Volvo’s First R70 in Europe Goes to Work in a German Limestone Quarry

The first Volvo R70 rigid hauler in Europe has started work in Germany, giving Volvo Construction Equipment a new reference point for its rigid hauler range in the region.

The Stage V machine has been delivered to SHF Steinbruchbetriebe for operation at Bettenfeld Quarry, where payload, traction, operator comfort and long-term machine value are central to daily production.

Built at Volvo CE’s Motherwell facility in Scotland, the R70 brings the company’s rigid hauler heritage into a demanding limestone quarry environment. For SHF, the decision to introduce the model reflects both confidence in proven rigid hauler technology and the need for a machine capable of delivering efficient performance over a long service life.

“The customer was looking for a Volvo machine that could deliver both efficiency and performance. The R70 has been designed to meet those expectations, combining high productivity with operator comfort and safety.”

Said Volker Bonnke, Technical Product Specialist at Volvo CE. 

At SHF, operator feedback has focused strongly on the cab. The R70 offers a spacious working environment, low noise levels and broad all-round visibility, all designed to support operators during long shifts in quarry conditions. The cab layout is intended to reduce fatigue while keeping controls and sightlines practical for everyday hauling work.

“The seating position is very good and very ergonomic. The steering wheel and seat can be adjusted to suit the operator, and the cab itself makes a very positive impression. It is quiet, clear and designed with practical quarry operations in mind.”

Said Klaus Schneider, Managing Director at SHF. 

The machine also includes cab access from both sides, improving convenience and safety during routine operation. Although operators generally use the left-hand entrance, Volvo CE highlights such details as part of the R70’s focus on usability as well as production performance.

In the quarry, the R70 combines a 65-ton payload with a 42.4m³ body capacity, supporting efficient transport of material across demanding haul roads. Its design is intended to balance stability, traction and maneuverability, helping the machine maintain productivity across changing ground and site conditions.

One of the machine’s key technical features is its MacPherson steering geometry. The system uses compact struts mounted at the top of the body and at the bottom of the single lower wishbone. According to Volvo CE, this arrangement improves maneuverability and ride comfort, particularly on uneven haul roads often found in quarrying operations. For operators, that means smoother travel and more precise control during daily cycles.

The R70’s V-shaped body is designed to support efficient loading and fast material discharge during tipping. Together with rapid lifting and lowering, the body design is aimed at keeping cycle times productive throughout the working day.

Efficiency and long-term value were important factors in SHF’s decision. The company wanted a rigid hauler able to deliver strong economic performance over its full working life, not just high output in the short term.

That focus is particularly relevant for SHF, where rigid haulers typically remain in operation for between 25,000 and 35,000 hours. In that context, durability, reliability and operator acceptance become essential parts of the purchasing decision.

“We want to embrace and test new technologies, but ultimately it comes down to cost-effectiveness, value for money and keeping our operators satisfied.”

Said Sven Kersten, co-Managing Director at SHF. 

SHF has used rigid haulers since the late 1990s and has relied on Terex machines for many years. Volvo CE’s acquisition of the Terex rigid hauler business in 2014 brought those established machine foundations together with Volvo CE’s experience in areas such as operator comfort and machine design. That background helped give SHF the confidence to become the first customer in Europe to put the R70 into operation.

Local support for the machine is provided by Volvo CE dealer Robert Aebi and partner SSM.