Volvo CE rolls out two new rigid haulers

Volvo Construction Equipment is adding two new rigid haulers to their lineup in North America.

The 55-ton-payload R60 and 65-ton-payload R70 rigid haul trucks are designed to move material at the lowest cost per ton while providing the latest comfort and safety features. Both rigid haulers are now available to order in North America.

The two new machines join the 105-ton payload R100 in the Volvo CE rigid hauler lineup.

The R60 features a gross weight of 100,222 kg while the R60 has a gross weight of 111,624 kg. Both rigid haulers are powered by a 760-hp Cummins QSK 19 engine and have a maximum speed of 60.6 km per hour.

Rigid haulers are known for high productivity with a low centre of gravity, balanced weight and tough yet flexible chassis. The R60 has a body volume of 36 cubic metres and the R70 offers 42.5 cubic metres, which makes them well-matched for the loading abilities of Volvo’s EC950 crawler excavator and L350H wheel loader.

The machines feature a V-shaped haul body for maximum load retention and minimal carry-back post-dumping. The dumping process itself is also quick thanks to a fast-tip system.

Weighing system

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.

Speed and stability go hand in hand with rigid hauler operation. Both the R60 and R70 are designed with a new adaptive retarder system that can automatically control the rear braking system when travelling downhill.

For grip, the high-drive axle multiplication ensures maximum traction while the high-torque engine reduces fuel consumption with an automatic adaptive gear selection called Volvo Dynamic Shift Control. The engine also has an eco-mode that defaults to the most efficient gear, while the auto engine idle reduces engine wear. Both features boost fuel efficiency as well.

Operator focused

For long downhauls, the rigid haulers feature gear-dependent speed control and a selectable brake or transmission retarder, which also helps reduce operator fatigue. The gearbox has overspeed protection and a neutral coast inhibitor for downhill travel. There is fail-safe braking and a secondary steering system to keep the machine safely on track.

The cabs on the R60 and R70 are fully ROPS/FOPS certified, and operators can enter from either side via anti-slip steps. A large windscreen and low raked dashboard provide optimal visibility, supported by the left-positioned operator station and optional Volvo Smart View for 360-degree sightlines.

For comfort, the rigid haulers are also equipped with an ergonomic, air-suspended seat, independent suspension and vibration-damping viscous mounts to create a smooth experience for the operator.

The steering is low effort, the wheel is adjustable, and the operator will enjoy a powerful air conditioning system, ample storage space and Bluetooth radio.

Extending uptime

Both the R60 and R70 have 500-hour service intervals, and maintenance can be completed swiftly thanks to a straightforward machine design that includes grouped maintenance points located within reach either from the ground or the service platform. Common-sized bearings keep parts stocking simple and cost-effective. 

On-board diagnostics provide insights into system pressures and temperatures and fault reporting to facilitate and speed up troubleshooting.

The choice between a rigid and articulated hauler in quarrying and mining depends mostly on the conditions of the site. While rigid haulers thrive on sites with wide, firm, well-maintained haul roads where they can travel quickly over long distances, articulated haulers are better on uneven, narrow, slippery and/or steep haul roads with shorter haul cycles.

The Volvo Site Simulation service can recommend the optimal site setup and machine fleet to help fleets meet production targets, reduce emissions and boost profitability.