49
march 2015
international
construction
HAU
LERS
Truck upgrades
such as SouthAfrica, whichhave seen slower growth.
“There has been roughly a 50/50 split within the North
American market with 30 ton (27.2 tonne) and 40 ton
(36.2 tonnes) models, with larger machines being used on
infrastructure projects, and the smaller machines are often seen
inmore urban areas.”
He added there had also been growth in rental sector use of its
ADTs,with ease-of-use andpracticalitybeingkey characteristics.
This month will see the release of its latest models including
the 735C, 740C EJ, and 745C articulated trucks, which build
on the proven performance, reliability and durability of their
predecessors.
Topping the list of upgraded specifications are engines that
meet Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Transmissions
with expanded electronic control, automatic traction control,
automatic retarder control, hill assist andwaiting brake systems
are alsokey elements.There is also anoptional payloadweighing
system available.
>
New engine legislationmeansmanufacturers are
updating their entire ranges of haulers. This is helping to
improve fuel efficiency and it is seeing features such as
payloadmeasurement becomingmorewidespread.
Neill Barston
reports.
Truck upgrades
T
he major markets for articulated dump trucks (ADTs)
are Europe and North America, where new engine
exhaust emissions are coming into force. This year at
Intermat many manufacturers will show their Stage IV/Tier 4
Final machines for the first time, and some already have such
machines available.
Although it is a fairly niche product, manufacturers say it is
a competitive market, and many are using the new laws as an
opportunity to redesign machines and
add new features. A common trend is for
payloads and capacities to be increased.
Julien Balardelle, product specialist at
Caterpillar, said the ADT market had
been particularly competitive in recent
years. He explained that maintaining
the pace of product designs to meet
customers’ requirements has been of key
importance.
He said, “The market is doing pretty
well as far asADTs are concerned, though
some regions aredoingbetter thanothers.
One areaof consistent growthhas been in
the US, where the economy is good and
we’ve sent a lot ofmachines there and the
order book is healthy. But there are places
Caterpillar’s new 735C ADT.
Doosan’s DA30
and DA40 ADT
models.
