Volvo Construction Equipment introduces B-series Motor Graders| 2002-06-17 Volvo Construction Equipment introduces its new B-series motor grader, a new generation of machines designed and engineered to provide more power, more productivity and improved operator comfort.Volvo Construction Equipment has set new standards in motor grader design, engineering and performance capabilities with the introduction of its new B-series graders, a comprehensive line of seven production-class models. One of the new entries in the series is the G746B, the most powerful all-wheel drive grader in the industry. The new Volvo B-series grader class was engineered to provide enhanced productivity, fuel efficiency, servicing access, operating control and operator comfort. The new grader line is comprised of five new tandem drive models ranging in operating weight from 14,099 kg to 19,783 kg (33,400 lb to 43,250 lb) and in engine output from 105 kW to 181 kW (141 hp to 243 hp), and two all-wheel drive models with operating weights ranging from 16,046 kg to 16,639 kg (35,400 lb to 38,250 lb) and from 148 kW to 181 kW (235 hp to 243 hp). Power The Volvo B-series graders are powered by Volvo 7.1 and 9.6-liter turbo-charged, charge-air cooling, liquid-cooled, high-performance, low-emission diesel engines featuring electronically controlled injection. All of the engines are EU Step 2 and EPA Tier II compliant, and were developed not only for optimum fuel efficiency but to also provide high torque at low rpm for precise power control at all speeds and in all grading applications. The Volvo high torque engines are perfectly matched to the proven Volvo 8400 transmission to deliver and sustain the right kind of power under load and as loads change at all stages – and in all types – of operation. The extremely flat torque curve delivered by Volvo engines reduces the need for downshifting, and makes operation much easier, especially in fine grading. All of the Volvo B-series motor graders are equipped with variable horsepower systems, which ensures that the correct power is applied to the drive wheels for every application. Volvo engines are unique in the grader industry, not only for their low-end torque and ‘power through’ capabilities, but also for their low noise levels and extreme fuel efficiency. Cooling of the Volvo grader engines is accomplished with a hydraulically-driven, thermostatically controlled variable-speed fan that regulates fan speed depending on cooling demand to optimize power and to further improve fuel economy. The Volvo 8400 Transmission The Volvo 8400 transmission has been a proven performer throughout millions of operating hours. With 8 forward and 4 reverse speeds, this fully-sequential direct-drive transmission has the correct speed for every operation. There are 5 speeds below 17.7 km per hour (11 mph) for all grading operations, a high-speed road maintenance gear, a snow-plowing speed, and a gear for high-speed roading. The Volvo 8400 "Smart Shifter" provides rapid gear access through pulse shifting while ensuring that the operator always has an appropriately matched forward or reverse gear. Hydraulics The new Volvo B-series motor grader has greatly improved hydraulic response and the reliability in a pressure-and-flow-compensated grader hydraulic system. The foundation of the new system is a 284 lpm (0-75 US gpm) axial piston hydraulic pump providing increased efficiency and optimum pump life. A larger hydraulic reservoir ensures a continuous flow with minimum heat. Fine grade control Volvo G700B-series motor graders can now meet the most demanding requirements of fine grade contractors. Combining the advantages of the high torque capability of the Volvo engines with a large variable displacement hydraulic pump, allows an operator to reduce 1st gear ground speed by operating at a lower rpm and retain full hydraulic control. This permits precise moldboard positioning to match the grade requirement. Productivity The new Volvo G700B-series graders match transmission speeds and power-to-weight ratios to ensure maximum blade down pressure and blade pull. Volvo leads the industry in both of these categories by optimizing weight placement over the drive wheels and over a long blade base. This delivers more power to the ground, and in turn, fast cycle times and maximum job site efficiency. The drive systems of Volvo all-wheel drive models are like having three different drive systems in one grader. In six-wheel drive, all six wheels are powered to grip the