Daniel Harris
Here at Volvo, we recently launched our redesigned series of articulated dump trucks. These new ADTs are built to move more material at a lower cost and can easily travel over the roughest terrain.
They also feature a sleek, new exterior that you’ll notice right off the bat. They look incredible — and their performance, as you’d expect, is equally impressive. Whether you’re an owner, fleet manager or an operator, there are a lot of new and upgraded Volvo haul truck features I think you’ll appreciate. Here are some of my favorites:
- Reimagined cab design: If you already love your Volvo ADT cab, get ready to be impressed again. Our new cabs provide a comfortable, customizable, low-noise environment. They also come with more storage, a cool/heat box for drinks and lunches, new premium seat options, plus enhanced connectivity including Bluetooth, USB sockets, four speakers and a microphone. It’s an in-cab experience you’ve got to try out!
- Easier cab entry and exit: Get in and out of your cab easily and safely thanks to the repositioned door entrance, which allows it to be comfortably opened while standing on the roomy platform. There are also railings on both sides of the truck, plus a new button at ground level that illuminates the stairs to the cab and begins preparation for startup. Focused lighting gives you clear visibility on both the stairs and the platform.
And while these aren’t the types of features that typically make the headlines, you as operators and site supervisors understand the importance of being able to safely and easily get in and out of your haul trucks. We had that in mind during the redesign.
- Visibility that exceeds industry standards: With redesigned cab panels and wider wiper coverage, you’ll get a direct field of vision that exceeds industry standards. Optional work lights activated by the integrated Volvo Co-Pilot are now located on the pillar, increasing illumination ranging from 1800 to 2000 lumens per light to further optimize your visibility. You also have optional front and rear cameras, and a standard entrance camera. Camera views are easily managed inside the cab, with options for both automatic and manual control.
- Intuitive operator interface: As an operator, you’ll be in-the-know and stay more focused because all essential in-cab information is conveniently displayed on just two screens. The integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display offers easy control over essential functions like 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.
- Ergonomic gear lever: Our new gear lever effortlessly returns to the center position after use for smoother operation, reduced strain and enhanced comfort during long work shifts.
- Terrain memory: Our highly regarded Volvo drivetrain includes Terrain Memory. This intelligent function identifies and remembers slippery road segments for optimized traction control and outstanding off-road mobility.
- Easier maintenance: New Volvo ADTs help keep costs down thanks to simplified servicing, longer change intervals (like 1,000-hour engine oil intervals) and easy component access. Service access is now faster thanks to a new ladder hidden under the hood. All essential maintenance points are accessible from the ground, plus you can eliminate daily or weekly greasing thanks to industry-leading 250-hour greasing intervals.
I should also mention that Volvo engine oil and high-performance filters provide 1000-hour engine service intervals. The result is 50% less oil and filters required over the lifetime of your truck.
- New design with optional overhung tailgate: With our new frame and body design, we shed material further away from the truck, minimizing your need for support equipment on the jobsite. There’s also an optional overhung tailgate with longer arms for a quicker and wider opening when dumping.
- Reinforced axles: These new trucks allow you to work harder for longer with new reinforced axles that withstand heavier loads and higher levels of torque and stress. The added strength and stability they provide means more uptime, reduced wear, longer service intervals and lower maintenance costs.
- Harness anchor points: The cab now includes harness anchor points that can withstand a force of at least 5,000 lb (22kN or 2,268 kg). This new safety feature allows you to safely clean the windshield as needed and aligns with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 11, ISO 14567:1999 and OSHA 1919.140(c) standards to optimize safety and meet regulatory requirements.
And don’t forget about valuable Volvo Services that take our redesigned ADTs to the next level. For example, Connected Map improves traffic flow and safety by providing real-time equipment locations, while Performance Indicator helps reduce fuel consumption and idle time by monitoring vehicle performance. Combined, these digital solutions increase productivity, promote efficient decision-making, and ensure smoother, safer operations.
Our redesigned Volvo ADT line also features the new A50 model. It’s the only full-suspension articulated hauler on the market and features a 50-ton payload that delivers 10% more productivity and an 8% fuel efficiency improvement compared to our previous generation A45G FS that the new A50 replaces. Be sure to check it out along with our other redesigned ADT models — and be sure to visit your local Volvo dealer to hop in a cab and see one up close.
By Tyler Smith
