Volvo´s Special Tips on Efficient Smart Work with Trucks
We explore here three main ideas collected from Volvo Company´s long years of experience to better engage with the workload, which can be a huge strategic advantage when it comes to heavy machinery plus smart work.
Utilizing Technology to Make Things Easier
There are some really cool tools available that can help you figure out the right machines to use based on your specific needs. For example, at Volvo, we have a special tool called Site Simulation. It looks at things like the roads you’ll be using, how much stuff you need to move, how much time you have, and what kind of material you’re working with. With that information, we can choose the perfect truck and loading tool to get the job done efficiently. Sometimes our customers already have an idea of what they want, but we can help them make even better choices. For instance, if one big truck can do the same or even more work than two smaller trucks, you can reduce the number of machines you need and make your team work better.
There are also construction calculators that can help you figure out costs and savings that you might not think about right away. Some companies have special tools that they use with their dealers. These tools can calculate the total cost of owning a machine, let you pick different options (like different kinds of buckets or ways the machine moves), figure out how much fuel the machine will use, and even tell you how many times the truck needs to be filled up. It’s all about using technology to make things easier and smarter.
Get the Best Information by Using Good Data
When it comes to solving problems or making decisions, it’s important to have the right information. Here are a few important things to consider:
- How long will the job take? If it’s a short-term project, using a huge 60-ton truck might not make sense. It’s harder to transport and can add extra costs. A smaller truck would be more practical.
- Transport rules differ in different places. If you’re moving things between regions or want to avoid getting special permits, using smaller trucks is a better idea.
- Think about the landscape. If you’re working on hilly or steep areas, a medium-sized truck of around 40 tons is often better than a big 60-ton truck. It can get more work done in those conditions. Of course, the big truck can handle the hills too, but it might not be the most efficient choice depending on what you’re hauling and how long the routes are.
- Consider the condition of the ground. If the site is rough and bumpy, using a truck with hydraulic suspension will give you a smoother ride. That means happier operators and lower costs for fixing the roads. In the long run, it can lead to higher profits.
- Different materials have different weights and densities. For light materials like wood chips, a truck with sideboards or a special body for light materials can help you move as much as possible. But if you’re dealing with large rocks, there may be empty spaces in the load, even though the weight is heavier. So, you might need less volume to reach the maximum weight of the truck.
- Think about the length of the haul road. If it’s short, a smaller truck between 25 to 45 tons is usually faster and more agile, which means it can get more work done. But if the haul road is long, a bigger 60-ton truck carrying more volume would likely be more efficient.
By considering all these factors and using good data, you can make better decisions and get the best results for your projects.
Don’t Just Focus on the Price Tag
When choosing a hauler, it’s important to look beyond the initial cost. The price you pay upfront, whether you’re buying, renting, or leasing, is just one piece of the puzzle. What really matters is how much you spend compared to how much you can earn with that truck in your fleet – and that’s where productivity comes into play.
Being able to move more tons each day and doing it efficiently means you can make more money from your machine in the long run. Cheaper machines might seem like a good deal at first, but they can end up costing you more with frequent breakdowns, higher maintenance expenses, lower resale values, and other issues.
Consider factors like how quickly the truck can complete its cycles, its ability to unload easily and fast (like having higher pivot points), fuel efficiency, having the right components that work well together, proper maintenance, and operator training. Even small details like these can add up over time and affect your overall profitability.
Read more: Why Elephants Have Whiskers on Their Trunks.
