Volvo Centaur - Concept Articulated Hauler
Presented here is the first of a selection of concept models depicting Volvo's view into the future of construction equipment. The model is 1:50th scale and highlights a number of concepts and interesting design chioces which may some day find themselves on production equipment.
Operator access into the cab is one clever design feature with the entire machine bowing down and the front body panel folding forward to provide a small set of steps leading up into the cabin while the front windscreen raises up giving unobstructed access. The cab frame offers commanding views all round the machine and this has been cleverly modelled with a lattice frame structure.
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The Electric Hybrid drive system is at the heart of the machine which is enhanced with regenerative braking and the wheels on the replica have some very nice internal detailing, showing the brake discs within the wheel hubs.
The front unit has work lights integrated into the bumper along with side wheel covers which move up and down with the suspension arms. The paint finish is very good and another safety concept has been highlighed with the blue line simulating the laser proximity system |
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Each wheel houses an independent electric motor which provides the drive force and without the need for drive shafts, the wheels are mounted on independent swinging arms which allow smooth travel over the roughest terrain. |
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The suspension system allows the machine's ride height to be adjusted, lowering for easier loading while raising up to give better clearance to obstacles and this is all functional on the model
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The front unit can be uncoupled from the trailer, ballancing using powerful computers and gyroscopes, allowing different work applications to be performed easily and this has been replicated on the model, removing the metal pin allows the front unit to be removed and a plastic support is provided in the box allowing the unit to be posed upright and ballanced (pictured above)which is another nice addition. |
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The model has a two piece haul body which simulates an interesting safety feature with the front part sliding into the rear part during the discharge cycle, reducing the overall height of the machine for greater stability, complete with a folding tailgate.
Brake lights have been incorporated into the rear of the chassis and on extending brackets fitted to the dump body while the blue line simulating the proximity safety system runs along the length of the tipping body with the Volvo name embossed into the upper sides. The skip remains in the raised position but it is not possible to set it at any position in between.
