An efficient articulated hauler operator combines technical expertise, safety, and situational awareness with effective communication and a commitment to productivity. Scottish ADT manufacturer Rokbak explains how to master the art of being a successful and trusted articulated hauler operator.
1. GET READY TO MOVE
Take control of the hauler and your daily work before the ignition has been switched on by making sure you know the truck. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the truck’s controls, capabilities, and limitations. This includes knowing how to operate it efficiently and safely in various conditions, such as on gradients, rough terrain, or in adverse weather.
2. CHECK THINGS OVER
At the start of the working day, prestart checks are essential. A diligent operator conducts routine truck inspections to make sure the truck is ready for work. You should check for pre-existing damage, including identifying leaks, loose parts, and the tire conditions. Make sure lights and beacons are fully operational and you have full visibility through the windows. Check fluid and battery levels daily. Rokbak trucks have ground-level test points and a fully tilting cab for quick, easy access when servicing. A thorough equipment walkaround before starting a shift can make a big difference, and it doesn’t require a lot of time.
3. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Before you start working, learn your worksite boundaries such as speed, ground bearing weight limits, travel direction, passing areas, width and height restrictions, and no-go areas. Know your hauler’s capacity and ensure you are aware of your truck’s working limits in regard to payload. Furthermore, keep an eye on how many buckets the loader is dumping in the truck to stay within the safe operating limits of the ADT and avoid accelerated component wear through overloading. Rokbak provides an optional onboard payload system and exterior payload lights, which indicate to both the truck and loader operators whether the payload is on target or overloaded. This information is recorded and transmitted via the Haul Track telematics system.
4. SAFE OPERATION
Follow all safe operating procedures when driving the truck. Keep under speed and under control on gradients and check grade guides for safe and controlled descent speed. Correctly use differential locks; you’ll want to employ them when you’re operating in soft or slippery ground conditions to maintain traction and control. Be aware of what equipment is on your haul route and what sort of traffic you can expect to encounter.
5. CORRECT USAGE
The Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers have fully enclosed multi-disc brakes on all six wheels plus a retarder to deliver safe, consistent performance. Understanding the correct use of the retarder can prolong the life of the service brakes and reduce maintenance intervals for lower total cost of ownership. If required, make use of the transmission lock in range or manual shift modes to maintain a steady ascent or descent on gradients.
6. STAY ALERT
A good ADT operator stays alert to their surroundings, including other workers, vehicles, and obstacles on site. They anticipate potential hazards and adapt their driving accordingly to maintain safety for themselves and others. Inevitably there will be challenges, such as navigating tight spaces. An alert operator can quickly assess situations, make informed decisions, and take appropriate action to resolve issues while minimizing downtime. Never operate an articulated hauler if feeling fatigued or unwell.
7. KEEP AN EYE ON TARGETS
Operating an articulated hauler requires attention to detail to ensure proper loading, unloading, and maneuvering of materials. While an integrated payload system can account for the number of loads moved, manually recording progress in relation to a target keeps productivity proceeding on schedule. For improved fuel efficiency, minimize heavy acceleration and aim to reduce unnecessary idle time whenever feasible.
8. DON’T IGNORE FAULT CODES
Critical information is delivered whenever system fault codes are triggered. If a truck does develop a fault, the operator will receive a warning symbol on the dashboard. Faults should be reported when they occur as continuing operating could exacerbate the issue. Following the truck’s advice means increasing uptime by avoiding potential disruptions. Effective communication with site supervisors, co-workers, and other equipment operators is crucial for coordinating tasks and ensuring smooth operations.
9. AND IN THE END…
At the end of a shift, follow the correct shutdown procedure. Allowing the truck to idle for a brief period at the end of a long workday enables the coolant to circulate through the engine. This helps to gradually lower the temperature, preventing potential damage from frequent “hot shutdowns” over time. Adhering to the correct maintenance, start-up, and shutdown procedures will help to keep operation costs low.
Rokbak is a manufacturer of off-highway articulated haulers that are used in construction, mining, and quarrying applications around the world. A member of the Volvo Group and headquartered in Motherwell, Scotland, UK, Rokbak has two models of articulated haulers, with payloads ranging from 30.9 to 41.9 tons. For more, visit www.rokbak.com.