Volvo CE launches revolutionary E-Series articulated haulers The new E-Series articulated haulers’ Full Suspension – a world first – is the highlight of a radical redesign of the market leading hauler. Despite already being the world leader in the articulated hauler market, Volvo CE has decided to adopt a radical approach to its new range – the E-Series. The new models will be the world’s first to offer a suspension with automatic leveling and stability control on all wheels. This ‘Full Suspension’ provides excellent off road performance, allowing the hauler to travel at much higher speeds and increasing productivity. Even when fully loaded, the E-Series haulers’ ability to ‘float’ over rough ground without bouncing and rolling also improves operator comfort and safety. Offered on the A35E and A40E, operators who have used the FS (Full Suspension) variants in field trials are reported to have been amazed at the difference the new suspension system provides. These benefits increase with the length of haul road, effectively absorbing all rough spots and allowing operators to maintain considerably higher average speeds – with or without a load. A hauler traveling at 55 km/h over rough haul roads is now possible with minimal bouncing rolling or shaking. In what is the most significant leap forward in design for several decades, the FS variants have automatic leveling and stability control on all wheels, and instead of the traditional rubber suspension, there is a hydraulic cylinder fitted to each wheel. The system constantly monitors the load and ground conditions; adapting the suspension to suit the prevailing conditions and giving a smooth and stable ride. Safer and more productive Safety is improved thanks to the suspension providing significantly more ground contact. Compared with haulers with traditional suspension systems, vibration levels are also very much lower, allowing operators to work much longer before exceeding limits set in new European whole body vibration legislation. By providing a smoother ride operators experience less fatigue, remaining more alert, safer and more productive throughout their shifts. The E-Series does not abandon traditional suspensions however: Volvo CE continues to offer all models with upgraded versions of the current suspension arrangement. Other new developments The seven models in the E-Series cover capacities from the 24 tonne (A25E) to the 39 tonne (A40E). All feature Tier 3/Stage IIIA approved Volvo engines that offer high torque at low revs, maintaining fuel efficiency and reducing noise levels. Both power and torque have been increased in the Volvo designed and built D16 engines fitted to the A40E and A40E FS (power up 12% and torque up 19%). But perhaps the biggest output increases can be seen on the D12 engines fitted to the A35E and A35E FS, which generate the equivalent power and torque of its outgoing big brother, the current A40D. The A35E, A35E FS, A40E and A40E FS all feature a new fully automatic nine-speed fast adaptive transmission. Shafts, planetary gears and bearings are all reinforced to cope with the higher torque produced by their bigger engines. An optimized gear shifting pattern has better overlap of ratios to give constant power transfer. These models also have new frames, axles and a new drop box with longitudinal differential and 100% lock up – reducing power losses, improving traction and fuel efficiency. These larger models are fitted with more powerful exhaust brakes and retarders. And the cooling system has been improved such that there is no need to fit further cooling for hot climates. The A35E now comes with wet disc brakes, for improved stopping power and longer service life, and the A40E has a larger body fitted. This new body has been designed to allow easier loading and a high dumping joint and long overhang allows the ability to dump into hoppers or over an edge. Developments are not restricted to the larger machines in the range, and several new body solutions are available on the A25 and A30E haulers. These include a bolt-on light materials kit that increases the available hauler body volume, suitable when hauling low density materials (e.g. wood chippings). Heavy duty wear plates are also offered, as are linkage operated Overhung and Under-hung tailgates. These tailgate options are linkage operated and help reduce spillage of payload, particularly useful when the haul cycle involves steep, sloping and/or uneven terrain. As with all Volvo CE equipment, the new E-Series machines are fitted with a world class operator environment. Simplified retarder controls and exhaust brakes require less operator input, and this combined with easier-to-read Contronics information allows the operator more time to concentrate on what is going on outside the cab. Options list A range of options is available with the new E-Series; among them heavy duty wear plates for applications that involve hauling abrasive materials, e.g. blasted rock. Where less dense material is involved, a bolt-on Light Materials kit attaches to the body, increasing the volume that can be hauled. When gravel, sand or liquid masses are being hauled – especially up steep grades – an under/over-hung tailgate option is useful to avoid spill, whereas an under-hung tailgate would be appropriate for hauling rock up steep slopes. The new E-Series of articulated haulers from Volvo CE: no hauler has ever been so productive regardless of ground conditions. Volvo Articulated Haulers E-Series Model A25E 4x4 A25E A30E A35E A35E FS A40E A40E FS Engine Type Model Volvo Volvo Volvo Volvo Volvo Volvo Volvo (US) D9BABE3 D9BABE3 D9BACE3 D12DAEE3 D12DAEE3 D16EAAE3 D16EAAE3 EUR D9BAAE3 D9BAAE3 D9BADE3 D12DAFE3 D12DAFE3 D16EABE3 D16EABE3 Rated output, at r/s 35 35 31.7 30 30 30 30 (r/min) 2100 2100 1900 1800 1800 1800 1800 SAE J 1995, gross kW 224 224 252 313 313 350 350 (hp) 305 305 343 426 426 476 476 ISO 9249/DIN 6271, net kW 223 223 251 309 309 346 346 (hp) 303 303 341 420 420 471 471 Payload tonnes 24 24 28 33.5 33.5 39 39 Load capacity, heaped m³ 13 15 17.5 20.5 20.5 24 24 Gross Weight t 43.5 45.6 51.1 61.6 62 69.2 69.6 Max. Speed km/h 53 53 53 57 57 57 57
Fs Very cool, thanks for the interesting read. Will they eventually come out with a full suspension option for the A25e and A30e? I know they already have the automatics for the differentials, I think I read some time last year, that FS on the smaller size would be great too, seeing as we run mostly A30's:notworthy
thanks for the information and the pictures:notworthy ,do you have more pictures from bauma?I see no major change in the look of the hauler but they looks to have major change in suspension,etc.It is true?
