Articulated haulers support alpine hydropower construction

New-generation Volvo A45 articulated haulers are operating at the Kühtai 2 hydropower project in Austria, delivering reliable performance on steep terrain and under extreme alpine conditions.  www.volvoce.com The Kühtai 2 power plant, located high in the Austrian Alps, is one of the country’s most ambitious renewable energy infrastructure projects. The development includes a new reservoir with a rockfill dam, a tributary tunnel with six water catchments, and a modern pumped-storage power plant. Construction takes place at elevations above 2,100 meters, where gradients reach up to 40% and winter conditions regularly challenge both equipment and operators. In this environment, consistent performance, safety, and uptime are critical to keeping the project on schedule. Objectives: Reliable material transport in extreme terrain A key task at the site is the continuous transport of filter material from the quarry to the rockfill dam. Each haul cycle involves moving loads of approximately 42 tonnes across steep, uneven alpine terrain. The objective is to maintain steady productivity while ensuring operator safety and minimizing downtime in difficult weather and ground conditions. Equipment solution: Volvo A45 New Generation To meet these demands, five new-generation Volvo A45 articulated haulers were introduced to the site in April 2025. They joined an existing fleet of 26 Volvo articulated haulers ranging from the A25 to the A60, all operated by construction company Swietelsky. The A45s were immediately put into continuous operation, handling repeated uphill and downhill cycles on slopes of 35–40%. Their powertrain and drivetrain are designed to work together to maintain traction, control, and momentum on steep gradients. Performance under load In daily operation, the A45 haulers demonstrate stable and predictable performance despite the challenging conditions. The machines maintain climbing ability on long, steep access roads while carrying full loads, supporting a steady flow of material to the dam construction area. This consistency is particularly important on a project where transport cycles are repetitive and any interruption can affect overall progress. Operator-focused design: comfort and visibility Operator comfort and safety are central to sustained productivity at high altitude. The Volvo A45 is equipped with air suspension on the 45-tonne body, reducing vibration and fatigue during long shifts on rough terrain. This comfort becomes especially important in winter, when snow and ice increase the physical and mental demands on operators. Cab visibility is another key factor. Large windows and a relatively short, flat hood provide clear sightlines to the front and sides of the machine, supporting safe maneuvering around excavators, loaders, and other equipment in confined work zones. When weather conditions deteriorate or daylight fades—common occurrences in alpine environments—the A45’s LED lighting improves visibility in fog, snowfall, and low-light conditions, enabling precise and safe operation. Service support at the construction site High equipment availability is essential on a project of this scale. On-site service support is provided by Ascendum Baumaschinen Austria, with technicians stationed directly at the Kühtai site. Preventive maintenance, rapid troubleshooting, and immediate access to spare parts help ensure that the articulated haulers remain operational with minimal downtime. This close service presence supports continuous operation even during peak construction phases. Results: Productivity and reliability in extreme conditions With five new-generation A45 haulers and a total fleet of 26 Volvo articulated haulers working across the site, material transport operations at Kühtai 2 remain stable and efficient. The machines deliver the required payloads under demanding conditions while supporting operator safety and comfort. Conclusion The Kühtai 2 power plant project illustrates how large-scale renewable energy infrastructure depends on equipment that can perform reliably in extreme environments. The Volvo A45 articulated haulers combine payload capacity, traction, operator-focused design, and service support to meet the challenges of alpine construction, contributing to the successful realization of a key hydropower project for Austria’s energy future. www.volvoce.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing