To further strengthen its product lead in the articulated dump truck (ADT) market, Babcock will introduce the new generation Volvo articulated haulers in Southern Africa by mid-2025. Among the first four models to arrive will be the new 45-tonne (t) A50, an entirely new class size machine which takes the proven full hydraulic suspension concept to the next level.
Having pioneered the ADT concept with the 1966 launch of the world’s first articulated hauler, dubbed “Gravel Charlie”, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is reinforcing its leading position in this market segment with the launch of its most technologically advanced haulers to date.
Making their Southern African debut first will be the updated A35, A40, A45 and the all-new A50, (estimated arrival May/June 2025) confirms David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s Equipment business. The A30 and A60 will be introduced at a later stage.
The new range – the biggest and boldest ADT launch in Volvo CE’s history – has been adapted with some of the most exciting features, meeting customer needs in areas of productivity, durability, serviceability and maintainability, operator comfort, safety and efficiency, resulting in lower total cost of ownership.
Plugging the gap
While the updated models break new ground with key innovations, Vaughan is particularly excited about the launch of an entirely new model, the 45-t A50, which not only broadens the model line-up to cover more applications, but also plugs an important gap between the existing 42-t A45 and the 55-t A60.
“Based on our conversations with customers in our market, we have always been aware that there was a need for a model size that bridges the gap between the A45 and the A60. We are therefore excited to add the new A50 to our already extensive ADT line-up, thus increasing customer opportunities in this demanding market segment,” says Vaughan.
The major talking point on the new model is the full hydraulic suspension concept, says Lance Mannix, GM Sales at Babcock’s Equipment division. Pioneered by Volvo CE in 2007, the full suspension has proved to be a reliable system for the toughest of driving conditions. Many mining and quarrying companies worldwide have praised the unique technology for the benefits it has brought them in terms of productivity and operator comfort, all while being just as durable and dependable as a traditional suspension.
“The A50 takes the concept to new heights as the only full suspension machine of its size class on the market. As a result, it offers a significant improvement in cycle times, an increase in hauler production per operator-hour and lower costs when compared to its standard suspension counterparts,” says Mannix.
As part of the new generation update of Volvo articulated haulers, the A50 enjoys all the same great features and benefits. Most notably, it delivers unrivalled efficiency thanks to the new in-house-developed Volvo transmission that works in harmony with the rest of the Volvo engine to ensure maximum fuel efficiency.
With a 45-t payload, the all-new A50 delivers 10% more productivity and 8% greater fuel efficiency when compared to the previous generation A45GFS – making it an ideal solution for high-production quarries, mines and large construction sites.
In addition, it delivers unrivalled traction and stability thanks to the Volvo drivetrain with Terrain Memory, while the Volvo Dynamic Drive feature, with its predictive gear selection, offers improved comfort and fuel efficiency. The new Volvo transmission and axles also generate greater power and productivity across daily operations.
It has never been easier for operators to focus on the task at hand thanks to the interactive Volvo Co-Pilot display, while visibility is improved and safety enhanced with upgrades including a wider field of vision that exceeds industry standards.
For the A50, service costs are reduced by up to 6% over 12 000 hours of operation due to simplified servicing, longer change intervals and easy component access.
As with all Volvo articulated haulers, the A50 also benefits from a range of Smart Solutions, such as Haul Assist with On-Board Weighing. A suite of supporting digital tools can further boost uptime, reduce fuel consumption, improve site logistics and maximise productivity across the most challenging of tasks.
Full range
The six other models in the new generation range are revamped updates to the already proven A25, A30, A35, A40, A45 and A60. Already regarded as the operator’s machine of choice, the updated ADTs take operator comfort to a whole new level. For example, premium comfort and ease of operation are assured by the new adjustable seats, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports and storage solutions, as well as an ergonomic gear lever and a noise-reducing cab design.
The interactive, integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display offers easy control over essential functions such as media, camera settings, climate control, and machine status. This is combined with the dynamic instrument cluster, positioned in front of the steering wheel, which provides essential vehicle data at a glance.
Visibility is improved thanks to redesigned cab panels and wider wiper coverage, resulting in a field of vision that also exceeds industry standards. Optional front and rear cameras, and a standard entrance camera – all of which are managed via Volvo Co-Pilot – further enhance visibility.
Entering and exiting the cab is made simple and safe due to a repositioned door entrance, railings on both sides and focused lighting on both the stairs and platform.
“With the new range, customers can also expect improved productivity through faster and wider tailgate opening when dumping. The combination of a new frame, tipping joint position and body design provide a market-leading tipping clearance and material flow when dumping, minimising the need for support equipment on the dumping site. With the new A35, A40 and A45, Volvo CE has increased the wheel base to further improve tipping stability,” explains Mannix.
The new ADT design places a major focus on making servicing easier and safer with all the service centres and greasing points reachable from ground level. There is also a front ladder for access to the engine bay with all filters conveniently gathered in a single handy place. Service downtime is further reduced by longer filter and oil change intervals for the transmission and an electric fuel-draining pump, leading to lower service costs.
Ahead of the local launch, Vaughan says Babcock has already stocked up all the necessary service parts, while training of sales and technical personnel is on the agenda to ensure that teams across the region are ready to sell and support the new range. To further enhance uptime, customers in southern Africa can benefit from Babcock’s flexible service contracts tailored to operators’ needs.
