Following the success of its R100 hauler, Volvo Construction Equipment has developed two new hauling options for quarrying and light mining customers.
The manufacturer recently announced the 55-ton payload R60 and 65-ton R70 rigid haulers. Like the R100, both the new R60 and R70 rigid haulers are designed to reduce total cost of ownership, while delivering the latest comfort and safety features.
The launch of these new machines provides quarry and mining customers with more options when selecting a rigid or articulated hauler. (The R60 rigid has the same 55-ton payload as the company’s A60H articulated hauler.)
The choice between a rigid hauler and an articulated hauler in quarrying and mining sites depends on several factors, including the specific needs and conditions of the operation.
While rigid haulers thrive on sites with wide, firm, well maintained haul roads, where they can travel quickly over long distances, articulated haulers thrive on uneven, narrow, slippery and steep haul roads, where the haul cycle is shorter.
The introduction of the R60 and R70 allows Volvo to tailor hauling solution to suit site requirements.
Made in Motherwell
The new machines are being manufactured at Volvo CE’s Motherwell plant in Scotland, a site that has manufactured rigid haulers for nearly 75 years.
Maximizing tons of material moved per hour is key to the design of the R60 and R70. The new machines feature a V-shaped haul body designed to deliver maximum load retention, while at the same time minimal material carry-back post dumping. The dumping process itself is also quick, thanks to a fast-tip system.
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Providing real time insights on payload, the optional on-board weighing system helps operators apply the industry standard 10/10/20 payload policy – where the machine can take 10 per cent overload for 10 per cent of the time but should not exceed 20 per cent.
Both rigid haulers are powered by a 760 hp Tier 4 Final Cummins engine.
When it comes to grip, the high drive axle multiplication ensures traction, while the already efficient high-torque engine is further supported in cutting fuel consumption by the automatic adaptive gear selection offered by Volvo Dynamic Shift Control. The engine also has a selectable Eco mode that defaults to the most efficient gear, while the auto engine idle shut down reduces engine wear.
Safety and comfort
For safety, the cab is fully ROPS/FOPS certified, and access is gained from both sides via anti-slip steps. When on the move the haulers feature gear-dependent speed control and a selectable brake or transmission retarder.
The gearbox also has overspeed protection and a neutral coast inhibitor for downhill operations. There is fail-safe braking and even a secondary steering system to keep the machine safely on the right track.
Visibility is among the most important elements of safety, and the operators of the R60 and R70 have perfect vision thanks to the large windscreen and low raked dashboard, further supported by left-positioned operator station and 360-degree Volvo Smart View option.
When it comes to comfort, the operator is insulated from the world outside thanks to independent suspension, while the cab sits on vibration-damping viscous mounts. The steering is low effort and the wheel adjustable. As well, the operator can select cab temperature thanks to a powerful air conditioning system. They benefit from ample storage space and can also choose their own entertainment, via a Bluetooth radio that can connect to mobile phones.
One of the strengths of the R60 and R70 is ease of maintenance. Helping to keep repair costs and downtime down, the units have long 500-hour service intervals, ground-level tagout and easy-to-reach service points.
Common sized bearings keep parts stockholding simple and cost effective. Technology also plays a part, with on-board service diagnostics, while the CareTrack telematics system looks on from afar. These help to rapidly identify potential faults and maximize uptime.
