Volvo’s Full Suspension Artics Ready for the Market



Volvo A40E FS articulated haul truck.
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) announced that it will begin delivering the new E-Series articulated hauler with Full Suspension (FS) in the second quarter of 2008. The FS version of Volvo’s A40E is the first hauler to offer a suspension system with automatic leveling and stability control on all wheels. Overall, the E-Series artic line includes seven new models, ranging in capacity from the 26.5-mt A25E to the 43-mt A40E. Power and torque in the Volvo D16D engines of the A40E and A40E FS is increased by 12% and 19%, respectively. And, according to the company, the A35E and A35E FS now offer the equivalent power and torque of the superseded A40D hauler.

The Volvo A35E, Volvo 35E FS, Volvo A40E, and Volvo A40E FS are also equipped with a new fully-automatic ninespeed adaptive transmission. Shafts, planetary gears and bearings are all engineered to handle the high torque produced by larger engines. An optimized gear shifting pattern has overlapping ratios to provide constant power transfer. These new models also have new frames, axles, and a new single speed drop box with longitudinal differential and 100% lockup to reduce power losses and improve traction and fuel efficiency. They are also fitted with more powerful exhaust brakes and retarders, and the cooling systems have been improved to eliminate the need for additional supplemental cooling in hot climates.

The FS system has automatic leveling and stability control on all wheels and replaces the traditional rubber suspension with a hydraulic cylinder at each wheel. The system constantly monitors the load and ground conditions, adapting the suspension to fit prevailing conditions and providing increased ground contact.

www.volvo.com


As featured in Womp 08 Vol 3 - www.womp-int.com