D-series Volvo ADTs Prove Popular
Volvo's latest machines in demand with UK plant-hire sector
Since their launch on to the market last year, Volvo Construction Equipment’s two smaller D-series articulated dumptrucks — the A25D and A30D — have proved to be a popular choice among existing and new customers alike, particularly in the UK plant-hire sector.
Kelston Sparkes Group, the Somerset-based plant-hire and earthmoving contractors, have recently taken delivery of 14 Volvo A25D articulated dumptrucks to augment their existing plant fleet. The trucks are all equipped with full cantilever tailgates to maximize volume to almost 16m3 and, as specified by Kelston, are fitted with Goodyear GP4B specially prepared E4 tyres.
The new machines have replaced an equivalent number of 1995-vintage C-series models that had, according to the company, given unstinting service throughout their working lives and taken part in numerous projects such as the Second Severn Crossing and major muck-shifting operations in the south-west of England and Wales.
Managing director Alan Sparkes, said it was because of the service and reliability of the A25Cs, together with Volvo’s high level of product support throughout the UK, that the company had decided to replace Volvo with Volvo.
Likewise, Buckingham Plant Hire Ltd have also recently taken delivery of four Volvo A25Ds and eight A30Ds for their front-line muck-shifting and civil engineering operations. Once again, the new units have replaced a fleet of seven-year-old C-series Volvo ADTs and were chosen because of their robustness and reliability. The trucks are currently working on various projects being undertaken by Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd and for prime clients on external general hire.
Meanwhile, newly established Viking Plant Ltd, based in Shrewsbury, have recently taken delivery of 10 Volvo A25Ds for their expanding hire fleet, each of the new machines being covered by a Volvo contract service agreement. With the trucks working all over the country, Viking Plant’s managing director Ted Jones said he was particularly impressed with the level of support and commitment provided by Volvo’s eight customer support centres.
The new A25D and A30D models feature a high-performance Volvo 10-litre turbocharged and intercooled low-emission diesel engine which develops 304hp and 324hp, respectively, and features electronically controlled injection. The engine delivers high torque at low speed (1,365Nm at 1,350 rev/min in the case of the A25D) which is important when starting from a standstill, making the trucks easy to manoeuvre in difficult terrain.
The engine is also equipped with a thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven fan with variable speed that uses power only when needed, while the electronic control unit works together with the transmission electronics to provide an intelligent system that adapts automatically to driving conditions. The machines feature all-wheel drive and 100% differential-locks, giving operators numerous driving options and allowing the trucks to operate on virtually all ground conditions, economically and efficiently.
The entire drivetrain — engine, transmission, dropbox and axles — is made up of Volvo components, each part developed and designed for optimum performance under the demanding working conditions of an ADT. This, say Volvo, helps reduce overall haulage and maintenance costs by delivering lower fuel consumption together with greater reliability and serviceability.
With no daily or weekly service times, the D-series ADTs require less time for maintenance. The steering cylinder and joint bearings, as well as the hitch bearings, are greased for life, and service accessibility is greatly improved with a fold-down front grille with access ladder to the remote filter bank, located in front of the engine. The engine hood itself is large and has a 90° opening for total engine walk-round access, while remote drain hoses and a swing-out radiator further simplify cleaning.
The dump body on both machines is designed to hold a greater volume, allowing payload capacities to be increased — the A25D carries 24 tonnes with 15m3 heaped (SAE 2:1), while the A30D carries 28 tonnes with 17m3 heaped.
Both machines also feature Volvo’s patented load and dump brake. When the truck is in position for loading or dumping, the operator presses a button to automatically apply the brakes and place the transmission in neutral. This improves safety and minimizes wear on the brakes and drivetrain. Once loading or dumping has been completed, the operator simply selects a gear and the load and dump brake is switched off.
Volvo Construction Equipment Ltd, Duxford, Cambridge CB2 4QX; tel: (01223) 836636; fax: (01223) 832799; email: sales.vcegb@volvo.com; website: www.construction.volvo.co.uk