Bell B40E officially launched in the UK

New 40-tonne articulated hauler expected to be a popular addition to UK quarry fleets

BELL Equipment have announced the UK launch of their much-anticipated mid-range E-series machine, the B40E. Already well established internationally thanks to its improved performance and fuel efficiency, the B40E succeeds the widely acclaimed D-series model.

During five years of development, the B40E underwent extensive testing with engineers using structural and dynamic analysis, as well as drawing on the results of test procedures within harsh mine site conditions, to ensure a strong, reliable product capable of hitting the ground running once released.

Detailed interactions with customers, operators and the Bell sales team allowed design engineers to enhance the specification of the B40E to provide more effective onboard diagnostics and user warnings, advanced operator comfort and the ability for customers to remotely monitor their B40E from anywhere in the world using the upgraded Bell Fleetmatic on-board fleet-management tool.

According to Richard Higgott, sales manager at Bell Equipment, the mid-sized B40E is predicted to be a sought-after addition for UK plant hire and quarry fleets thanks to its greater power and increased payload, plus Bell’s highest-ever level of automated internal machine protection.

‘The five-year research and development programme this machine has undergone has given us the time to be meticulous with its evolution,’ explained Mr Higgott. ‘As a result, the new platform has been engineered to handle future emissions requirements and incorporates the latest developments in 6x6 technologies to give our customers more in the way of performance and fuel-efficiency improvements.’

He went on to explain how remaining with the proven Allison transmission but switching from a six-speed to a seven-speed gearbox had assisted in delivering greater efficiency and performance. According to Mr Higgott, comparative testing between the B40E and the B40D has shown that the B40E delivers up to 10% lower cost per tonne than the B40D.

Powered by the tried and trusted Mercedes Benz OM471LA engine, optimized for off-road use by MTU, Bell say the truck comes loaded with standard benefits and features such as on-board weighing, keyless ignition, Tip Safe, neutral park brake, downhill speed control, turbo spin protection and Fleetmatic.

In response to customer requests, Fleetmatic has been developed to report when unsafe tip conditions have been reached and the premium package allows customers to view load-by-load data on the website. The compatibility of Fleetmatic with all relevant devices, including tablets, smartphones and PCs, has also been improved.

Hill hold is a new safety feature that prevents the truck from rolling backwards in an unsafe manner by automatically applying brakes when the operator takes his foot off the accelerator pedal while driving up an incline. When the accelerator is activated again, the brakes are released once there is enough engine torque to pull away smoothly.

In addition, not only is the inter-axle differential lock (IDL) automatically engaged if traction is lost, but the automatic traction-control system has been upgraded to automatically act on each individual axle to better meet customer requirements.

‘These standard features enhance the model’s specification considerably and we’re delighted to be presenting this high-performing, technologically evolved B40E ADT to the market,’ said Mr Higgott.

The cab is the same as that found on the B30E, which was introduced to the market three years ago and has established itself as a favourite among operators thanks to its high level of comfort and improved ergonomics, including a simplified interface with a full-colour screen and automotive mouse interface as well as a reversing camera, all fitted as standard.

‘We’ve applied considerable ‘future thinking’ to this B40E, improving not only the exterior and physical function of the machine, but also its diagnostic capabilities, with the integrated safety systems and features delivering enhanced functionality,’ explained Mr Higgott.

‘The B40E presents the market with an exceptional truck with technical statistics to match. It is already developing a strong UK following and is proving to both the plant and quarry markets that it is an ADT that has innovatively evolved, ready for the next generation.’

Bell Equipment UK have also announced that the B45E model will follow towards the end of this year with a powerful new engine, a rated payload of 41 tonnes and a dump body volume of 25 cubic metres.