The range is being launched initially in less regulated markets and comprises the R45D, R60D, R70D and R100E. The R60D and R70D are for the 54tonne and 65tonne payload classes respectively.
The E-Series R100E is an all-new design with a payload of 95tonnes and is said to combine proven components and new technologies. The machine is said to provide a cost-effective and productive solution for mining and quarrying customers.
Meanwhile the D-Series R45D, R60D and R70D Volvo CE rigid haulers are based on the existing and well-proven Terex Trucks TR-Series. The firm says that the trucks have been developed through an in-depth engineering review to meet the standards expected from Volvo CE products in their target markets and segments. Improvements include greater visibility and safety systems, along with Volvo CE technical support and branding.
As a result of the launch of the Volvo-branded rigid haulers, production of Terex Trucks rigid haulers will, over time, cease. “Our purchase of Terex Trucks in 2014 was a strategic decision that allowed Volvo to offer customers a rigid hauler option,” said Thomas Bitter, senior vice president of the Marketing and Product Portfolio (MaPP) function at Volvo CE. “Since then, we’ve been working to design a completely new rigid hauler that builds on Terex Trucks’ 84-year heritage, while also incorporating Volvo CE’s industry-leading technology and core values of quality, safety and environmental care. Today we move to the next stage, and the new Volvo machines, especially the E-Series R100E, are the outcome of this work. We’re confident that they will impress customers working in the mining and quarrying segments.”
It is worth noting that the Terex Truck range can trace their lineage in a direct line right back to the world’s very first purpose-built off-highway truck, launched by Euclid in 1934. Meanwhile the Motherwell factory itself dates back to 1950, when Euclid set up the facility to build its trucks in Scotland.
Volvo CE says that its top-of-the-range R100E has been designed to meet customer demands for a rigid hauler that delivers high performance and productivity, low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability and good operator comfort. Offering high capacity and hauling speeds, new V-shaped body, efficient hydraulics, intelligent monitoring systems and operator environment, the R100E will offer high productivity.
“Terex Trucks’ rigid haulers are known for performing well in tough conditions, while also being easy to maintain and delivering low cost of ownership,” said Paul Douglas, Volvo CE’s vice president of Rigid Haulers and Terex Trucks. “Our proven design has provided a strong DNA on which to help develop Volvo CE’s innovative entry into this product line. The new E-Series R100E is a completely new machine that delivers stability, a long service life, high profitability, durability and comfort. And moreover, it’s quick and simple to operate and maintain.”
The new Volvo-branded rigid haulers will be manufactured at the rebranded Volvo CE Motherwell production facility in Scotland and sold through the Volvo CE dealer network.
However this development has no bearing on Volvo CE’s Terex Trucks-branded articulated hauler range. Terex Trucks-branded articulated haulers will continue to be designed, built and developed at the Motherwell facility, and distributed using the pre-existing Terex Trucks independent dealer network.
Volvo CE has been looking to re-enter the rigid truck market for some time, which was why the firm purchased the Terex Trucks business. Volvo CE previously owned a share of the Euclid rigid truck business along with Hitachi. Although the Euclid business had earlier incorporated the unfortunately named Kockums quarry truck models into its range, it had a strong focus on the larger machine used in mining. As a result, Volvo CE opted to sell its share of Euclid to Hitachi, which then rebranded the truck range under its own name. Buying Terex Trucks gave Volvo CE the rigid truck line for the quarrying segment (as well as the smaller end of the mining sector) to match with its own excavator and wheeled loader range. With this latest move, Volvo CE now has a quality rigid truck range to market internationally and can offer packages of loading and hauling machines to fleet buyers.
