Heavy equipment manufacturer introduces next series of ADT upgrades
http://www.heavymachineryinfo.com/articles/1995/1/Heavy-equipment-manufacturer-introduces-next-series-of-ADT-upgrades/Heavy-equipment-manufacturer-introduces-next-series-of-ADT-upgrades.html
By super admin
Published on 03/15/2008
South African heavy equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment is introducing significant upgrades to its articulated dump trucks (ADTs), which include new ribless bins across the range, as well as upgraded software to facili-tate new electronic features on the trucks. Coupled with the general upgrades across the range, Bell is also introducing the higher-power articulated truck, the B30D.
Bell Equipment’s ADT product manager Stephen Jones says the upgrades are collectively known as Mark 5. These are a natural progression from the Mark 4 upgrades in 2006, which were largely under-the-skin changes to the operator’s station, the drive train, chassis, suspension and other systems on the Bell ADTs.
The most significant changes were to the electrical systems to include the introduction of new body controllers to run all nonengine/transmission functions on the truck. The result is improved diagnostics and a less complex system with fewer components.
“When we upgrade our products, Bell Equipment takes an evolutionary approach by making strategic planned upgrades instead of following the outdated revolutionary approach. We believe this approach is best in order to keep pace with technological advancements while ensuring reliability,” explains Jones.
The Mark 5 upgrades were introduced to the B18D, B20D, B25D and B30D truck ranges in October 2007. The Mark 5 upgrade to the B35D and B40D took place in January 2008, and the B50D will follow in April 2008.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of Bell Equipment’s new ribless bins. These bins have the same hard points on the rear chassis, but tailgates and bin cylinders have been changed with tip cylinders now having a Clevis-type mounting.
Jones discusses why Bell made the change to ribless bins: “We wanted to create a range of bins using identical structural concepts that are relatively uncomplicated to manufacture and which facilitate building a high-quality product.
It was also important that we maintain our power-to-mass advantage as far as possible.”
Bell Equipment’s engineers used parametric modelling software and various simulation software tools, in combination with extensive infield and laboratory testing to rigorously test and validate the ribless bin designs.
“Computer-based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to simulate structural behaviour and evaluate concepts. A strain-gauge-based structural design validation process was then used on the prototype bin whereby strain gauges were applied to the test machine at hot-spot locations determined by the FEA.
The test machine was operated in actual working conditions and stress signals were measured in real time. The data thus obtained was used to determine fatigue damage content and correlated with material data from international design codes for welded fabrications to determine the life expectancy in hours at each measurement location,” says Jones.
“The result is that the Bell Equipment ribless bin has a lower payload centre of gravity for greater machine stability. It also boasts slightly lower load-over height for easier loading and greater tip clearance to facilitate tipping into piles or berms,” he explains. The bin is better able to deal with high-impact loads by having the ability to deflect along the sides.
The bins are also made from very high grade steel, thus ensuring durability.
Version 1,3 software has likewise been introduced across the range and includes a speed control feature, where operators and site managers are able to limit the speed of their ADTs.
This could be owing to safety reasons, such as weather, road conditions or other traffic.
Some worksites have also reduced their ADT speed limits to increase tyre life.
This function is activated while driving the machine and pressing either of the retarder control switches to increase or decrease the upper speed limit. The new limit is shown on the liquid crystal display. Two speed limits can be preset and the operator can move between these. It is also possible to lock the speed limit setting so that only authorised persons can change it.
“Machine speed limits can be programmed to ensure that tyres and machines do not exceed their rated top speeds. The tyre list stored on the machine will include the top speed limit in both the laden and unladen condition.
This is particularly useful when running B50Ds on 29,5 tyres,” explains Jones.
An option for variable engine speed during bin lifting has been included in the new software to reduce noise in sensitive worksites. The I-tip function allows the bin to be tipped with less manual intervention, automation giving significant improvements in total cycle time.
There is also the option to disable the articulation reverse light when the bin is in the down position.
Fuel-saver software on the B35D, B40D and B50D enables the transmission controller, when working in the fuel efficient transmission mode, to detect when the truck does not require full power and to switch to a set of lower transmission shift points, thus saving fuel. Similarly, the transmission returns to higher- performance shift mode when it auto-detects that full performance is required.
A geofence radius can also now be set up around a certain geographical point on those ADTs that are fitted with the full Fleetmatic satellite fleet management system. A buzzer will sound in the cab once the vehicle leaves the geofence area and the cab monitor will display the distance outside the prescribed boundary. Fleetmatic will also report on entry and exit to the geofenced area.
The new software also features an automatic change to the load screen and an automatic horn activation option.
