From dirt movers to dust busters
Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated dumptrucks power new water truck line from Hydex
HYDEX have adapted Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers into high-capacity water trucks to meet the growing demand for dust suppression across North America – proving once again the versatility of Rokbak articulated dumptrucks (ADTs).
As job sites grow in size and environmental regulations tighten, the need for adaptable, heavy-duty equipment in the US is clearer than ever, which is where a new venture between Hydex and Hills Machinery is stepping in with a solution that pairs proven articulated hauler performance with serious dust-suppression capability.
At the core is a new water truck range, Rokbak RA30 and RA40 ADTs are being upfitted with high-performance water tanks to be deployed across quarries, mines, and infrastructure projects under the Hydex banner.
The RA30 and RA40 are no strangers to tough job site conditions. Built in Motherwell, Scotland and part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak trucks are engineered for power, control, and reliability in the harshest off-road environments.
However, their latest application showcases a new kind of versatility. The RA30, with its 370hp engine, now carries a 6,000-gallon or 22,712.5-litre (AWT6) water tank, while the 444hp RA40 is matched with a 9,000-gallon or 34,068.7-litre (AWT9) tank – both equipped with advanced spray and pumping systems for high-performance water distribution.
‘This is about using a proven platform to meet a pressing and growing need,’ said Robert Franklin, director of sales – Americas at Rokbak. ‘The RA30 and RA40 give contractors the power, manoeuvrability and durability they need in a base machine – and now, with this adaptation, we’re showing just how far that platform can go.’
The idea to repurpose articulated haulers as water trucks came from the ground up. Hills Machinery, a long-time Rokbak dealer based in North Carolina, saw first-hand how contractors were searching for tough, reliable machines that could do more than haul.
‘We work with Rokbak on a daily basis and believe those to be the best two trucks to outfit these tanks with,’ said Jim Hills, president of Hills Machinery and Hydex. ‘But we also recognize that some contractors will want to keep their fleet standardized, so we’re happy to work with everyone to solve their dust-suppression and water access needs.’
Hydex are supporting the rollout through Hills’ existing dealership network, with upfitting taking place at a joint facility in Seattle, Washington, and distribution co-ordinated through Hill’s location in Wilson, North Carolina.
Each truck is backed by Hills Machinery’s Uptime Operations service, which includes lifecycle fleet management, real-time equipment monitoring, and pre-stocked replacement parts – minimizing downtime as trucks hit job sites.
The tanks themselves are engineered to meet demanding performance specs. Water is shot from an American-made Elkhart water cannon to distances of more than 213ft, while operators can adjust pressure to 320, 480 or 630 gallons per minute. Multiple spray bars and nozzles – including vertical, side, front bumper, and rear dribble – offer complete customization depending on site needs.
A rear-mounted electric hose reel, American-made Berkeley hydraulic water pump, and optional suction system for drawing water from lakes or reservoirs round out the functionality.
‘These tanks are serious pieces of equipment in their own right,’ said Mr Hills. ‘But what makes them truly effective is the machine underneath – the Rokbak hauler that keeps everything moving and delivers the power, even in the roughest terrain.’
Dust suppression is not just a job site concern – it is a growing regulatory issue in many jurisdictions, particularly in states such as California, Texas, and Arizona, where construction activity is booming in arid environments. Add to that the increasing size and activity level of quarries and mines, and the demand for large-capacity off-road water trucks is rising fast.
With their articulated frame, powerful drivetrains, and operator-friendly design, Rokbak trucks offer a more robust and stable solution than conventional rigid-frame water trucks – especially when off-road capability is a must.
As Hydex scale production and more water trucks hit the field, all eyes will be on how this versatile solution might open the door for further adaptations of the Rokbak platform. From fuel and lubrication service units to emergency response and haul support, the articulated hauler’s future may be even more diverse than its past.
‘We’re just getting started,’ said Mr Hills. ‘When you’ve got a reliable chassis and a clear market need, the opportunities are endless.’
