JCB replaced its 712 and 716 with the upscaled 714 and 718, aiming to bring higher-capacity haulers to site-prep and land-contouring contractors who work in limited space. The trucks work in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive modes, and have limited-slip differentials. The 714, with a heaped capacity of 9.6 cubic yards, fits well in off-highway applications where Class-8 dump trucks have been used.
Number of models: 2
Tons payload: 14 and 18
New models: 718
Noteworthy features: The JCB trucks are both powered by Cummins B series engines, and manage top speeds of 23 and 24 mph. ZF Smoothshift transmissions ease driveline shock. Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) watches vital functions and protects the operator and machine in the event of a system failure. It also logs vital statistics for comprehensive service records.
Lightweight Heavy Hitter
Number of models: 4
Tons payload: 25, 30, 35 and 40
New models: 250D, 300D, 350D and 400D
Noteworthy features: With total dump-cycle time (raise and power down) of less than 18 seconds, the 300D unloads more than a second faster than Caterpillar; three seconds faster than Volvo; and 22 seconds faster than the CNH brands.
Rock-Truck Reliability
Komatsu borrowed the engine from its 48-ton rock truck as the slightly derated heart for the HM400-1, its first articulated hauler introduced in 2001. That choice, along with borrowing the hydro-pneumatic suspension also proven in rigid dump trucks, set the rock-truck-reliability theme for the articulated HM Series. Komatsu's hitch articulates on tapered roller bearings that require no maintenance. The line challenges competitors' priorities by being the only make to include wet-disc brakes on a 30-ton truck.
Number of models: 3
Tons payload: 30, 35 and 40
New models: HM300-1 and HM350-1
Noteworthy features: Hydraulic retarder uses the service brakes on the front and center axle to eliminate braking stress carried down the driveline from a retarder in the transmission.
Significant Power Improvements
Number of models: 5
Tons payload: 25, 27, 30, 35 and 40
New models: TA25, TA27, TA30
Noteworthy features: New models have fully hydraulic, dry disc brakes with dual calipers for 50 percent more friction area. The TA40 is expected to be upgraded to sealed, wet-disc brakes this month. The new hitch bearing is oil-lubricated.
Striving for SUV-Like Service
Number of models: 4
Payloads: 25, 30, 35 and 40 tons
New models: A25D and A30D
Noteworthy features: The electronically controlled Volvo D10B engine in the A25D and A30D complies with Tier II emission standards, and it brought 19 percent more horsepower to the 25-ton truck (now rated at 304 horsepower), and 8 percent more power to the 30 tonner (now at 323 horsepower). Hauling capacities also increased.
A Truck for All Buyers
As a relative newcomer to construction, New Holland Construction pursues entrepreneurs with cutting-edge features. A rear-facing closed-circuit TV camera and monitor in the cab shows the operator what's directly behind the dump body. It's standard on New Holland trucks, but an option on Case. New Holland's list price is lower than that of the other CNH brands. List pricing is a deal-starting point that reflects the brands' strategies, though, and when money changes hands, it's doubtful anyone would see such a disparity between brands.
Number of models: 7
Tons payload: 16, 25 and 30
New models: 25 and 30 tons
Noteworthy features: Three-stage telescoping dump cylinders are mounted inside the frame. Swing-out front fenders and electric-assist flip-up hood make service components easy to reach.
Stability Is Trump Card
Number of models: 4
Tons payload: 26, 31, 36 and 40
New models: MT36 Series II and MT40B Series II
Noteworthy features: Rear frame slopes to the front, like a rock truck, to lower the center of gravity. ZF's upgraded 6WG260 transmission in the MT26 and MT31 is beefed up to handle the new trucks' increased horsepower, and the electronic controller promises smoother shifts.
Haul Truck Makes Tracks On- and Off-Road
A heavy-duty Dupont belt conveys the load out of the body like a live-bottom trailer, and the headboard sweeps the box sides clean like an ejector truck. The belt will unload the truck on the move (the load's center of gravity never changes) in forward or in reverse. Unloading time is 15 seconds. It's not a rock truck, but marketers say it has performed well hauling 12-inch shot rock. The conveyor is warranted for 4,000 hours, and because it's a common belt type, it can be replaced for about $2,500.
A Cat C15 engine is mated to an Allison automatic 6-speed. The M8-40 weighs 46,500 pounds (40 percent less than a comparable ejector truck and 30 percent less than a 40-ton dumper). The company says it burns about 40 percent less fuel than conventional artic trucks, and with a GVW well less than any 35-ton truck, that's not hard to believe.
Buying File Feature: Articulated Trucks: Growing into Their Rough-Rider Image?