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

  • The payload answer for ADT haulage?
    July 8, 2016
    Will increased ADT load capacity provide a suitable solution to increasing aggregate and earthmoving haulage needs? Mike Woof reports The rule of thumb with off-highway machinery is that for bulk operations, larger equipment can deliver economies of scale, with bigger payloads allowing a better cost/tonne. Heavier machines may be less versatile than more compact units, so a type of equipment that retains its versatility as it is scaled up in size can offer major benefits. For the articulated dumptruc
  • GKD’s new safety system for excavators
    April 10, 2018
    GKD Technologies is launching its new Sensor Height & Slew system, which has been designed for construction job-sites. The system suits use on excavators operating in restricted areas and height-confined spaces. The retro-fit system is said to safeguard the operator and also prevent potential machine damage. The package offers the ability to monitor and control height, or slew, or a combination of both Height and Slew. Programming of height and slew limits is carried out using the new integrated display
  • Novel demolition machines
    May 9, 2023
    The market for ruggedised demolition excavators has very specific requirements, with three new models now available – Mike Woof writes
  • Volvo CE stages successful six-site paving demo
    April 11, 2013
    Volvo Construction Equipment’s (CE) dealer in the Netherlands, Kuiken, recently hosted a live, five-day demonstration program using a Volvo P7820C ABG paver machine. On a road trip across the country, the Kuiken team visited six different customers, travelling more than 1,700km in total, and clocking up more than 60 hours of paving. “We wanted to test how the market and existing customers, as well as potential ones, would react to the Volvo P7820C ABG machine,” says Arjen Mostert, sales & support manager of