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2024 Exhibitor Press Releases

A view of the Hillhead show ground from the western end of the quarry

01 Jul 2024

Bell mark 70th anniversary with autonomous truck demo

Bell mark 70th anniversary with autonomous truck demo
The first autonomous ADT in the UK, a Bell B40E belonging to Chepstow Plant International (CPI), was introduced in March 2024 and was demonstrated at Hillhead 2024

To mark their seventieth anniversary and 40 years as an articulated dumptruck (ADT) manufacturer, Bell Equipment went full throttle at Hillhead 2024 where their latest innovation, an autonomous B40E ADT took part in live quarry demonstrations.

The B40E was the same machine that Bell UK customer Chepstow Plant International (CPI) have been using at Sibelco’s Cornwood china clay quarry, in Devon, since March 2024, when it was launched as the first autonomous ADT in the UK.

‘We were excited to be able to demonstrate our autonomous ADT at Hillhead and also have a static display so visitors could see exactly how the hardware is incorporated into the machine,’ said Bell Equipment product manager Brad Castle.

Supplied by technology platform specialists xtonomy, the hardware includes robust radar sensors, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems, and on-board processing hardware to create a drive-by-wire B40E solution.


‘We’re pleased by how our autonomous ADTs have enhanced operational efficiencies on the sites where they are working by being able to operate for longer periods, deliver really accurate tipping results, and improve productivity,’ said Mr Castle.

He added that further benefits associated with autonomous trucks include extended component life, reduced wear and tear, and environmental advantages due to improved fuel efficiency from enhanced operational efficiencies.

‘CPI’s autonomous B40E takes environmental benefits a step further by using HVO fuel instead of diesel, making the machine almost ‘carbon neutral’, which is a significant achievement in the current quarrying and mining industry.

‘Autonomous ADTs also improve site safety, as borne out by our two Bell B30E 6x6 test trucks, which have achieved over 1,000h of safe autonomous operation in a quarry in the Austrian Alps, without any incidents,’ explained Mr Castle.

When choosing to operate a Bell ADT autonomously, customers have a choice of third-party suppliers and the level of autonomy they want to achieve. ‘Along with xtonomy and Pronto AI, we have recently started working with UK company ABD Solutions, and Steer, a Norwegian company supplying autonomous haulage solutions for quarries and mines, as well as with American-based Teleo, who are working on a remote-control conversion of a Bell ADT,’ said Mr Castle.

Meanwhile, Bell Equipment’s niche 4x4 range was represented at Hillhead 2024 by the B45E 4x4, which is ideally suited to quarrying and smaller mining operations.

‘Our 4x4 range of ADTs have full articulation and oscillation steering so all four driving wheels are kept on the ground to utilize the traction that’s available. This makes them more capable off-road than conventional rigid trucks. The double axle also results in tighter turning circle for greater manoeuvrability and prevents tyre scuffing, reducing road maintenance costs,’ explained Mr Castle.

‘Like the other models in the 4x4 range, the B45E 4x4 has the same payload as the 6x6 model and features full suspension for improved ride comfort. It also has the option of a narrower bin for sites with width restrictions,’ he added.

Other machines on display at Hillhead 2024 included the EU-marked Bell B30E 27,000-litre water tanker, designed for dust-suppression duties on mines and construction sites, and the Bell tracked carrier, a robust solution for short-haul applications in soft underfoot conditions.

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