Rokbak RA30 Articulated Dump Trucks Essential To Water Conservation Pipeline Project In Utah

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Two Rokbak RA30 articulated dump trucks have been assisting with the Steinaker Service Canal Enclosure Project, the largest-diameter HDPE pipe installation in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Rokbak.)

Utah-based contractor BHI recently purchased two Rokbak RA30 articulated dump trucks to assist with a large-diameter water pipeline project near the city of Vernal in northeastern Utah. Since September, the off-highway dumpers have been hauling considerable amounts of rock and rubble for the excavation and backfill phases of the Uintah Water Conservancy District’s Steinaker Service Canal Enclosure Project.

“The RA30 is a top-performing machine,” says BHI truck operator Reese Shultz. “It’s fuel-efficient, powerful, and with features like the tailgate helping to maximize load retainage as well as multiple reverse gears enabling quick cycle times, it’s been designed for productivity. It also has excellent mobility and it’s relatively narrow (10.5 feet [3.2 meters] at its maximum width), which is hugely beneficial in confined job site spaces.”

A Big Dig

The Steinaker Service Canal Project is intended to provide a firm, pressurized supply of water for the area’s irrigation needs without losses from evaporation or seepage. BHI is installing 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of 78-inch (1.98-m), high-density polyethylene pipe, which will make the canal the largest-diameter HDPE pipe installation in the U.S., according to Rokbak.

The RA30s’ maneuverability, traction, and all-weather operation were among the qualities that endeared them to their new drivers, in addition to their creature comforts. “One of the first things I noticed when I started using the RA30 was that it has proper visibility, from a comfy seat, in a quiet cab, and the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system works really well,” says another BHI truck operator, Dustin Gardner. “It’s a real solid ride and it’s comfortable to operate over various ground conditions.”

BHI expects work to be completed on the canal project in April 2023.

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The RA30s’ maneuverability, traction, and all-weather operation were among the qualities that endeared them to their new drivers, in addition to their creature comforts. (Photo courtesy of Rokbak.)

All-Terrain Reliability

Rokbak engineers its haul trucks for use in infrastructure and commercial construction projects, in addition to quarries and mines. The RA30 can haul up to 30.9 tons (28 metric tons) and has a heaped capacity of 22.9 cubic yards (17.5 cubic meters). Its fuel-efficient diesel engine produces 370 horsepower (276 kilowatts) and 1,387 pounds-foot (1,880 newton-meters) of torque.

The articulated RA30 has a 45-degree steering angle and a turning radius of just 27.75 ft (8.4 m). The steering cylinders have cushioned bump stops and the transmission’s gear shifts are smooth to avoid jarring the driver. The truck’s pressurized cab has plenty of room and is rollover protection system (ROPS)/falling object protection system (FOPS)-compliant for safety.

A standard, independent front suspension and fully enclosed, oil-cooled, multi-disc brakes help the RA30 to navigate broken terrain and slopes. Transmission retarders and exhaust brakes assist with controllability without wearing on the primary brake pads. For ease of service, the RA30 has test points at ground level, a fully tilting cab, and a hood that can be raised electronically.

Source: Rokbak