New era for Volvo-branded rigid haulers
October 2018 marked the end of the line for the white Terex rigid haulers produced in Scotland due to a new strategy by the Volvo Group. Chris McCullough visited the Motherwell factory to find out more.
Following the acquisition of Terex Trucks by the Volvo Group in 2014, a new range of Volvo rigid haulers rolled off the production lines in the Motherwell factory late in 2018.
In doing so, it signalled the end of the line for the Terex rigid haulers and heralded a new era for the production of a Volvo branded range consisting of four machines, the 41-tonne R45D, 54.5-tonne R60D, 65-tonne R70D, and the flagship 95-tonne R100E.
Production of the new Volvo range is based on the years of experience the employees of the Motherwell factory have accumulated, which currently stands at more than 2000 years in total.
Volvo has huge ambitions for the flagship R100E model aspiring to gain extra market share in this very competitive sector.
The E-Series R100E is fully loaded
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The rigid haulers will be manufactured at the rebranded Volvo Motherwell production facility in Scotland
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The E-Series R100E is a completely new Volvo CE 95-tonne rigid hauler that combines a wealth of market and customer knowledge with proven components, new technologies, and a striking new design all providing a cost-effective and productive solution to fulfil the needs of today’s mining and quarrying customers.
Based on the existing and well-proven Terex Trucks TR-Series, development of the D-Series R45D, R60D, and R70D Volvo rigid haulers follows an in-depth engineering review, ensuring that the machines meet the standards expected from Volvo products in their target markets and segments.
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The company says the latest range comes with a set of improvements
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The company says the latest range comes with a set of improvements including greater visibility and safety systems, along with Volvo technical support and branding. Thomas Bitter, senior vice president, Volvo CE marketing and product portfolio, says, "Our purchase of Terex Trucks in 2014 was a strategic decision that allowed Volvo to offer customers a rigid hauler option.
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The new range is based on the existing and well-proven Terex Trucks TR-Series
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"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.
"Now we’ve moved 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," he said.
Move more—faster
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The R100E is powered by a 783kW Cummins QST30 (1065hp)
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The all-new flagship 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.
With its high capacity and hauling speeds, new V-shaped body, efficient hydraulics, intelligent monitoring systems and operator environment, the R100E will help customers move more material in less time.
Paul Douglas, Volvo CE’s vice president of rigid haulers, says, "Terex Trucks rigid haulers are known for performing well in tough conditions while also being easy to maintain and delivering low cost of ownership.
"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."
Built to impress
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The rigid hauler features a V-shaped body to help move more material in less time
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The Volvo-branded rigid haulers will be manufactured at the rebranded Volvo Motherwell production facility in Scotland and sold exclusively through the Volvo network of 50 dealers worldwide.
"Volvo has listened to the customers and has developed the new R100E to answer their demands for a machine that can climb hills faster, can dump quicker and has longer maintenance intervals," says Paul.
"I am often asked if any of our trucks will become autonomous. Volvo is already looking into this as well as electric vehicles and connected vehicles.
"However, none of these variations are on the table for us here in Motherwell right now. "While CAT and Komatsu hold 70% of the worldwide rigid market each year, which totals around 4500 machines, we are confident this new flagship R100E will make good impressions in the market.
"The price differential between the new Volvo rigid range and its Terex predecessors are obviously higher but we would say still very competitive indeed.
"We have big plans for this new range of Volvo trucks which we know will impress our customers," he adds.
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