Volvo Construction Equipment has announced the development of a new product class of pipelaying machines targeting, primarily, contractors in the on-shore oil and gas industry. Believed to be the most significant equipment innovation in this industry segment in nearly 80 years, it is anticipated that the new class will be available to the North America market in the second quarter of 2008.
The patented-design Volvo Pipelayer represents a major technical advance over traditional pipelaying dozers with a side-based boom, the basic design of which originated in the 1930’s and has changed little since.
The Volvo class of purpose-built pipelaying equipment includes five models – the Volvo PL4611C, Volvo PL4608C, Volvo PL2904C, Volvo PL7015C and Volvo PL2102C. Lift capacities range from 20 metric tons to 150 metric tons, originating from a patented adaptation of Volvo excavator-machines combined with modern lifting technology.
With its excavator configuration, the new Volvo equipment provides a 360-degree swing with full lifting performance and functionality at all radius positions – a function unattainable with conventional pipelayers. Conventional dozer side-based booms are limited to a fixed position for lifting off one side only with boom mountings on the outside of the track roller frames, limiting stability. By comparison, the Volvo Pipelayer has a wider gauge, lower center of gravity, and a lifting platform where the boom is mounted inboard of the track frame and closer to the machine’s centerline. This combination offers superior stability to work on slopes with much higher lift capacities – up to 29% higher – than conventional equipment. The largest Volvo pipelayer model, the Volvo PL7015C, has a 150 metric ton maximum tipping lift capacity, a capacity 41% higher than the largest pipelaying side-based boom dozer. The boom, car body, and roller frames also provide structural integrity to manage these higher loads.
Volvo Pipelayers have significantly longer booms that offer higher hook height for better work positioning – or in working further away from the trench to avoid caving in side walls. Boom lengths range from 30 feet to 38 feet, depending on model size, compared to typical dozer side-based booms of 20 feet to 28 feet.
Safety is a major design factor
Volvo Pipelayers are fitted with the modern on-board Load Management System (LMS) that is designed to enable the operator to better determine what he can safely pick up depending on the angle of the boom, the cab’s position relative to the tracks, and the incline on which the machine is operating.
Load charts are constantly updated for 360-degree rotation and infinite machine geometries up to a 35-degree grade slope. The system matches and coordinates these factors to current operating conditions via a graphic display on a monitor in the cab, including a wide variety of warning and operational aids. Load-indicating light bars, located on the boom tips, provide visible warning to the operator, adjacent operators and ground personnel to optimize safety and site management. The LMS is a major improvement over traditional side-based booms that have only been rated for flat, level ground operation and not generally available with on-board monitoring.
The new Volvo Pipelayer is equipped with an anti-two-block device as standard, designed to improve safety with auto kick-out at full lift. Visibility is substantially improved over conventional machines thanks to elevated cabs and an asymmetric boom design, and the wide gauge of the Volvo Pipelayer also allows the straddling of the trench if this suits the project layout.
Load positioning with a simple swing
Dozer side-based booms do not swing through positions. Positioning a load with these conventional machines often requires jockeying the entire machine by twisting and turning the tracks, a method that is time consuming, inaccurate, and can be unsafe. The Volvo Pipelayer positions its load smoothly by simply swinging the upper structure – just like an excavator. The result is precise, efficient load positioning that increases both productivity and safety. These new machines also have a mechanical, upper structure swing lock for working on severe grades.
The excavator undercarriage system allows for counter-rotation of the tracks for easy positioning and directional changes. High-ground clearance ensures the ability to work in rugged terrain and muddy conditions. Single and double grouser shoes are available to ensure solid footing in most conditions.
Cost-saving versatility
One of the key benefits of the new Volvo Pipelayer is the cost-saving versatility of its design. Conventional side-based boom dozers, traditionally built on a heavily modified track-type platform, cannot be adapted for other uses while the Volvo Pipelayer equipment, built on the Volvo excavator platform, are multi-purpose machines.
When not being used for laying pipe, the Volvo Pipelayer can be quickly converted into a high-production excavator or used in applications that would ordinarily require a crane in a variety of applications where their heavy-lift capability can be brought into play.
Innovation is a key factor
Adding to the versatility of the Volvo Pipelayer is its ease of transportation. Transportation requirements and restrictions often limit optimum machine size selection on a project or in the anticipation of future projects. Larger models of the Volvo Pipelayer – where transport is an issue – are designed with variable gauge or easily removable track side frames, counterweights and booms. This permits easy disassembly to roadable weight modules. The new equipment can self-disassemble and self-reassemble without the need for other lifting machine assistance. The entire process – either way – can be accomplished in less than one hour.
This creates an ease and efficiency of transportation that lowers the cost of ownership considerably over the lifetime of the machine.
The Volvo Care Cab
The Volvo Pipelayer is equipped with the Volvo Care Cab, an operator environment well known for its spaciousness, excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and climate control – a quantum leap from the “perch” of conventional side-based boom pipelaying dozers exposed to the weather. The features of the Volvo Care Cab increase operator comfort and efficiency – and are especially welcome on demanding pipeline projects where site conditions can be extremely harsh.
In summary, the new Volvo Pipelayer offers:
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Innovative, patented, 360-degree swing design
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Cost-effective versatility as a pipelayer or excavator – for expanded machine utilization and additional profit centers
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Advanced technology
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Volvo reliability
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Built-in safety features designed to meet the most exacting industry standards
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Ease of transportation