Develon’s range of articulated dump trucks (ADTs) was recently boosted with the introduction of a 4×4 version of the DA45-7, joining its stablemates the DA30-7 and DA45- 7 6×6. The latter already had a reputation for great taction in difficult conditions like mud and steep inclines thanks to its ability to keep all the wheels grounded.
The new 4×4 sibling is also powered by the same Scania Stage V DC13 13 litre diesel engine with an output of 360kW (483hp)), and the intention is is to compete fairly and squarely with rigid dump trucks (RDTs) in the 40-tonne class.
One of Develon’s claims is that the 4×4 version offers superior performance in difficult conditions when compared to the performance of a typical RDT. In this new guise, the front truck and cab unit is the same as in the 6×6 models, with modifications being made on the rear dumper unit only. Featuring a ZF EP8-420 transmission, the 4×4 DA45-7 is a twoaxle
ADT with twin wheels at the rear, and with a dumper section similar to that on RDTs in the 40-tonne class. As well as performing better in conditions that are tough for rigids, the new 4×4 DA45-7 ADT has a width of less than four metres to avoid the need for special transportation and offers a better turning radius than a comparable RDT. The shorter turning radius and the design of the rear dumper unit, which is more suited to carrying flat and heavy rocks, provide particular advantages in the mining and tunnelling industries.
The latter are growing markets for ADTs, and include pioneering, short-term mining projects, quarrying and contract mining industries, especially those in southern Africa, the UK and Australia. Construction and bulk earthmoving contractors involved in roads, dams, airports, landfills and development projects are also large users of ADTs. Together these areas make the ADT market a wide and varied one, hopefully ensuring a large customer base for the manufacturer. Develon lists the advantages of the DA45-7 4×4 thus:
- The 4×4 ADT can tackle steeper inclines than equivalent RDTs
- The 4×4 ADT performs better than RDTs in wet and slippery conditions
- In heavy rain, RDTs may need to stop working – Develon’s 4×4 ADT does not
- Thanks to the short turning radius, the 4×4 ADT operates effectively on compact sites
- The two axle 4×4 ADT design causes less ground disturbance than 6×6 configurations
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