In a competitive world where the total cost of machine ownership is more critical than ever, the Bell 4×4 ADT range is a niche solution that offers the same production as a 6×6 truck, at a lower overall cost, retaining its all-weather suitability to provide higher utilisation compared to conventional rigid haulage solutions.
Bell first mooted the 4×4 concept a decade ago with the 60-ton Bell B60D. Today the range has evolved to the company’s E-series generation and incorporates 30-ton and 45-ton models, the latter of which will be on show at Hillhead 2024.
With the growing popularity of the trucks, the ADT specialist continues to innovate on the strong platform it has created.
Bell Equipment Product Manager, Brad Castle, said the B45E 4×4 has recently received a new chassis with full suspension and a specifically adapted rock bin to meet the requirements of small and medium-sized mining operations even better. “As with the B60E, two oil/nitrogen shock absorbers now take over the suspension of the twin-tyred drive axle. Together with the standard adaptive ‘Comfort Ride’ front suspension, the truck offers more driving comfort adding to productivity and even better traction and braking capabilities.”
In addition to an anti-slip differential, the rear axle now also offers sensor-based automatic traction control. The space and travel of the new suspension have been designed to accommodate 21.00R35 twin tyres fitted with snow chains.
“We’ve also redesigned the bin because it was originally based on the B60E, which is mostly loaded by heavy mining excavators. This made it less practical to load with larger wheel loaders, which are more common in small to medium-sized quarries where these trucks come into their own.”
According to Brad the bin was lengthened and given a straight front wall, which along with the longer upper edge of the bin and better fill behaviour, enables faster loading with 3,5 to 6m³ wheel loaders. “Both the maximum tipping height (6 485mm at 55°) and the large ground clearance of the chute (890mm) remain almost unchanged, meaning that the B45E 4×4 can still fit into existing infrastructures, such as crusher housings, better than a 6×6 truck with a longer bin.”
The exhaust gas-heated 25m³ bin with a standard width of 4 265 mm (with tailgate: 26m³/4 640 mm) also marks the vehicle width, however, a narrower “Narrow” bin option of the same volume, brings the width of the Bell B45E 4×4 to less than 4m.
The 4×4 range has also benefitted from Bell Equipment’s continuously evolving 6×6 ADT range in terms of drive, power, transmission, production and safety features as well as intelligent vehicle control. They feature the same six-cylinder engines from Merecedes Benz, optimised for off-road by MTU, as their 6×6 counterparts.
Commenting on benefit of 4×4, Brad adds: “By removing the third axle we’ve effectively eliminated tyre scuffing and reduced parasitic losses. Not only does this reduce fuel and tyre running costs to ultimately provide a lower cost per tonne of material moved, but it also reduces the need for haul road maintenance for further cost savings.”
The B30E 4×4 recently received an upgrade in the form of a new transmission and chassis configuration, allowing for the fitment of Michelin 875/65R25 E3 tyres, further increasing the productivity potential of the truck. As a result, the B30E 4×4 is an economical solution for bulk handling and has found a niche in tunnelling applications and confined areas such as stock yards and ready-mix plants with its tight turning circle of 14,6m. Quarrying and smaller mining operations are suited to the larger B45E 4×4 while the B60E is engineered for high productivity in mining under all weather conditions.