“The monitor screen automatically switches to the on-board weighing screen when the load increases from less than 5 t to more than 5 t and the output shaft speed is below 275 rev/min. As the shaft speed increases above 275 rev/min the screen restores.
“If the automatic horn option is activated, the hooter sounds when the bin reaches its full load capacity while being loaded.
The hooter will sound four times, in four seconds, to warn operators that the truck is fully laden. If the highly visible load light option is fitted, then the hooter sounds when the green light is activated,” says Jones.
Meanwhile, the B30D has undoubtedly benefited the most from the Mark 5 upgrade, boasting a new engine. Jones explains, “Mercedes-Benz had an engine that became available to us to use in the B30D so we replaced the 6,37-ℓ OM906LA engine with the larger 7,2-ℓ OM926LA engine.
This has taken the power output on this truck from 205 kW to 240 kW and engine torque has likewise increased from 1 000 Nm to 1 250 Nm to give the Bell B30D the best-in-class power-to-mass ratio and rim- pull.”
Bell-designed differentials have also been introduced on the B30D as they have a significantly larger crown wheel as well as a larger and more durable limited slip unit, required for extra power.
“With the Mark 5 upgrades, Bell Equipment is confident that it has improved product performance, durability and the customer value of its ADTs. While customers are reaping benefits from these enhance- ments, our design engineers will continue to push the boundaries of ADT innovation to add even more value in the future,” Jones concludes.
Bell Equipment has several international alliance partners including John Deere, in the US; Hitachi, in Asia; Liebherr, in Germany; and Kato Works, in Japan. In 2002, branding deals were concluded with Protec, in Germany, for compaction rollers and Ausa, in Spain, for all-terrain forklifts.
Bell Equipment is accredited with the South African Bureau of Standards ISO 9001 certification and has the 2000 Quality Management System certification.
The company has been the recipient of various export awards in 1990, 1991 and 1994, including being elected as the overall winner of the State President’s Award for Export Achievement in 1991.
Today, Bell Equipment is an international supplier with more than 19 000 machines operating in over 70 countries around the world.
The group has nine marketing and support operations outside South Africa and 95 offshore distri- bution outlets and dealerships. Locally, it has more than 25 distribution outlets.
The group employs over 2 100 people worldwide.
A high point in the company’s history was its JSE listing in 1995.
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=127970
South African heavy equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment is introducing significant upgrades to its articulated dump trucks (ADTs), which include new ribless bins across the range, as well as upgraded software to facili-tate new electronic features on the trucks. Coupled with the general upgrades across the range, Bell is also introducing the higher-power articulated truck, the B30D.
Heavy equipment manufacturer introduces next series of ADT upgrades
South African heavy equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment is introducing significant upgrades to its articulated dump trucks (ADTs), which include new ribless bins across the range, as well as upgraded software to facili-tate new electronic features on the trucks. Coupled with the general upgrades across the range, Bell is also introducing the higher-power articulated truck, the B30D.Bell Equipment’s ADT product manager Stephen Jones says the upgrades are collectively known as Mark 5. These are a natural progression from the Mark 4 upgrades in 2006, which were largely under-the-skin changes to the operator’s station, the drive train, chassis, suspension and other systems on the Bell ADTs.
The most significant changes were to the electrical systems to include the introduction of new body controllers to run all nonengine/transmission functions on the truck. The result is improved diagnostics and a less complex system with fewer components.
“When we upgrade our products, Bell Equipment takes an evolutionary approach by making strategic planned upgrades instead of following the outdated revolutionary approach. We believe this approach is best in order to keep pace with technological advancements while ensuring reliability,” explains Jones.
The Mark 5 upgrades were introduced to the B18D, B20D, B25D and B30D truck ranges in October 2007. The Mark 5 upgrade to the B35D and B40D took place in January 2008, and the B50D will follow in April 2008.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of Bell Equipment’s new ribless bins. These bins have the same hard points on the rear chassis, but tailgates and bin cylinders have been changed with tip cylinders now having a Clevis-type mounting.
Jones discusses why Bell made the change to ribless bins: “We wanted to create a range of bins using identical structural concepts that are relatively uncomplicated to manufacture and which facilitate building a high-quality product.
It was also important that we maintain our power-to-mass advantage as far as possible.”
Bell Equipment’s engineers used parametric modelling software and various simulation software tools, in combination with extensive infield and laboratory testing to rigorously test and validate the ribless bin designs.
“Computer-based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to simulate structural behaviour and evaluate concepts. A strain-gauge-based structural design validation process was then used on the prototype bin whereby strain gauges were applied to the test machine at hot-spot locations determined by the FEA.
