The Volvo R70 Convinces Across the Board in the SHF Limestone Quarry
The Volvo R70 in the Bettenfeld Quarry: SHF Steinbruchbetriebe is integrating the Volvo R70 rigid hauler into its limestone quarry to combine performance and comfort with economic efficiency in tough, continuous operations. www.volvoce.com In raw material extraction and quarrying operations, companies rely on powerful rigid haulers and robust transport fleets to economically manage material transport under demanding conditions while simultaneously meeting high demands for operator comfort. Activity and Operational Challenges The company SHF operates the Bettenfeld limestone quarry and has relied on rigid haulers for heavy overburden and material transport since the late 1990s. The machines must work reliably for many thousands of operating hours in the harsh daily routine of mining and quarrying. When the existing fleet of dump trucks had to be replaced after approximately 25,000 to 30,000 operating hours, the company faced the challenge of finding technically mature, durable, and economical transport solutions that minimize daily wear and tear and prevent unplanned downtime. Improvement Goals The primary goals of the project included renewing the hauler fleet to achieve the following: Deploy a powerful and economical machine that optimizes fuel consumption while ensuring productivity in daily shift operations. Improve ergonomics and working comfort for the operators during their 8- to 10-hour shifts. Increase maneuverability and traction on steep transport routes. Drastically reduce downtime by leveraging the proximity of reliable service partners. Selected Technical Solution The chosen technical solution was the Volvo R70, featuring a payload of up to 65 tons and a body volume of over 42 cubic meters. It is the first rigid hauler of its kind in Europe to be equipped with a Stage V engine. For maximum maneuverability and improved suspension comfort, the vehicle features a new MacPherson steering geometry with compact suspension struts. The V-shaped body supports safe load retention as well as fast lifting and lowering times during dumping. In addition, the machine offers a spacious, sound-insulated cabin with excellent all-around visibility and flexible adjustment options for the operator. Deployment and Support The deployment and long-term support of the test vehicle are being carried out in close cooperation between the retail partner, Robert Aebi, and the regional service partner, SSM (Schöller special machines), whose location is only about three kilometers from the quarry. This geographical proximity ensures short decision-making paths, rapid service responses, and practical support during the rental testing phase until the end of the year, with an option for subsequent purchase. Measurable Results The Volvo R70 is proving to be an economically convincing solution in daily 8- to 10-hour operations, with fuel consumption and a price-performance ratio that fully meet operational requirements. The well-thought-out ergonomics and improved suspension ensure a noticeably smooth ride in the cabin, supporting the driving personnel during long shifts. Thanks to the regional partnership with SSM and Robert Aebi, maintenance and service times are minimal, ensuring the machine's high availability in the tough daily quarry routine over the long term. Written by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI. www.volvoce.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing
The Volvo R70 in the Bettenfeld Quarry: SHF Steinbruchbetriebe is integrating the Volvo R70 rigid hauler into its limestone quarry to combine performance and comfort with economic efficiency in tough, continuous operations.
www.volvoce.com

In raw material extraction and quarrying operations, companies rely on powerful rigid haulers and robust transport fleets to economically manage material transport under demanding conditions while simultaneously meeting high demands for operator comfort.
Activity and Operational Challenges
The company SHF operates the Bettenfeld limestone quarry and has relied on rigid haulers for heavy overburden and material transport since the late 1990s. The machines must work reliably for many thousands of operating hours in the harsh daily routine of mining and quarrying. When the existing fleet of dump trucks had to be replaced after approximately 25,000 to 30,000 operating hours, the company faced the challenge of finding technically mature, durable, and economical transport solutions that minimize daily wear and tear and prevent unplanned downtime.
Improvement Goals
The primary goals of the project included renewing the hauler fleet to achieve the following:
- Deploy a powerful and economical machine that optimizes fuel consumption while ensuring productivity in daily shift operations.
- Improve ergonomics and working comfort for the operators during their 8- to 10-hour shifts.
- Increase maneuverability and traction on steep transport routes.
- Drastically reduce downtime by leveraging the proximity of reliable service partners.
The chosen technical solution was the Volvo R70, featuring a payload of up to 65 tons and a body volume of over 42 cubic meters. It is the first rigid hauler of its kind in Europe to be equipped with a Stage V engine.
For maximum maneuverability and improved suspension comfort, the vehicle features a new MacPherson steering geometry with compact suspension struts. The V-shaped body supports safe load retention as well as fast lifting and lowering times during dumping. In addition, the machine offers a spacious, sound-insulated cabin with excellent all-around visibility and flexible adjustment options for the operator.
Deployment and Support
The deployment and long-term support of the test vehicle are being carried out in close cooperation between the retail partner, Robert Aebi, and the regional service partner, SSM (Schöller special machines), whose location is only about three kilometers from the quarry. This geographical proximity ensures short decision-making paths, rapid service responses, and practical support during the rental testing phase until the end of the year, with an option for subsequent purchase.
Measurable Results
The Volvo R70 is proving to be an economically convincing solution in daily 8- to 10-hour operations, with fuel consumption and a price-performance ratio that fully meet operational requirements. The well-thought-out ergonomics and improved suspension ensure a noticeably smooth ride in the cabin, supporting the driving personnel during long shifts. Thanks to the regional partnership with SSM and Robert Aebi, maintenance and service times are minimal, ensuring the machine's high availability in the tough daily quarry routine over the long term.
Written by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.
www.volvoce.com
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