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Doosan ADT tackles German clay pit

Clay and loam pits are tough workplaces for machines, where the access roads are often poor and can only be travelled by vehicles that have excellent rough terrain capabilities and enormous power. This is especially the case at the clay and loam pit run by Creaton GmbH in Langenreichen-Buttenwiesen in Bavaria, southern Germany.

To overcome these tough conditions and ensure efficient and safe transport of materials at all times, the company therefore relies on articulated dump trucks (ADTs) from Doosan. The latest addition to the Creaton fleet is a new Doosan DA45-7 ADT, powered by the new Scania’s Stage 5-compliant, 13-litre DC13 diesel engine, purchased from Süddeutsche Baumaschinen GmbH and its distribution partner, Nestel Baumaschinen GmbH.

Although the routes in and out of the Langenreichen-Buttenwiesen clay pit are not too long, at around 500m in length, the terrain is extremely challenging, especially in wet conditions. Soft ground and ascents and descents with gradients of up to 25% are all par for the course. One thing above all counts in these conditions and that is rough terrain capability.

Like all Doosan ADTs, the new DA45-7 features an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel and guarantees permanent 6-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and excellent performance particularly on difficult terrains such as soft ground, uneven surfaces, very steep slopes, tight turns or a combination of all of these difficult conditions.

Combined with its high engine power of 500hp, the DA45-7 can transport its 41-tonne payload of material up the steep inclines to the intermediate storage area at the pit, even in wet and extremely slippery conditions.

Creaton has equipped the DA45-7 with some special features for use in clay and loam pits. For example, the wide Michelin 875/65 R29 XADN tyres with their low ground pressure further enhance comfort for the driver in the ADT. The Grammer adjustable suspended operator seat, an improved layout for the display which is easier to use even for tired eyes and the GRIFA Softstep step up, all increase the driver's comfort. The DA45-7 at Creaton is also equipped with an optional hauler heating system, that allows the body of the machine to be heated by using exhaust gases, which is the most economical method compared to other energy sources for this heating option.

From March to November, the ADTs work reliably for around 1,000 hours a year in the clay and loam pit at Creaton, a member of the Etex Group. The previous DA40-5 scored lots of points in this area with its exceptionally low downtime. "The ADTs from Doosan have proved to be extremely robust and if there is an issue, we can always rely on the very fast, good quality service provided by Süddeutsche Bau and Nestel Baumaschinen and on a fast supply of spare parts," Roland Kanefzky emphasised.

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