Articulated Haulers

[Slatco]

Hello good friends, it would appear that I am in the market for a 6x6 rock truck for the upcoming season. I have been looking at some of the older C series Volvos in the 25/30 ton range but would be open to other brands. I know the Chickenminer just bought a A30C (any insight as to what to watch out for or what you really like?) but if any of the other members have feedback on the Volvos (I am also looking at D series as well) or any of the other major brands I would love to hear it.

Thanks

[Joe S (AK)]

Well Now - Getting up in the world, I see.

Unfortunately I'm not up at all on those fancy imported SUVs - but certainly Dick will know quite a bit. Of course, it's early winter up in the North Country so he's probably hibernating a bit. I suspect the sun will be out in a few hours and he just might get up to tidy up the cave some and he'll check the forum as usual.

HMmm - Volvos, cute little cars - then again, so are Hondas.

Best of fortune.

Joe

[gabbie]

there is one in keni for sale$75,000

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Nov 11 Volvo A35 Articulating 6x6 Off Road Dump truck. $75,000 (ena > Kasilof)

[Slatco]

Thanks Gabbie, that seems to be the price point for ones in decent shape.

[chickenminer]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone !

Slatco .... good luck on finding the right truck to fit your purpose.

I have a Volvo A35. These 6x6 articulating haulers are nice trucks but boy you better be making money
to own and operate them! They are maintenance hogs! Lots of air/hydraulic circuits with sensors on these things, even the older ones. They can drive you crazy troubleshooting. Plus is Volvo is the standard for 6x6 articulating haulers and they are easy on fuel.
When I was looking for a truck I wanted a Volvo, but I did not want anything newer than a C model. The D models and above have even more electronic junk on them. The big drawback with the older Volvo's is new parts are getting harder to find and boy are Volvo parts expensive !!!

Not knowing your operation setup I would question if you really need a 6x6 articulating hauler. Regular 10-12 yd trucks with locking diff are way cheaper to buy and maintain. I used an old Ford 9000 w/ 12 yd rock bed on it for a few years. But then there is no comparison when it comes to more difficult terrain. The Volvo would run circles around the Ford in sloppy conditions.

If you are set on one of the 6x6 articulating haulers, when you go look at one just look at the basic stuff you would for any piece of equipment. No leaks, low engine blow-by. Pay attention to the articulating joint and check the brake rotors to make sure the pads haven't worn down and screwed up the rotors/ or bake calipers. These trucks have gobs of sensors, even the old ones, that will shut it down completely. For example, if the air pressure isn't building up or holding they won't shift out of neutral, so you have to hunt down some little air leak and fix. Or the brake hydraulic pressure is to low because of a slight leak in a brake caliper, they won't shift out of neutral.
When all is well these trucks are sweet and a joy to operate, but they can sure be maintenance hogs !

[Slatco]

Thanks Dick, excellent insight as per usual. I did consider a conventional gravel truck but my site is often wet and the cost to transport into location is the same for a 6x6 or a smaller dump . I found a A30C at a local dealer that has been almost completely refurbished. New transmission, new tires, new paint and everything works even the AC (also comes with full set of maintenance manuals). I am thinking that I may have to "buy once cry once". I just wish it was about 20% cheaper...

https://www.ironworksmachinery.com/equi ... For%20Sale

[chickenminer]

That's a nice looking truck. I think you are on the right track with your thinking, better to spend a little more on a machine that has been gone through and new tires ... that's sweet! That price they are asking might seem pretty steep, but a refurbished transmission for these things is close to 16K and I think the A30 has 23.5 x 25 tires ? Same as my 966 loader. When I bought new tires for it a few years ago they were $2,500 each out of Fairbanks.

You would be real happy with that truck.

[Joe S (AK)]

GEEZ, whimper, whimper, you guys sure know how to go straight for the jugular. No return to Alaska this spring was tough but the good news is that if Canada opens up this winter I'll be back in the saddle next season.

Take care and the best "Turkey Day in Solitary" to everyone.

Joe

[Jim_Alaska]

On waking this morning I was once again reminded of the quality of information that our members provide on our forums. The information in this, as well as other threads is priceless and just not available on any other mining forums I have seen. We have some of the best, serious miners that are freely willing to impart their experience to help others. So thank you one and all for your contributions that make this forum what it is. I only host the Alaska Gold Forums, you make them the resource that they are.

[Slatco]

Well, the auction gods finally smiled on me (I hope lol) and I ended up purchasing a A25C yesterday. Time to move some pay!

https://www.rbauction.com/1996-volvo-a2 ... ab-2021124