Lego is paying tribute to Volvo CE’s legacy in articulated truck development with its own version of the 6X6 A60H articulated hauler.
Volvo CE was the first to popularize the articulated hauler concept in 1966 with the creation of the 10-ton payload DR631 – fondly known as ‘Gravel Charlie.’
Now, 54 years later, Volvo CE continues to innovate with its H-Series range – which now includes its biggest ever production articulated hauler – the 60-ton capacity A60H.
The Lego Technic 6X6 articulated hauler A60H model is also an impressive work of engineering.
The kit includes 2,193 pieces, including six large tires and heavy-duty motors. And like the actual truck, it is a technological achievement, featuring app-controlled operation and a fully automatic transmission – a first for the Lego Technic brand.
“This is one of the more complex Lego Technic sets of recent years,” said Niels Henrik Horsted, marketing director for product and marketing development at the Lego Group. “The clever design is a great challenge during the build process, and the new LEGO Technic Control+ app allows the machine’s functions to be remotely controlled – and the fun continues long after the build is complete, with the app challenges.”
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The actual 55-tonne capacity A60H is designed for heavy hauling in severe off-road operations, including quarries, opencast mines and large earthmoving operations.
The Lego model measures 20 cm high, 20 cm wide and 60 cm long. It is also packed with clever features, not least the complex internal gear system, which is fully automatic and motorized, just like the real thing.
The motors are well integrated and hidden under the hauler body and the cab – and the Bluetooth for the control hub is activated by rotating the A60’s cab-top beacon.
Much like all the electronic machine control systems on the real machine, the model’s Technic Control+ hub and the mobile phone app that goes with it control the model, allowing it to move forwards and backwards, steer side-to-side and elevate and lower the dumper’s hauler body.
As well, Lego’s Control+ also extends play value, by delivering users a number of challenges that highlight features of the machine, such as moving uphill, going through the gears and tipping the load.
The model takes its influence from the features and latest innovations on the A60H, including matched drivetrain, automatic drive combinations, including 100 per cent differential locks, all-terrain bogie, hydro-mechanical steering and active suspension.
Fitted with an active hydraulic front suspension for higher hauling speeds in tough conditions, the actual A60H optimizes operator comfort and stability during travel, allowing more material to be moved in a shorter time for unmatched productivity.
“More than 50 years after we showed the world what an articulated hauler can do, we are still innovating and developing the concept,” said Volvo CE’s Mats Bredborg.
“Lego Technic and Volvo CE engineers have done an amazing job of replicating the A60H in miniature. It doesn’t just look like our A60H, it also follows its philosophy of innovative engineering and clever design. The Control+ mobile app and the automatic transmission are both incredible. Even the safety features – a key element of all Volvo machines – are all present and correct.”
