Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/860257
August 2017 | EquipmentWorld.com 40 With Dynamic VEB, the torque and shift points are adjusted according to current load, inclination and roll- ing resistance. This improves brake life by reducing the need to use the brake and retarder pedal when going downhill. "Dynamic VEB also leads to significant maximum torque on all models," says Robert Palermo, product manager, Volvo Construc- tion Equipment. On-board weighing, essential to both Dynamic Drive and Dynamic 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 manu- facturers 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 lock- ing axles is that, when engaged, they can create significant understeer," says Bruce Boebel, senior prod- uct manager of wheeled products, Komatsu. "With locks on, ADTs tend to plow ahead; whereas, with KTCS, traction is improved while the opera- tor maintains much greater steering control." Boebel says KTCS, which is in place on the first and second ax- les, also extends tire life and there- fore reduces tire costs. Bell 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 pro- vide 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 transmis- sion 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 machine matters | continued J ust as there are sideboards available to increase the capacity of rigid frame dump trucks, there are sideboards and tailgates to bump the capacity of ADTs. It's important to not exceed the weight rating of the truck, so these add-ons are recommended when hauling lighter materials such as ash, waste and recycling and coal. Some, such as the Philippi- Hagenbuch Autogate tailgate, provide modest increases in volume capacity; the primary benefit is reduced spillage. Others, such as the Holmes body extension, dramatically increase volume capacity. The Holmes product takes a Cat 740 ADT's stock capacity of 30 cubic yards to 50 cubic yards (heaped). Sideboards and tailgates from Hydex are available in custom sizes with extensions of 150 to 300 mil- limeters (about 6 to 12 inches). Consideration must be taken when adding side height as to whether current loading tools can still be used. Aftermarket sideboards and tailgates are available for both dump- and ejector-style ADTs. OEMs also offer these accessories and others, such as heated dump bodies and dump bin liners. Sideboards and tailgates In addition to increased ca- pacities, sideboards and tailgates (such as the PHIL Autogate shown) can provide a more centered and evenly distributed load. Better weight distribution enhances safety, especially on uneven terrain, and reduces pre- mature wear on the front tires and front suspension. Among improvements designed to increase operator comfort on the Cat 745 are more vents above and behind the operator for improved HVAC performance, shut-assist on the cab door to better resist dust infiltration, a wider range of adjustments on the heated/cooled operator's seat and bonded rear quarter glass that eliminates the pillar from that location to improve visibility.