Just spoke with the product manager from Volvo. They will wait and see how the 35 and 40 ton truck go, gauging demand for suspension in the smaller trucks. "The smaller trucks are more used for utility work," the guy says. "Not so much production hauling. And the suspension is a fairly expensive option." There may be so few smaller ADT buyers willing to pay for suspension, that the option never makes it to them. There may be no serious visual differences in the F Series, but the only things retained im the model change were the cab and hood. Check the press release closely: new engines, drop boxes, transmissions and axles; new frames, retarders and brakes. And the 40 gets a new, larger box. Capacities are up. Sorry the spec table got minced in uploading. Regarding new 50-tonne competition from Bell and Moxy ( http://www.moxytrucks.com/products/mt51.asp) , Volvo appears prepared to let them pioneer that size class. You need a 100-tonne excavator to load that-sized truck, and there are very few 100-tonne excavators in construction at the moment. Volvo still sells more than 40% of its ADTs to construction firms. The product manager admits the larger excavators will come, now that there are bigger ADTs to load. They will continue to gauge demand.
thanks for the info,does the bigger excavator volvo will produce is the ec800?
Reference to bigger excavators in construction from the post above was only meant to say that contractors would start buying bigger excavators to load 50-ton ADTs. You do, however, make a good point about Volvo perhaps building a bigger excavator than the 700. That question was asked, and they (President Helsham and VP of excavator business Erickson) said they have plans to develop a larger excavator. No specific size mentioned, or timetable. L
Pictures from Bauma I have just got home from Bauma. Here is two pictures of the new A40E FS. One from the side, and one of from the back. The sylinders on the frontaxle is located at the same place as the rubber suspension on the old modells. The suspension reservoar is located on the side, just in front of the articulation.(front axle) For the back they lay just under the box between the axles. A A40EFS was demoed on the field, and it looked realy impressing! Though, only a test ride will tell the difference. And the improvement over the old system. Moxy presented the same type of system on their MT51. Though only on the front axle. They still stick to the pendelum system on the rear axles. Enjoy the photos.
Maybe I missed the point but Cat, Deere, Komatsu and others all currently have nitrogen/oil suspension cylinders on their ADT's... so if Volvo is replacing its ancient rubbers with cylinders it must be the control system that is revolutionary rather than the concept?
I have two things here. Does anyone else have a problem with the manufacturer of all people using a picture of such an unsafe act (the truck with the rear axle hanging over the edge dumping in the water) not to mention that it goes against every safety program in this country? Sure sets a poor example! The full suspension is a novel idea when it works. I'm sure when they are new, and for at least a few thousand hours, they wil be helpfull, but from my past experience with Cat and Komatsu the suspension idea on this type of truck is a huge maintenance nightmare to keep operating properly. It seems to me unless there is some revelutionary way to ensure the longevity of the system in general, and the cylinders in particular, then there will be some unhappy truck owners a short time down the road.
Video of the A35E FS As MKTEF sez, the demo was good. I got a little video: Wulf: I'm just the messenger -- just uploaded the Volvo press release. The "world-first" claim is Volvo's. L
Wulf: I'm just the messenger -- just uploaded the Volvo press release. The "world-first" claim is Volvo's. L
Sorry, I messed that post all up. Don't ask how . . . Here's the video of that A35E FS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-rPcYyEXUk Wulf - Lot of hydro-pneumatic struts on front suspension, but looks like Komatsu is the only ADT with suspension front and rear. On the surface, it appears that the automatic leveling/roll control on the Volvo is the big innovation. But I'm trying to get below the surface . . .
Hi, there definitely WILL be a bigger one. There are rumors that two "EC800" are tested in Norway since some months. The EC700 is equiped with technology which also fits a bigger machine without big changes.
:drinkup Hi Holger. :drinkup I am not a fan of the suspension system found on the new EFS machine. I bet its more comfy and fast over the bumpy stuff but at what price? I am glad they have stuck with the Rear beam and elephant foot set up of old. (which has been copied by CAT) Also I read they finally gave the A35 the wet brake touch which is good news. Have Volvo carried the Oil filled HITCH over to the E machines? Ross
Hi Ross!:waving
more parts falling off, leaking radiators, broken drive shafts and axle hanger bushings no doubt IMO the best speed limiting device over the bumpy stuff for an ADT is the operators discomfort... less comfort less speed... less speed less broken stuff...
Take a look at the movies here: http://www.dumper.nl/2/66/Volvo-presenteerde-de-E-serie-dumpers-op-Bauma-2007.html
For pictures visit http://www.dumper.nl/14/219/Bauma-2007,-woensdag-25-april.html
No mention of the hitch in the press materials. Larry
Yeah. I was hoping someone would have asked a Volvo Rep at Hillhead or maybe theres a Volvo Mechanic/Rep on the forums. Thanks for the info. Ross