Making the right choice with Terex Trucks
Articulated haulers are built to handle tough conditions, steep grades, and adverse weather. Scottish manufacturer Terex Trucks explains what to consider when choosing the right hauler for a project and how customers can improve the efficiency of their operations with Terex Trucks’ latest product improvements...
Moving material is one of the most crucial parts of any job, whether it’s road construction, residential or commercial building, bridge work or mining. As construction activity is currently picking up in the UK, many contractors are looking for new equipment. But how do you go about selecting the right articulated hauler for your project?
Choosing the right machine depends, of course, on the specific requirements – especially on application and working environment. “Knowing your jobsite and ground conditions is key,” Kenny Price, regional sales manager for EMEA at Terex Trucks, explains. “Our articulated haulers are proven performers that efficiently move a variety of materials under the toughest conditions. They’re a good fit for construction projects and for quarrying, mining, tunnelling applications as well as earthmoving, material handling and waste handling.”
Terex Trucks builds articulated haulers that are trusted by customers to deliver powerful performance in all conditions. After all, the Motherwell-based manufacturer has over 70 years’ experience in making robust, reliable, and tough haulers. Its two models, the TA300 and TA400, provide lots of pulling power for efficient operation at all times.
How to move materials faster
Naturally, operators are looking for high levels of efficiency in a machine, with fuel economy playing a particularly important role. That’s why Terex Trucks has made significant improvements to reduce the fuel consumption of its heavy-duty machines. Earlier this year, Terex Trucks launched its EU Stage V emission compliant TA300 and TA400 haulers, which now boast a reduction of up to 7% in fuel consumption when compared to the Stage IV engine.
Equipped with the new Stage V engine, the TA300 and TA400 now also offer even faster response at all engine speeds and efficient combustion performance. An effective power-to-weight ratio ensures material is moved as quickly as possible in all conditions. Ultimately, this means customers can achieve faster cycle times, reduce the cost of operation per tonne and improve the impact of their operation on the environment.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a hauler is the required payload, which is determined by the material that is to be transported as well as the size of the project. With a payload of 38 tonnes (41.9 tons), the TA400 is the largest articulated hauler in the Terex Trucks range and boasts a heaped capacity of 23.0 m3 (30.3 yd3) and is powered by a fuel-efficient Scania DC13 engine that develops gross power of 331 kW (444 hp) and a maximum torque of 2,255 Nm (1,663 lbf ft). The TA300 has a heaped capacity of 17.5 m³ (22.9 yd³) and a 28 tonne (30.9 ton) payload. Its Scania DC9 engine achieves a maximum torque of 1,880 Nm and a gross power of 276 kW.
Safe operations on challenging terrain
The ideal hauler for off-road jobs comes with great traction. As haul roads often have steep inclines and can be muddy or slippery, good traction capability ensures operational safety as well as efficient work shifts. With all three axles in permanent all-wheel drive, Terex Trucks haulers handle challenging terrain with ease. To reduce wear and tear on the braking system, the TA300 and TA400’s retarder system combines a modulating transmission retarder with an efficient exhaust brake and fully-enclosed oil-cooled multidisc brakes on all six wheels. For operators, this adds a level of confidence, as the machines offer optimum control as well as stability, allowing drivers to haul safely even in the most adverse conditions.
When operating on confined job sites, drivers will also appreciate the high levels of flexibility Terex Trucks’ articulated haulers offer. Their versatility and improved manoeuvrability allow operators to navigate tighter working conditions with small turning radii.
Real-time information for faster decision-making
To optimise operations, customers should also consider how using connected services can help them to ensure their machines deliver consistently high productivity levels. Telematics systems, such as Terex Trucks’ Haul Track, allow operators to track and manage their machine’s performance. By monitoring speeds, dump counts and load cycles of their haulers, customers can improve productivity levels and plan ahead. Haul Track also allows operators to easily assess the condition of their haulers and plan maintenance more efficiently.
With access to on-board diagnostics, real-time data and operational feedback, customers can make qualified, on-the-job decisions faster – reducing the possibility of downtime. The TA400’s transmission also provides ‘prognostics’ in real time, which helps to identify faults and damage ahead of time, reducing costs and increasing uptime as well as maximising productivity of the machines.
Comfort matters, too
Another detail to look out for is operator comfort. “Customers want safety and comfort for their drivers,” Kenny says. “Operators can spend up to eight hours in the machine each day, and usually the terrain they’re operating on isn’t the best. That’s why a comfortable cab is important and can help operators to stay focused on the job, resulting in faster cycle times.”
Terex Trucks’ spacious ROPS/FOPS compliant cab has been designed with pressurised properties, helping to avoid fatigue. The ergonomic layout of controls and instrumentation, make the cab a pleasant work environment, which is also supported by a fast, responsive HVAC system that keeps the temperature inside the cab at a comfortable level.
To improve handling and ensure a smooth ride, Terex Trucks haulers are equipped with a suspension system and cushioned steering cylinders. The TA300 comes with a true independent front suspension as standard for ultimate comfort on the roughest terrain.
When it comes to maintenance, simplicity counts
Finally, operators should consider the ease with which maintenance checks can be carried out. Service interventions should be quick to keep the machine working and earning. Terex Trucks haulers are designed to keep both service time and costs to a minimum. Ground level test points and a fully tilting cab ensure easy access, and technicians can comfortably reach all engine service points thanks to an electronically raised hood.
To extend the time between routine maintenance and reduce operating costs, Terex Trucks has extended the TA400’s transmission service interval to 6,000 hours, thanks to high-performance oil. The TA300 boasts an extended transmission service interval of 4,000 hours. The haulers are equipped with magnetic suction filters, which prevents contaminants from entering the hydraulic system. As a result, the hydraulic oil stays cleaner, and combined with a hydraulic oil service of 4,000 hours, customers benefit from maximum uptime, extended periods between maintenance as well as prolonged hydraulic component lifecycles.
Trusted partner
“Efficiency, performance and low cost of ownership play a crucial role when operators select a machine,” Kenny concludes. “Built to deliver high performance our customers can rely on, our Terex Trucks haulers are an ideal partner for contractors to complete any upcoming projects efficiently and on schedule. This way, we will play an important role in boosting customers’ productivity and do our part in supporting the industry’s recovery after a challenging 2020.”
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