Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/330408
50 | ZZZFHGPDJFRP | Construction Equipment Distribution | June 2014 A Closer Look It was February 2013 when Bell Trucks America first announced the return of Bell articulated trucks to the U.S. market. In the first year, Bell sold more than 100 trucks, far exceeding its expectations. But the resurgence doesn't surprise Kevin O'Donnell, senior vice president of sales for Bell Trucks America, Inc., the U.S. distributor. "Today, a lot of people don't know Bell, but they recognize the design as similar to the John Deere," said O'Donnell. That's because from 2000 to 2012, Bell Trucks manufactured articulated haulers for Deere. When Deere began manufacturing its own articulated hauler, Bell Trucks America was formed to take responsibility for U.S. distribution. A Proven Product "The trucks have been around a long time, and are well proven," said O'Donnell. South African manufacturer Bell Equipment has manufactured and marketed a wide range of earthmoving and materials handling machinery for the mining, construction, forestry, sugar and related industries since 1954. Their articulated haulers first arrived in the U.S. in the early 90s. Built for the South African mining industry, the trucks earned a reputation for reliability and performance. Product Support in the U.S. Led by industry veterans, Bell Trucks America is committed to product support. "The first thing we did was order parts to have on hand to support the trucks that were coming into the country and to support what was already here," said O'Donnell. "Product support is the No. 1 issue out there in the industry. You have to support what you have." Howard Abell, a partner in Florida-based Earthmovers Construction Equipment, and a 40-year equipment indus- try veteran himself, has been impressed with the support on the 12 Bell trucks he has in his rental fleet. "Bell has people in the U.S. with expertise on the machine. The No. 1 thing is their support. "In terms of getting hold of someone, it is better than any company I have dealt with." Offering strength and reliability, the South African brand of articulated trucks is making its mark in the market. BY JOANNE COSTIN Purpose-built for harsh conditions, Bell's new E-Series trucks incorporate a central oscillation joint, high suspension travel on all axles, and balanced weight distribution for greater agility when navigating across varied terrain. Best-in-class dual engine braking coupled with automated transmission retardation contributes to greater retarding power and reduced brake wear-retarder aggressiveness can be adjusted to ensure controlled descent in all conditions. Bell Trucks: Back in the U.S. Kevin O'Donnell