Volvo introduce next generation F-Series ADTs

Volvo Construction Equipment say their latest range of F-Series articulated haulers has been designed to give customers significant improvements in functionality, design and maintenance. The six-model range extends from the A25F featuring a load capacity of 24 tonnes, through to the A40F FS with a load capacity of 39 tonnes.

Each machine has been designed to manoeuvre, travel and dump with efficiency and safety at the heart of its operation. One of the key engineering features of the new F-Series is Volvo’s proven articulated steering system, which gives operators accurate and safe control in challenging off-road conditions, as well as at high hauling speeds. 

The F-Series ADTs also include a self-compensating hydro-mechanical system for undertaking small turning circles; useful in confined loading and dumping areas, and on tightly turning haul roads. 

Heavy-duty front and rear frames on the articulated haulers have been designed for severe off-road operation and long service life. The load body is also heavy-duty, made from HB400 steel, and its design, high dump clearance and tipping angle all offer good material ejection. 

A powerful, load-sensing ‘closed-centre’ hydraulic system and double-acting, single-stage hoist cylinders raise the body even on steep downhill gradients. The system allows for precise, controllable dumping – shortening cycle times and aiding safety. 

Volvo’s Load & Dump Brake is applied by pressing a button in the cab that applies the service brakes and shifts the transmission to neutral, further increasing safety and reducing operator fatigue. 

The latest F-Series also feature new dumping functions, including detent body lowering and adjustable tipping angle. Using the onboard Contronics system, operators can set the maximum tipping angle and, therefore, overall height of the body, ensuring safety when working under electrical wires, in tunnels or underground. 

Meeting the requirements of the Stage IIIB (in Europe) and Tier 4i (in the US) emissions legislation, the F-Series ADTs are equipped with electronically controlled, six-cylinder turbo- charged Volvo V-ACT diesel engines offering high torque at low engine speeds, resulting in good fuel efficiency, high performance, quicker engine response and less wear. 

These new engines are designed to exactly match the Volvo drivetrain, ensuring the best use of power and torque, even in tough working conditions. The engine in the drivetrain is matched to a torque converter with built in lock-up function and fitted with a fully automatic fast adaptive transmission. Its shafts, planetary gears and bearings are all reinforced to cope with the higher torque produced by the increased capacity engines. 

According to Volvo, the new generation F-Series trucks are not only more environmentally friendly, they are also more fuel efficient than the E-Series machines with savings of as much as 4%. 

Each model is fitted with an Automatic Traction Control (ATC) system, which prevents operators switching the haulers to all-wheel drive mode when it is not needed (eg paved roads), as this can lead to higher than necessary fuel consumption, tyre and mechanical wear. 

ATC automatically disengages the rear axle when not needed; eliminating tyre skid when cornering and reducing tyre wear. However, when ATC system does sense slippage, the longitudinal differential lock and the 6X6 clutch are engaged together: this gives the hauler the optimum traction in all conditions.

The F-Series is fitted with four ‘dog clutch’ differential locks – one longitudinal in the drop box and three transversal in the axles, which help maximize grip in difficult conditions. When applied in combination, they ensure all wheels rotate at the same speed, maximizing traction in severe operating conditions, eg deep mud. 

The drive mode with all differential locks engaged can be turned on or off by pressing a convenient floor-mounted button while the vehicle is moving, for greater ease of use and productivity. A three-point bogie beam design allows the rear wheels to move independently, ensuring good ground contact, traction, stability and minimizing strain on the frame. 

The high positioned rotating hitch (close to the load’s centre of gravity) is maintenance-free and features permanently greased tapered roller bearings. It ensures high ground clearance for excellent off-road mobility and improves stability when hauling at high speeds. 

On the A25F and A30F models, hauling speeds are increased thanks to a soft, progressive gas-hydraulic front suspension that minimizes vibrations to the operator, reducing fatigue and enhancing productivity. The Full Suspension (FS) version of the F-Series is fitted with a fully hydraulic front and rear suspension. This, together with an automatic leveling system and stabilizer, maximizes hauling speeds of both loaded and unloaded machines.

The A25F and A30F are fitted with fully hydraulic brakes and dry discs on all wheels, while the larger A35F and A40F models have oil-cooled wet discs. The haulers are also equipped with retarders – a safety function that helps control speed while hauling downhill,  reducing the need for service brake use and reducing wear. All models include Volvo Engine Brakes, which consist of a compression brake and exhaust retarder. 

For improved operator comfort, a spacious, low-noise, climate-controlled interior with controls that fall easily to hand help make the new F-Series a low-stress working environment. Good all-round visibility is assisted by a centrally positioned operator station, sloping hood, large rear-view mirrors, wide front windshield and full-length glass door. 

Maintenance on the F-Series is assisted by a swing-down front grille with integrated steps, which acts as a service platform. For easy access to the engine compartment, the hood tips 90°. All grease points and remote-mounted drains are accessible from ground level or non-slip platforms. 

The F-Series haulers are equipped with the Volvo CareTrack GPS monitoring system as standard, which tracks the machines’ location and can be configured to monitor fuel usage and number of operational hours.