The test machine was operated in actual working conditions and stress signals were measured in real time. The data thus obtained was used to determine fatigue damage content and correlated with material data from international design codes for welded fabrications to determine the life expectancy in hours at each measurement location,” says Jones.
“The result is that the Bell Equipment ribless bin has a lower payload centre of gravity for greater machine stability. It also boasts slightly lower load-over height for easier loading and greater tip clearance to facilitate tipping into piles or berms,” he explains. The bin is better able to deal with high-impact loads by having the ability to deflect along the sides.
The bins are also made from very high grade steel, thus ensuring durability.
Version 1,3 software has likewise been introduced across the range and includes a speed control feature, where operators and site managers are able to limit the speed of their ADTs.
This could be owing to safety reasons, such as weather, road conditions or other traffic.
Some worksites have also reduced their ADT speed limits to increase tyre life.
This function is activated while driving the machine and pressing either of the retarder control switches to increase or decrease the upper speed limit. The new limit is shown on the liquid crystal display. Two speed limits can be preset and the operator can move between these. It is also possible to lock the speed limit setting so that only authorised persons can change it.
“Machine speed limits can be programmed to ensure that tyres and machines do not exceed their rated top speeds. The tyre list stored on the machine will include the top speed limit in both the laden and unladen condition.
This is particularly useful when running B50Ds on 29,5 tyres,” explains Jones.
An option for variable engine speed during bin lifting has been included in the new software to reduce noise in sensitive worksites. The I-tip function allows the bin to be tipped with less manual intervention, automation giving significant improvements in total cycle time.
There is also the option to disable the articulation reverse light when the bin is in the down position.
Fuel-saver software on the B35D, B40D and B50D enables the transmission controller, when working in the fuel efficient transmission mode, to detect when the truck does not require full power and to switch to a set of lower transmission shift points, thus saving fuel. Similarly, the transmission returns to higher- performance shift mode when it auto-detects that full performance is required.
A geofence radius can also now be set up around a certain geographical point on those ADTs that are fitted with the full Fleetmatic satellite fleet management system. A buzzer will sound in the cab once the vehicle leaves the geofence area and the cab monitor will display the distance outside the prescribed boundary. Fleetmatic will also report on entry and exit to the geofenced area.
The new software also features an automatic change to the load screen and an automatic horn activation option.
“The monitor screen automatically switches to the on-board weighing screen when the load increases from less than 5 t to more than 5 t and the output shaft speed is below 275 rev/min. As the shaft speed increases above 275 rev/min the screen restores.
“If the automatic horn option is activated, the hooter sounds when the bin reaches its full load capacity while being loaded.
The hooter will sound four times, in four seconds, to warn operators that the truck is fully laden. If the highly visible load light option is fitted, then the hooter sounds when the green light is activated,” says Jones.
Meanwhile, the B30D has undoubtedly benefited the most from the Mark 5 upgrade, boasting a new engine. Jones explains, “Mercedes-Benz had an engine that became available to us to use in the B30D so we replaced the 6,37-ℓ OM906LA engine with the larger 7,2-ℓ OM926LA engine.
This has taken the power output on this truck from 205 kW to 240 kW and engine torque has likewise increased from 1 000 Nm to 1 250 Nm to give the Bell B30D the best-in-class power-to-mass ratio and rim- pull.”
Bell-designed differentials have also been introduced on the B30D as they have a significantly larger crown wheel as well as a larger and more durable limited slip unit, required for extra power.
“With the Mark 5 upgrades, Bell Equipment is confident that it has improved product performance, durability and the customer value of its ADTs. While customers are reaping benefits from these enhance- ments, our design engineers will continue to push the boundaries of ADT innovation to add even more value in the future,” Jones concludes.
Bell Equipment has several international alliance partners including John Deere, in the US; Hitachi, in Asia; Liebherr, in Germany; and Kato Works, in Japan. In 2002, branding deals were concluded with Protec, in Germany, for compaction rollers and Ausa, in Spain, for all-terrain forklifts.
Bell Equipment is accredited with the South African Bureau of Standards ISO 9001 certification and has the 2000 Quality Management System certification.
The company has been the recipient of various export awards in 1990, 1991 and 1994, including being elected as the overall winner of the State President’s Award for Export Achievement in 1991.
Today, Bell Equipment is an international supplier with more than 19 000 machines operating in over 70 countries around the world.
The group has nine marketing and support operations outside South Africa and 95 offshore distri- bution outlets and dealerships. Locally, it has more than 25 distribution outlets.
The group employs over 2 100 people worldwide.
A high point in the company’s history was its JSE listing in 1995.
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=127970