According to Bell Equipment Product Manager, Brad Castle, the B40E is the same machine that Bell UK customer, Chepstow Plant International (CPI) has been using at Sibelco’s china-clay Cornwood Quarry in Devon since March 2024, when it was launched as the first autonomous ADT in the UK.
“We’re excited to be able to demonstrate our autonomous ADT at Hillhead and will also have a static display so visitors can see exactly how the hardware is incorporated into the machine,” he said. Hardware is supplied by technology platform specialists, xtonomy, and includes robust radar sensors, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems, and on-board processing hardware to create a drive-by-wire B40E solution.
“We’re pleased by how our autonomous ADTs have enhanced operational efficiencies on the sites where they are working by being able to operate for longer periods, deliver really accurate tipping results, and improve productivity.”
Further benefits associated with autonomous trucks include extended component life, reduced wear and tear, and environmental advantages due to improved fuel efficiency from enhanced operational efficiencies. “CPI’s autonomous B40E takes environmental benefits a step further by using HVO fuel instead of diesel, making the machine almost ‘carbon neutral,’ which is a significant achievement in the current quarrying and mining industry,” said Brad.
“Autonomous ADTs also improve site safety as borne out by our two Bell B30E 6×6 test trucks, which have achieved over 1 000 hours of safe autonomous operation in a quarry in the Austrian Alps, without any incidents.”
When choosing to operate a Bell ADT autonomously, customers have the choice of third-party suppliers and the level of autonomy they want to achieve. In this regard, Brad said: “Along with xtonomy and Pronto AI, we have recently started working with UK company, ABD Solutions, and Steer, a Norwegian company supplying autonomous haulage solutions for quarries and mines, as well as with American-based Teleo, which is working on a remote-control conversion of a Bell ADT.”
Meanwhile, in addition to the autonomous control benefits experienced on a German demo site, the B30E 4×4 demonstrates the advantages that can be achieved with a 4×4. “Our 4×4 range of ADTs have full articulation and oscillation steering so all four driving wheels are kept on the ground to utilise the traction that’s available. This makes them more capable off-road than conventional rigid trucks. The double axle also results in tighter turning circle for greater manoeuvrability and prevents tyre scuffing, reducing road maintenance costs.”
Bell Equipment’s niche 4×4 range will be represented at Hillhead by the B45E 4×4, which is ideally suited to quarrying and smaller mining operations. “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. It also has the option of a narrower bin for sites with width restrictions,” said Brad.
Other machines on display at Hillhead 2024 include the EU-marked Bell B30E 27 000-litre Water Tanker, geared for dust suppression duties on mines and construction sites, and the Bell Tracked Carrier, a robust solution for short-haul applications in soft underfoot conditions.
