To mark its 70th anniversary and 40 years as an articulated dump truck (ADT) manufacturer, Bell Equipment demonstrated the capabilities of its autonomous B40E ADT.
The demo took place as part of the live quarry demonstrations at the Hillhead 2024 show.
The truck is the same machine that Bell UK customer Chepstow Plant International (CPI) has been using since March 2024, when it became the first autonomous ADT to be launched in the UK.
“We were excited to be able to demonstrate our autonomous ADT at Hillhead and also have a static display so visitors could see exactly how the hardware is integrated into the machine,” said Brad Castle, Product Manager at Bell Equipment.
The autonomous hardware is supplied by technology platform specialist xtonomy and includes radar sensors, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems and integrated processing hardware to create a drive-by-wire B40E solution.
“We are pleased with how our autonomous ADTs have improved operational efficiency on their jobsites by being able to operate for longer periods of time, delivering truly accurate tipping results and increasing productivity,” said Castle.
He added that autonomous trucks can extend component life, reduce wear and tear and reduce fuel consumption through improved operating efficiency.
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“CPI’s autonomous B40E takes environmental friendliness a step further by using HVO fuel instead of diesel, making the machine nearly carbon neutral, a significant achievement in today’s quarrying and mining industry,” said Castle.
“Autonomous ADTs also improve safety on the jobsite, as demonstrated by our two Bell B30E 6×6 test trucks, which completed over 1,000 hours of safe autonomous operation without incident in a quarry in the Austrian Alps.”
When customers choose to operate a Bell ADT autonomously, they can choose between third-party providers and the level of autonomy they want to achieve.
The Bell Equipment range
Also represented at Hillhead was Bell Equipment’s niche 4×4 range, the B45E 4×4, which is ideal for quarries and smaller mining operations.
“Our 4×4 ADTs feature full articulation and pendulum steering, keeping all four drive wheels on the ground and taking advantage of available traction, making them more capable off-road than traditional tractor-trailers. The dual axle also provides a tighter turning circle for greater maneuverability and prevents tire wear, reducing road maintenance costs,” Castle said.
“Like the other models in the 4×4 range, the B45E 4×4 has the same payload as the 6×6 model and features full suspension for improved ride comfort. There is also an optional narrower hopper available for sites with width restrictions.”
Other machines on display at Hillhead 2024 included the EU-marked Bell B30E 27,000-litre water tanker, designed for dust suppression in mines and construction sites, and the Bell Tracked Vehicle, a robust solution for short-haul operations on soft ground.
