First Volvo R70 in Europe begins work at German limestone quarry

SHF is the first customer in Germany and Europe to operate the new Stage V Volvo R70. The rigid hauler combines a 65-ton payload with advanced performance capabilities. The R70 draws on decades of rigid hauler expertise and development.

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

Sven Kersten, co-Managing Director at SHF, Volker Bonnke, Technical Product Specialist at Volvo CE and Klaus Schneider, Managing Director at SHR

Designed for operator comfort

At SHF, the R70 has impressed operators with its spacious cab, low noise levels and excellent all-round visibility. Designed to provide a comfortable and ergonomic working environment, the cab helps reduce operator fatigue throughout the day.

“The seating position is very good and very ergonomic,” said Klaus Schneider, Managing Director at SHF. “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.”

The machine also features cab access from both sides, improving safety and convenience during everyday operation. While operators typically use the left-hand entrance, details like these demonstrate the machine’s focus on practical usability as well as performance.

Maneuverability, traction and control

Built for demanding quarrying and mining environments, the R70 combines a 65-ton payload with a 42.4m³ body capacity to support efficient material transport. Its design delivers an effective balance of stability, traction and maneuverability, helping maximize productivity across varying site conditions.

A key feature is the MacPherson steering geometry, which uses compact struts mounted at the top of the body and at the bottom of the single lower wishbone. This design improves maneuverability, while enhancing ride comfort, particularly on uneven haul roads commonly found in quarry operations. The result is a smoother ride for operators and more precise machine control.

The R70’s V-shaped body supports efficient loading and fast material discharge during tipping. Combined with rapid lifting and lowering, this supports high productivity throughout the working day, a benefit that is already proving valuable for SHF.

Focus on efficiency and long-term value

Efficiency and long-term value were central to SHF’s decision to introduce the Volvo R70. The company wanted a machine capable of delivering strong economic performance throughout its working life.

 “Fuel consumption is important to us, and so is the overall economic performance of the machine,” said Klaus Schneider.

SHF’s rigid haulers typically achieve between 25,000 and 35,000 operating hours during their service lives, making durability and long-term reliability essential considerations when introducing a new machine.

“We want to embrace and test new technologies,” said Sven Kersten, co-Managing Director at SHF. “But ultimately it comes down to cost-effectiveness, value for money and keeping our operators satisfied.”

Building on a long rigid hauler heritage

SHF has operated rigid haulers since the late 1990s and has relied on Terex machines for many years. Following Volvo CE’s acquisition of the Terex rigid hauler business in 2014, the proven foundations of the machines have been combined with Volvo CE’s expertise in areas such as operator comfort and machine design. That heritage 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.