Since early 2010, customers have benefited from the many industry-leading features and benefits of the Bell D-Series MkVI ADTs, which provide significant advantages in terms of ADT innovation and technology.

The MkVI upgrade focuses largely on electronic upgrades and enhancements to the operator station to further improve safety, ease of operation, noise level reduction, and vehicle protection.

State-of-the-art operating environment

The most recognisable change to the Bell MkVI ADT is located in the cab where the gear selection and bin-tip lever are now incorporated into a fully sealed switch module. This arrangement not only reduces wear and tear, it also optimises the cab's ergonomics by placing important controls within easy reach of the operator, creating an efficient operating environment.

The Bell MkVI ADT includes a keyless start which is protected by a numerical code and must be entered by the operator prior to starting the truck. Different options can be set to allow easy on-site management and automatic expiry of codes, which gives site management greater control of who can operate a specific vehicle and when.

The keyless engine stop includes a standard turbo spin down feature to regulate spin down time according to how hard the engine has been working.

Safety features are becoming increasingly important and the Bell MkVI ADT incorporates industry leading improvements. For example, the park brake application is automatic when selecting neutral and neutral cannot be selected above a speed of 5km/h. A pitch and roll measurement device has been fitted to the rear chassis to enable additional technology to be integrated into the machine's software.

This allows for the inclusion of numerous innovations, such as the Hill Assist feature. The inclinometer measures the angle of the vehicle and cross-references this with the exclusive on-board weighing feature, with the result that the park brake will only be released once a pre-programmed engine torque has been reached to ensure a controlled pull away with no rollback, even on the steepest of inclines.

Similarly, the machine angle and payload are cross-referenced on pull away so that if the vehicle is unlade, and on relatively flat terrain, it will automatically pull away in second gear. Apart from guaranteeing a smooth pull away and shifting, this feature also saves fuel by removing the unnecessary shift from first to second gear.

The roll detector can also be used on-site to set limits for when the bin-tip function can be activated.

If the vehicle is positioned at an angle where lifting the bin may cause instability, the software will prevent the bin from tipping and the operator will be warned of the potentially dangerous action on the display monitor.

Along with the standard OEM features of the MkVI upgrade, HCA has further enhanced safety by including as standard, a number of safety-related options such as an in-cab emergency stop, lockout kits, hi-visibility mirrors, additional work lights, and deluxe seating.

Operator comfort reaches a new high in the Bell MkVI ADTs. In addition to the improved ergonomics and inclusion of deluxe seating, CD player, and sun visor, operator comfort is further enhanced by significant reductions in noise levels. This is achieved through focused changes including a new headliner, hydraulic damper, and additional strategically placed insulation in the cab.

Fleetm@tic - The next generation

Coupled to the electronic innovations are enhancements to Bell Equipment's global fleet tracking system, Fleetm@tic. The second generation Fleetm@tic system provides customers with significantly improved reporting to the extent that reports on individual shifts and operators are possible. The standard functions of geofencing, fault warnings and service notification have also been retained.

Bell D-series MkVI specifications

Features included in the Mark VI upgrade, coupled with the existing advantages of low fuel burn, low daily operating costs, and high productivity reaffirm Bell as the safest and most innovative ADT on the market.

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA) is the national distributor of Bell Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs) in Australia.

Image: The Hitachi Bell MkVI ADT-leader in safety and innovation

For more information on this product phone 1300 HITACHI or visit www.hcma.com.au

www.hcma.com.au