As part of its mandate to protect the environment and communities through safe waste management policies, Ethekwini Municipality’s Durban Solid Waste (DSW) department has invested in 22 30-tonne Volvo articulated dump trucks (ADTs) to be used at four landfill sites in KwaZulu-Natal.

Supplied by Babcock, the exclusive distributor of Volvo Construction Equipment in southern Africa, the A30G dump trucks will be used as standard ADTs, water tankers and for hoisting of skips with hook lifts. Babcock partnered with ETT to undertake the modifications, transforming standard Volvo A30G dump trucks into water tankers and hook lifts. ETT specialise in professionally engineered special vehicle solutions for mobile industrial equipment. Other modifications included installing of fire suppression and degreasing systems, and branding in DSW’s signature blue and white colours.

DSW took delivery of eight A30G trucks in June, with a further eight trucks to be delivered in September and October. The final six will arrive in South Africa early next year.

Jay Moodley, Regional General Manager at Babcock, says that the company has supplied Volvo ADTs to other government departments in the past, and the trucks’ proven productivity and reliability played a key role in the sale, combined with the outstanding after-market support offered by Babcock.

“These types of trucks operate in a very high productive environment, working long hours every day, sometimes 24-hour shifts. It can cost customers millions if trucks are standing. We aim to keep our customers up and running 24/7,” says Moodley. “To provide support to our KZN-based customers and the fastest response times in the market, we have a service facility in Pinetown that is equipped with a workshop with six bays (excluding the wash bay), and a parts centre that holds over R5.5 million worth of spares. Our team of technicians, apprentices and foreman pride themselves on their professional, fast service and excellent workmanship,” says Moodley.

He adds that Babcock strives for flexibility in meeting customers’ needs, and delivers quick decision-making from directors and aftermarket personnel to ensure maximum productivity for our customers.

The original ADT

Volvo is the world’s leading manufacturer of articulated haulers, having invented the concept, and has been developing and building these machines for over 50 years.

Craig Sanday, Sales Manager at Babcock, says that strength and durability are hallmarks of the Volvo articulated hauler, and that the Volvo A30Gs are ideal for this particular application. Designed for heavy hauling in severe off-road operations, the trucks’ underfoot capabilities are excellent, especially on higher inclines. The drive train is fully Volvo, with no mix-n-match componentry, making servicing and accountability a lot easier, explains Sanday. The A30G machine delivers unbeatable off-road performance in its class with features such as Automatic Traction Control including 100% differential locks, all-terrain bogie and hydro-mechanical steering. The trucks are optimised for efficiency with higher payload capabilities.

Babcock will be showcasing the Volvo ADTs at the virtual Landfill and Waste Treatment seminar taking place from 3-5 November. For further information, contact Jay Moodley – 0724888948.