Volvo unveils new pipelayer range

[equipment fan]

Hi guys:notworthy ,volvo has unveils is new pipelayer range.Here is the complete story and a picture.


http://www.constructionindustrynews.net/StoryView.asp?StoryID=103597#

[Tigerotor77W]

Can't see the link -- I need special access.

Any other sources?

[equipment fan]

ok,i will try a solution.

[equipment fan]

ok,i will try a solution.

here is the solution,you can read a copy of the article and a picture is shown.


VOLVO Construction Equipment has released its range of Volvo Pipelayers – targeting customers in the onshore oil and gas industry – which the company claims represents the most significant innovation the sector has seen in the past 80 years.




Volvo has introduced a range of five models, from 20 to 150 metric tonne lift capacity, originating from a patented adaptation of excavator-based machines combined with modern lifting technology.

With its excavator configuration, the machines offer a 360-degree swing with full lifting performance and functionality at all radius positions.

Comparing the new product to the traditional tracked tractors with side booms, Volvo said the Pipelayers had a wider gauge, lower centre of gravity, and a lifting platform where the boom was mounted inboard of the track frame and closer to the machine's centre line.

This combination offers improved stability for working on steep slopes with a 29% higher lift capacity.

According to Volvo, the largest model, PL7015, with its 150 metric tonne maximum tipping lift capacity, is 41% greater than the largest track-type tractor side boom ever produced.

A heavily designed boom, car body and roller frames provide structural integrity to manage these higher loads.

Volvo Pipelayers have significantly longer booms that offer higher hook height for better positioning – or for working further away from the trench to avoid caving in the side walls.

Boom lengths range from 7.3m to 11.3m depending on model size, compared with typical tractor side booms of 6.1–8.5m.

Volvo Pipelayers are fitted with an onboard Load Management System (LMS) that enables the operator to see what can safely be picked up depending on the angle of the boom, the cab's position relative to the tracks and the incline on which the machine is operating.

Load charts are constantly updated for 360-degree rotation and infinite machine geometries up to a 35-degree grade slope.

The system compares these to current operating conditions via a graphic display on a monitor in the cab, including a wide variety of warnings and operational aids.

Load-indicating light bars, located on the boom tips, provide visible warning to the operator, adjacent operators and ground personnel alike to optimise safety and site management.

Volvo Pipelayers are equipped with an anti-two-block device as standard, improving safety with auto kick-out at full lift.

Visibility has also been improved through the incorporation of elevated cabs and an asymmetric boom design.

This provides greater safety when working with personnel on the ground and/or in the trench. The wide gauge also allows the straddling of the trench if this suits the project layout.

Because of their inability to swing, positioning the load with tractor-based side booms often requires jockeying the entire machine by twisting and turning the tracks. This positioning method is time consuming, inaccurate, and can be unsafe.

Meanwhile, the Volvo Pipelayers position the load smoothly by swinging the upper structure – just like an excavator.

Volvo said the result was precise, efficient load positioning that increased both productivity and safety. These machines also feature a mechanical upper structure swing lock for working on severe grades.

The excavator undercarriage system allows for counter rotation of the tracks for easy positioning and directional changes. High ground clearance ensures the ability to work in rugged terrain and muddy conditions. To ensure a solid footing, in most conditions, both single and double grouser shoes are available.

One of the key benefits of the new Pipelayers is the cost saving versatility of their design, according to Volvo.

When not being used for pipe laying, the new machines can be quickly converted into a high production excavator or used as a crane in a variety of applications where their heavy lift capability can be brought into play.

Rounding out the versatility of the Volvo Pipelayers is their ease of transportation, a factor that often limits optimum machine size selection on a project or in anticipation of future projects.

Larger models of the machine, where transport is an issue, are designed with variable gauge or easily removable track side frames, counterweights and booms.

Finally, rather than providing a "perch" that is exposed to the weather, typical of conventional side booms, Volvo Pipelayers are equipped with the Care Cab, featuring more space, excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and climate control for increased operator comfort.


so,what do you think about it?

[alco]

It looks like a Volvo version of the Davis Pipelayer which is based off Cat componentry. We had one on site on a trial, and it didn't work out. While it is a generally good machine, it has one glaring fault. Most who have run sidebooms will tell you that the drawbar pull the machines will develop is very important. The Davis Pipelayer had about the same drawbar pull as an excavator which is nowhere near what a sideboom will do. I am assuming that the Volvo version will have similar characteristics.

Brian

[equipment fan]

yeah,when i have seen the pictures,i say it`s a copy of the davis pipelayer.Or,volvo have sign a contract with the davis pipelayer company(not sure).This is what i think.

[Tigerotor77W]

Innovative, for sure (well in the sense of not going with a 587-type (or Liebherr equivalent)/dozer-based pipelayer, even if there's already one like this out there), and Brian, while I'm not sure of either company's specs, does it look like to you that the UC on the Volvo machine is really beefed up? Maybe that includes a stronger powertrain as well?