell Equipment demonstrated the capabilities of its autonomous B40E ADT.
The demo was held at Hillhead 2024 as part of the trade show’s live quarry demonstrations.
The truck is the same machine that Bell UK customer Chepstow Plant International (CPI) have been using since March 2024, when it was launched as the first autonomous ADT in the United Kingdom.
“We were excited to be able to demonstrate our autonomous ADT at Hillhead and also have a static display so visitors could see exactly how the hardware is incorporated into the machine,” said Bell Equipment Product Manager Brad Castle.
Supplied by technology platform specialists xtonomy, the autonomous hardware includes radar sensors, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems and on-board processing hardware to create a drive-by-wire B40E solution.
“We’re pleased by how our autonomous ADTs have enhanced operational efficiencies on the sites where they are working by being able to operate for longer periods, deliver really accurate tipping results and improve productivity,’ Castle said.
He added autonomous trucks can extend component life, reducing wear and tear and improve fuel efficiency from enhanced operational efficiencies.
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“CPI’s autonomous B40E takes environmental benefits a step further by using HVO fuel instead of diesel, making the machine almost carbon neutral, which is a significant achievement in the current quarrying and mining industry,” Castle said.
“Autonomous ADTs also improve site safety, as borne out by our two Bell B30E 6×6 test trucks, which have achieved over 1,000 hours of safe autonomous operation in a quarry in the Austrian Alps, without any incidents.”
When choosing to operate a Bell ADT autonomously, customers have a choice of third-party suppliers and the level of autonomy they want to achieve.
Bell Equipment’s range
At Hillhead, Bell Equipment’s niche 4×4 range was also represented by the B45E 4×4, which is ideally suited to quarrying and smaller mining operations.
“Our 4×4 range of ADTs have full articulation and oscillation steering so all four driving wheels are kept on the ground to utilize the traction that’s available. This makes them more capable off-road than conventional rigid trucks. The double axle also results in tighter turning circle for greater manoeuvrability and prevents tire scuffing, reducing road maintenance costs,” Castle said.
“Like the other models in the 4×4 range, the B45E 4×4 has the same payload as the 6×6 model and features full suspension for improved ride comfort. It also has the option of a narrower bin for sites with width restrictions.”
Other machines on display at Hillhead 2024 included the EU-marked Bell B30E 27,000-litre water tanker, designed for dust-suppression duties on mines and construction sites, and the Bell tracked carrier, a robust solution for short-haul applications in soft underfoot conditions.
