Skip to main content

Volvo develops pipe-laying equipment

Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) claims its new PL3005D pipelayer could be “revolutionary” in its market. Said to offer an unbeatable combination of superior stability with a 50tonne lifting capacity, the 35tonne 151kW Volvo D8H engine powered machine is part of Volvo CE’s comprehensive range of Tier 4 Interim launches. Due to its claimed ability to swing its superstructure through 360° the PL3005D can easily handle large, heavy pipes and place them anywhere around the machine, said to be unthinkable with
November 30, 2012 Read time: 3 mins

Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) claims its new PL3005D pipelayer could be “revolutionary” in its market.

Said to offer an unbeatable combination of superior stability with a 50tonne lifting capacity, the 35tonne 151kW 2394 Volvo D8H engine powered machine is part of Volvo CE’s comprehensive range of Tier 4 Interim launches.

Due to its claimed ability to swing its superstructure through 360° the PL3005D can easily handle large, heavy pipes and place them anywhere around the machine, said to be unthinkable with traditional side boom pipelayers. The machine can also swap booms and convert into deployment as a standard excavator.

Operable on slopes of up to 30° and rugged terrain, the PL3005D’s heavy-duty mechanical slew lock firmly fixes the superstructure at any angle in relation to the undercarriage, protecting the transmission and beneficial when fixing the load in a static position or during tie-in operations. The undercarriage’s high ground clearance is said to allow use in rugged conditions.

The pipelayer’s Load Management System (LMS) is said by Volvo CE to enable the operator to see what weight can be safely lifted at any position relative to the slope. Using inputs from the hook, boom and base machine-mounted sensors allows the system to monitor boom angle, machine orientation and inclination. The computer uses this information to continuously calculate and display real-time actual loads and related work loads. The operator receives relevant information, and accompanying graphic displays, on an in-cab monitor. Visible and audio warning signals notify when the safe load limit is reached, including green, yellow, and red light bars on both sides of the boom.

Another standout feature on the PL3004D is the innovative CareTrack telematics system. CareTrack manages a machine’s output and maximises its availability for work. Using a GPRS mobile network or satellite technology, the system reads information on a wide range of machine data, including fuel consumption, location, and service reminders. The data is then made available securely to any remote online connection.

With up to 80% of parts shared with its sibling excavator, the servicing, wear parts and replacement and maintenance requirements of having a PL3005D in the fleet is said to be considerably eased.
Speaking at July’s media launch of the PL3005D pipelayer Tomas Kuta, sales president for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “We have had a lot of positive reviews from customers. We think this could be revolutionary in the pipelayer machine market.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Volvo strengthens German distribution with sale of Bavarian dealer
    January 6, 2017
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has divested its wholly-owned dealership in south-east Germany, Volvo Baumaschinen Bayern (VBB), to neighbouring distribution partner Robert Aebi. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes the transfer of the company including all assets, employees and sales territory. The distribution in the south of the country, with Robert Aebi, now consists of a well-financed, independent and strategically aligned partner and this latest move strengthens Volvo CE’s competitive po
  • Volvo strengthens German distribution with sale of Bavarian dealer
    February 26, 2013
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has divested its wholly-owned dealership in south-east Germany, Volvo Baumaschinen Bayern (VBB), to neighbouring distribution partner Robert Aebi. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes the transfer of the company including all assets, employees and sales territory. The distribution in the south of the country, with Robert Aebi, now consists of a well-financed, independent and strategically aligned partner and this latest move strengthens Volvo CE’s competitive po
  • New developments in earthmoving with radical loader and excavator designs
    March 15, 2017
    The market is seeing new wheeled loader and excavator models coming to market, including some radical new designs - Mike Woof writes. The global market for earthmoving machines is seeing some important developments. Manufacturers are now offering separate machines for customers in developed and developing markets. Meanwhile there are also some innovative concepts being made available. One of the most notable new earthmovers is the innovative VL70A vertical lift wheeled loader from LiuGong. This model featur
  • First Volvo EC480E High Reach arrives in United Kingdom
    February 7, 2017
    The first Volvo EC480E high reach demolition machine to arrive in Great Britain has been sold to Wessex Demolition & Salvage in the southern English coastal city of Southampton. “Following the purchase of our first mid-sized excavators rigged for secondary demolition duties, it was time to replace our older high-reach machine,” explained Wessex contracts manager Ashley Grant. “This, coupled to the performance and reliability of our EC300E and two EC250E’s we purchased last year, and with our own operator