ground in poor footing and add an extra 3,400 kg (7,500 lb) more pull in front of the moldboard which is an ideal function for clearing wet ditches and working on bank slopes. With the front drive disengaged, the operator is given a highly efficient tandem drive grader ready for operations like top-of-road work or roading. The change from six-wheel drive to tandem drive is made with a simple flick of a switch. Volvo B-series graders can also be operated in "Creep Mode" using the front wheels only, offering infinitely variable ground speed from 0 to 3,2 km per hour (0 to 2 mph). Creep Mode allows the moldboard to be pulled, not pushed. This gives the operator the unique capability to perform fine grading without scuffing the work behind the moldboard even around the tightest radius. The new Volvo grader line is equipped with lock/unlock final drives, 4-wheel "cross-over"-oil disc brakes, fail-safe braking and spring-applied/hydraulic release park/emergency brakes as standard equipment. Operator cab built for comfort and productivity The Volvo B-series grader cab includes new features that enhance operator comfort, convenience and efficiency. Ergonomically designed, the operator seat and control pedestal can be adjusted independently to conform to individual operator preferences. All controls and gauges are conveniently located in a 90-degree arc in front and to the right of the operator for ease of access and operator comfort. The nerve center of the B-series grader operator environment is the Contronic Monitor System - a Volvo exclusive. This multi-function system tells the operator the status of all machine functions, including engine rpm and temperature, fuel level, ground speed, filter restriction, differential lock/unlock, and many others. Contronics tell the operator not only what is happening with the machine as he operates it, but stores all operational data for downloading by service technicians. Technicians can then use the VCADS Pro (Volvo Computer Aided Diagnostic System Professional) to access this data for maintenance and diagnostic purposes and for performance analysis. This permits corrective action to be taken before failure of a component and diagnoses the cause of a failure should one occur. The primary function of these systems is to keep the grader in peak condition, which translates into longer machine life. Service The Volvo B-series motor graders design has focused specifically on ease of maintenance and long service intervals. The new design ‘opens up’ the entire powertrain to immediate and complete access to the engine compartment, cooling module and hydraulic area for cleaning, maintenance and service. The entire engine compartment and cooling module is ready for servicing in seconds. The cooling module is the combination of the thermostatically controlled hydraulic fan and a series of strategically located coolers, wrapped around four sides of the module. The hydrostatic fan drive provides optimum cooling fan speed for any temperature, saving fuel and limiting noise. There are no "stacked" cores in the B-series cooling system, making the system much less susceptible to fouling by dirt and debris.. The Volvo G746B All-Wheel Drive Grader: the largest and most powerful Grader in the industry. The most powerful new Volvo B-series motor grader being launched is the Volvo G746B, which promises to raise all-wheel drive grading to a new level in productivity and performance. At 16,639 kg (38,250 lb) and with 181 kW (243hp), the Volvo G746B is the highest-performance all-wheel drive motor grader built today. It is ideal for road construction, road maintenance, ditch cutting, ditch cleaning, snow clearing and all heavy-duty operations. The Volvo G746B develops 13,730 kg (30,259 lb) of blade pull for remarkable cutting and pushing performance. Volvo B-series Motor Grader Specifications Model Weight Variable Power Tandem Drive G710B 14,099 kg / 33,400 lb 105-124 kW / 141-166hp G720B 15,018 kg / 34,000 lb 122-148 kW / 164-198hp G730B 15,661 kg / 35,500 lb 148-165 kW / 198-221hp G740B 16,250 kg / 37,125 lb 163-181 kW / 219-243hp G780B 19,783 kg / 43,250 lb 163-181 kW / 219-243hp All Wheel Drive G726B 16,046 kg / 35,400 lb 148-175 kW / 198-235hp G746B 16,639 kg / 38,250 lb 163-181 kW / 219-243hp Should you like high resolution pictures of the above, please drop an e-mail to beatrice.cardon@volvo.com. 2002-06-17 For more information, please contact: Beatrice Cardon Media relations Tel: +32 2482 5021 E-mail: beatrice.cardon@volvo.com |