Beyond Size: Latest articulated dump trucks include better drivetrains, dumping and more

Updated Oct 16, 2017
Move more faster

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For decades, the average size of articulated dump trucks (ADTs or artics) has been creeping up.  Where once 24-ton machines were considered the standard size, 35-ton machines are the new benchmark. And the over-39-ton size category now sports 17 models (see chart).

Mm0817 Graph1As long as they’re properly matched to their loading tools, bigger trucks deliver bigger production numbers and bring the sure-footed performance of an ADT to larger sites. But often obscured by all the discussion about size is the fact that significant improvements have been made to ADTs of all sizes, improvements that also have big effects on production and profit.

Mm0817 Image1Advanced electronics underlie many of these improvements, often in the form of better sensors. One example is the use of inclinometers. An inclinometer, as the name suggests, measures inclines. ADTs use inclinometers to check a truck’s angle both front-to-rear and side-to-side. Sensors are also essential to on-board weighing systems, which not only track production but along with inclinometers are key components of systems ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Maryanne Graves, ADT product manager, John Deere, says many improvements reflect the fact that ADT operators can be the least experienced, least trained of all operators on a work site.

Mm0817 Image2“Much work has been done to help these operators be productive and, especially, safe,” says Graves. “But experienced operators appreciate the safety and production benefits of these features as well as the reduction in fatigue they provide.” As for size creep, Graves says, “Deere recognizes that while bigger trucks continue to emerge, there’s a huge market for smaller trucks on smaller sites, which is why we offer a full complement of features across our line.” That line ranges from the 26-ton 260E to the 46-ton 460E.

 

Better drivetrains

Mm0817 Image3Most improvements to ADT drivetrains reflect the demanding conditions under which these trucks work. Hill hold-assist keeps the truck in place if it is brought to a full stop on an incline. The feature uses the truck’s service brakes, which are released when the operator presses on the throttle. But the brakes are released only when there’s sufficient torque to move the truck forward, thereby preventing rollback.

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Among the new features on Volvo ADTs are Volvo Dynamic Drive and Volvo Engine Brake (VEB) systems. Dynamic Drive matches transmission characteristics to the gradient of the slope and the payload. With Dynamic Drive, the machine will automatically detect when to choose a higher starting gear and when to shift up earlier. Or based on conditions, the truck may hold a lower gear longer, maximizing rimpull. Dynamic Drive can provide a 3- to 10-percent fuel efficiency improvement, depending on the model.

Mm0817 Image4With VEB, the torque and shift points are adjusted according to current load, inclination and rolling resistance. This improves brake life by reducing the need to use the brake and retarder pedal when going downhill. “VEB also leads to significant maximum torque on all models,” says Robert Palermo, product manager, Volvo Construction Equipment. On-board weighing, essential to both Dynamic Drive and VEB, is standard on A35G and larger machines and optional on the A25G and A30G models.

Maintaining traction is always a challenge for an ADT. Most manufacturers use locking differentials and axles. These are effective, but Komatsu took a different approach with their Komatsu Traction Control System (KTCS), which applies the hydraulic brake to the wheel that’s spinning and transfers power to the wheel that is not spinning. “The concern with locking diffs and locking axles is that, when engaged, they can create significant understeer,” says Bruce Boebel, senior product manager of wheeled products, Komatsu. “With locks on, ADTs tend to plow ahead; whereas, with KTCS, traction is improved while the operator maintains much greater steering control.” Boebel says KTCS, which is in place on the first and second axles, also extends tire life and therefore reduces tire costs.

Mm0817 Image5Bell Trucks had been using V-6 and V-8 Mercedes engines but switched to the company’s inline 6-cylinder engines for their new E Series trucks. “Besides Tier 4 Final compliance, the new engines provide significant increases in power,” says Robin Pett, product manager. “The 40D, for example, was rated at 449 horsepower. The 40E is rated at 510 horsepower.” Bell also moved to seven-speed transmissions in their larger trucks.

Bell chose to remove the transmission retarder on the large trucks and provide automatic retardation in the brakes instead. One of the reasons is that the engine and transmission combination on the new series is longer, but Bell says the change also improves functionality for operators.

The operator can set the percent of retarder from 0 to 100. At 0 percent, retarder function is fully automatic, and Bell recommends operators use this setting. Because retarder action relies on oil shear in the space between the discs, there is no additional wear to the discs. The brake system has a dedicated hydraulic circuit providing filtration and cooling. The fan for the cooling system is software controlled to find the best balance between cooling, performance and fuel consumption.

The Doosan DA40-5 has multiple drivetrain improvements. A bolt-on rear differential replaces the previous one-piece rear axle, reducing power loss to the wheels. Improved gear ratios reduce axle speed, extend component life and minimize vibration. The sum of the changes equals better operator comfort and improved fuel efficiency.

 

Better dumping

Dumping the bin requires several steps, but they’re the same steps over and over all day long and are therefore perfect for automating with advanced electronics. Scott Thomas, product application specialist, Caterpillar, cites the assisted dump feature found on the 745 and 745 EJ as an example. “When the assist feature is turned on, pulling the hoist lever past a detent will bring the truck to a stop, apply the wait brake, set the engine to high rpm and raise the bed or activate the ejector automatically. This speeds up the dumping process and reduces cycle times while also lowering operator fatigue.”

Mm0817 Image6Better dumping is not just about faster dumping, says Thomas. Safety matters, too, especially on the uneven terrain where ADTs operate. “We also have Cat Detect with stability assist. This warns operators if they approach an unsafe angle during operation, both when driving and when tipping.” Cat Detect stops hoisting the body if raising it farther could lead to tip-over. The system monitors the cab, bed and ground independently.

Palermo says Volvo’s Dump Support System allows the operator to see the percentage of side inclination of the truck and set allowable parameters for safe dumping operations. The feature can be configured three ways: off, on with an alarm, and on with an alarm and a complete bed stop.

 

Better everything

When transitioning their two ADTs to the new -5 Series, Doosan improved visibility with sloping hoods, rearview mirrors with a field of view that goes to the center tires and a rearview camera. Heating and air conditioning, ergonomic controls and an air-suspension seat are all standard equipment.

While owners continue their trudge toward accepting telematics, manufacturers are leveraging the technology to everyone’s advantage. Where early telematics simply reported out-of-range conditions, current designs such as John Deere’s JDLink are all about overall machine health. The dealer and the factory both have roles in the program, but they’re different roles. “The information collected is the same but used differently by the dealer and the factory,” says Graves. The dealer looks at performance factors for individual machines to help customers derive the greatest value from each truck, she says, while the factory looks for trends by model across the entire customer base.

Matching the type of truck to the application is key. “With good haul roads, a rigid frame truck is likely a more economical approach on a cost-per-ton basis,” says Komatsu’s Boebel. “But where there are poor jobsite ground conditions and an articulated truck is the right choice, customers will find that new models provide advantages in every area of operation.”