Volvo CE teases new A40 articulated hauler

Early next year, Volvo Construction Equipment is planning to release its new A40 articulated hauler. 

Volvo CE recently offered a sneak peek of the machine during its Volvo Days event, held at its headquarters in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

One of the most noticeable changes to the articulated truck is a redesigned, narrower front end compared to the current A40G. 

“We have improved the visibility significantly. We’re actually exceeding the ISO standards,” said Fredrik Jonsson, Project Manager, Market & Launch for Volvo CE. 

At the back of the truck, Volvo CE has also redesigned the tailgate with longer arms allowing it to open wider and more quickly than the previous generation. 

The articulated hauler’s new cab has a larger floor area, new hanging pedals and steering wheel, as well as a heated or cooled box on the right-hand side and an integrated display for Volvo Co-Pilot. 

“The cab is entirely, totally redeveloped from scratch,” Jonsson said. 

More new from Volvo CE:

Volvo also relocated the cab door from the corner to the lefthand side and included a larger platform for access. At ground level, the A40 now includes a startup button that illuminates the stairs to the cab and begins preparation for startup. 

“That button boots up all the ECUs and gets it ready for startup. Of course, you need to start the machine with a key, but the (boot up) takes roughly 20 to 25 seconds,” Jonsson said.

Buttons on the truck, as well as the access platform, are all illuminated. Volvo added numerous lights around the truck to improve visibility. 

“That’s kind of the concept, we wanted to illuminate all around the tractor to make it safer to walk around the machine,” Jonsson said.

Volvo CE will also offer more options for suspension on the A40, offering hydraulic suspension in addition to rubber suspension.  

“You have a choice as a customer to choose the hydraulic suspension on the tractor only. It will still be the rubber suspension on the boogie beam on the rear,” Jonsson said.

For maintenance, a new access ladder is hidden under the hood. As well, the hood is raised or lowered at the push of a button and the entire engine compartment is illuminated to boost visibility. Furthermore, the condenser package has moved to the righthand side of the cab.

“A lot of customers are really impressed by the room and how easy it is to get in there and work on the machine,” Jonsson said.

Volvo CE also aimed to simplify the end of the workday. On the new articulated hauler, the main switch no longer needs to be switched off to power down the truck. 

“Just turn the key off and the operator goes home,” Jonsson said.