It takes a confident company to design a whole new family of products from scratch when its existing range is regarded by many as a market leader. But that is exactly what Volvo CE has done with its new Volvo G900 motorgraders. Built on two distinct but integrated platforms, there are seven models, including two all-wheel drive machines. Fitted with either a Volvo D7 or Volvo D9 engine, the Volvo G900 product lineup is designed to combine the attributes of productivity, operator friendliness, reliability and ease of service, according to the manufacturer.
The seven models of the range are the Volvo G930, Volvo G940, Volvo G946, Volvo G960, Volvo G970, Volvo G976 and the Volvo G990 — 34,290, 35,179, 36,710, 36,768, 39,026, 40,554, 46,281 lb. (15,554, 15,957, 16,650, 16,678, 17,702, 18,395 and 20,993 kg), respectively. The first four models were engineered with the 7.2-L Volvo D7 engine. The larger three use the 9.4-L Volvo D9 engine. Volvo engines were identified as being ideal for these applications, as they produce high torque at low engine speeds, delivering responsiveness and fuel efficiency.
Through extensive operator input, Volvo has integrated into the design the requirements of motorgrader customers and users worldwide. The Volvo G900 motorgraders combine the technological strength of the Volvo Group with familiar Volvo CE attributes.
Each Volvo G900 motorgrader features EU Stage IIIA and U.S. Tier III-certified Volvo engines utilizing Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology (V-ACT). These engines run cleanly without the extra service requirements of additional equipment or after-treatment of exhaust gases, according to the manufacturer.
All seven models have three power ranges, depending upon the transmission gear selected, as standard equipment. This feature works to optimize engine performance and enhance overall fuel efficiency by matching engine power to the application. Wide-stance blade-lift cylinders coupled with the low-angle side-shift cylinder provide a stable grading platform. Proportional Demand Flow (PDF) intelligent load sensing hydraulics and a powerful twin-gear, direct drive circle turn system result in a precise, instantly responsive earthmoving tool. It also provides high strength to hold or turn the moldboard smoothly while moving under full load. This accuracy of control and performance results in more one-pass finishes which contributes significantly to productivity and cost saving, according to the manufacturer.
Built-in Productivity
The power and precision of motorgraders lies in their ability to translate engine power into useable traction and control. And the transmission is central to this. The Volvo G900 motorgraders use the Volvo-designed HTE840 transmission, which has selectable manual, autoshift (optional) and travel modes. With autoshift, the operator selects the target gear and the transmission shifts automatically through turns and grades as needed. Its shuttle-shift feature aids quick, simple duty cycles by allowing shuttling between selected forward and reverse gears in a single smooth motion without clutching or pausing.
Autoshift comes standard on the Volvo exclusive HTE1160 transmission — the industry’s first 11-speed motorgrader drive train. With 11 forward and six reverse speeds, the optional HTE1160 transmission allows more control (at low speeds), more efficient travel (at high speeds) and more precision in the normal working speeds. Such control also pays dividends when it comes to fuel economy as the engine can be operated at its most economical revolutions per minute, smoothly and efficiently.
Lifelong Reliability
The robotically welded frame helps ensure structural rigidity while the full-perimeter rear-frame design protects the power train from load stresses created by side and rear attachments, such as rippers, scarifiers or plows. The structural design of the grader is focused on placing its power and weight to maximize blade-down force and drawbar pull rates.
At the rear, Volvo APR70 and APR90 planetary reduction axles reduce loading on tandem chains and deliver both power and traction to the ground efficiently. To match grader performance with tractive conditions, an operator can lock or unlock the rear axle differential with a simple on-off switch.
The front axle has a high-center ground clearance, a sharp steering angle and a minimum of components to minimize maintenance. In fact, there is no daily greasing or weekly servicing required with a Volvo G900 motorgrader, as the standard oil change interval is 500 hours. Even fueling is easy, with ground-level access. Sight glasses and level sensors take care of the rest. The now familiar Contronics electronic monitoring system has been expanded in the Volvo G900 motorgrader with more grader functions being analyzed.
All-Purpose All Wheel Drive
The two all wheel drive (AWD) models in the range offer three distinct features in their drive systems. The powerful six-wheel drive combines with an efficient four-wheel tandem drive and the front-wheel creep mode, which is ideal for precise fine-grade applications. The operator has 16 selectable levels of aggression to match AWD performance to the task at hand for ultimate control.
A Great Place to Go to Work
ROPS/FOPS certified, the Volvo cabs’ familiar styling features expansive glass areas providing enhanced ground-up visibility from the forward, rear and downward views. The operator is aided by six interior and exterior mirrors, which together give a commanding view around the machine. Open the cab door, and the steps and handholds are illuminated automatically for safer entry and exit. Extensive noise and vibration suppression is designed into the cab to maximize operator productivity. The cabin is pressurized and two large-capacity filters maintain a constant flow of clean air from 10 outlets.
All essential operator controls are mounted on a slide and tilt adjustable center pedestal. Low-effort pedals and short-throw levers help reduce operator fatigue. Mounting brackets also are provided so that communications equipment can easily be installed.
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