Kano Kousan Deploys Japan's First Volvo A45 Haulers

The new generation articulated haulers increase payload capacity and boost quarry efficiency in Yamaguchi Prefecture.  www.volvoce.com Kano Kousan has become the first aggregates producer in Japan to deploy Volvo Construction Equipment's new generation A45 articulated haulers. Supplied by local dealer Daiichi Toyo, the two heavy-duty units are actively transporting raw stone, overburden, and aggregates across the rugged terrain of a quarry in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The updated A45 models feature a completely overhauled transmission system paired with a class-leading Volvo D16J engine, resulting in lower fuel consumption and increased reliability across the work cycle. Crucially, the maximum payload capacity has been increased from 41 to 42 tonnes. Coupled with Volvo’s standard Haul Assist and On-board Weighing systems, operators can optimize loading in real time, preventing efficiency losses from underloading and avoiding mechanical strain from overloading. To navigate the steep, muddy topography of the quarry, the machines utilize a dynamic 6x6 drive system with Automatic Traction Control, high-flotation tires, and Downhill Speed Control, ensuring steady, safe descents even under maximum load. Additional Context The engineering distinction between an articulated hauler and a rigid dump truck dictates their respective applications in the mining and aggregates sector. Rigid trucks excel on well-maintained, flat, and hard-packed haul roads where they can carry massive payloads at higher speeds. However, in demanding environments like the Shunan City quarry—characterized by deep mud, severe rutting, and steep gradients—rigid trucks quickly lose traction and pose a rollover risk. Articulated haulers like the Volvo A45 overcome this through an oscillating hitch that connects the tractor (cab) to the trailer (dump box). This joint allows the front and rear halves of the vehicle to twist independently of each other, ensuring that all six drive wheels remain in contact with the ground, even over severe obstacles. The integration of real-time telemetry like On-board Weighing is particularly critical for articulated frames; consistently overloading past the rated 42 tonnes exponentially accelerates structural fatigue on the oscillation joint and axles, leading to premature failure and costly unplanned downtime. Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance. www.volvoce.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing