Modern Mining November 2019

The best-selling Volvo A40G articulated hauler.

Volvo steering, excellent suspension, low noise lev- els, space and visibility, all contribute to reducing operator fatigue for increased productivity. While the A40G, which has a 39-tonne payload, is by far the most popular machine in the Volvo articulated hauler line-up, a more recent introduc- tion, the 55-tonne (61-short ton) capacity A60H, has proved to be a winner. It was only launched in South Africa in May 2017 but already 60 units have been sold. Most have been purchased by South African customers but a significant number have also gone to Namibia and the Zambian Copperbelt.

“We always expected the A60H, which is the big- gest true articulated hauler in the world, to do well but we’ve nevertheless been surprised at just how well it’s done,” says Vaughan. “In retrospect, it’s clear that the mining industry was waiting for an articulated machine with the ability to replace less versatile rigid trucks in applications where relatively high volumes of material have to be moved. The feedback we’ve had from customers has been extremely positive and they particularly appreciate the fact that the A60H can work in pits in wet or ‘sticky’ underfoot condi- tions that would challenge any rigid truck.” He adds that there is significant local and inter- national demand for used Volvo articulated haulers. “We find that many of our local customers are selling their machines themselves rather than trading in and are getting very good prices, often in hard curren- cies. This in part reflects the durability of the haulers, which have a reputation for absorbing operating hours very well.” The articulated haulers are the biggest sellers

The L350H, Volvo CE’s biggest wheel loader, working at Steyn Diamante’s Schutsekama alluvial diamond mine.

November 2019  MODERN MINING  19