The MT51 from Moxy .. claimed to be the world’s largest articulated dumptruck.
Moxy drives into Saudi market
Moxy’s recent appointment of Al Mashrik as its Saudi distributor is seen as the first in a series of steps the company intends to take to establish itself as a leader in the dumptrucks market.
01 December 2007
Norway-based Moxy Engin-eering has appointed Al Mashrik Commercial Services (MCS) as the company’s sole distributor in Saudi Arabia, as part of a strategic move towards establishing a worldwide dealer network for its range of articulated and rigid dumptrucks.
“We have been looking for a reliable partner in the articulated and rigid dumptruck sector and finally found one in Moxy Engineering. We believe our partnership is a perfect match of a reliable product with a strong partner. We have employed an experienced and dedicated sales manager who, along with a professional sales team, will promote the Moxy brand throughout Saudi Arabia,” says Mohammed Abdul Azeem, director of sales and marketing of MCS.
Commenting on the sales that can be achieved, Azeem reckons the number of units sold will depend on the projects that come up every year in the country and the market's requirement. However, he is confident his sales team has the ability to take the number of units beyond the agreed target.
“The beginning of any business arrangement is usually tough and launching a new brand into our marketplace is always a challenge. Nevertheless, we are prepared to achieve it with total commitment, provided we receive the necessary support from Moxy,” he explains.
MCS is a subsidiary of the Al Mashrik Group, which was founded in 1976 as a construction contracting company, and is reputed for providing high quality services to the civil engineering, building, electrical and mechanical engineering industries. The group has increased its revenue by diversifying into other areas of construction-related activities, and is currently headquartered in Riyadh with branches in Dammam and Jeddah, employing over 3,800 people and having an average annual turnover of SR50 million ($13.40 million).
Jonathan Silvester, Moxy Engineering’s sales and marketing manager who brokered the appointment, points out: “The appointment of Al Mashrik Commercial Services as our dealer in Saudi Arabia is extremely significant for us. MCS has access to a very large market through its civil engineering activities as well as an existing large customer base built up by selling a wide range of construction equipment products that will fit comfortably with our range of articulated and rigid dumptruckss.”
The main markets for Moxy products in Saudi Arabia will be construction and mining with the Moxy MT41 and the new MT51 – currently the world’s largest articulated dumptruck – probably being the most popular models as customers in the kingdom tend to go for the bigger units. There has been a great deal of interest shown in the new Moxy AB51 rigid dumptruck, which could well get off to a flying start in the country when it becomes available around the middle of next year, says Silvester.
The MT51 was unveiled at the bauma held in April this year at Munich in Germany and is expected to be popular in earthmoving, quarrying and mining operations, he adds. The first MT51 models built were rolled off the line in October this year, following two years of design and development of producing and rigorous testing of the first prototypes.
The MT51 flagship offering joins the four other established Moxy dumptrucks, namely the MT26, MT31, MT36 and MT41 models, which currently offer payloads from 23 tonnes to just over 46 tonnes and engine outputs ranging from 228 kW for the MT26 up to 331 kW for MT41.
The company has grown to become one of the most innovative and progressive manufacturers of articulated dumptrucks (ADTs) in the world since it produced the first Moxy dumptruck in the 1970s at Elnesvagen near Molde in Norway,
“As one of the originators of ADTs, we have brought design concepts to a new level. Although we have been the market leaders in designing ADTs since the introduction of our Plus 1 concept in the late 1990s, there is never time to sit back and relax. At Moxy, we always want to push the boundaries so that we can continue to meet our customers’ current and future needs. The design team has really excelled itself with the MT51, as everything has been improved from running costs to driver comfort,” says Jamie Thomson, managing director of Moxy.
“Furthermore, the new model has already attracted much attention from potential customers. Not only are we cheaper than our competitors, but we have also improved the cost-per-tonne factor. The MT51 has a lower unladen weight, is more fuel efficient and has superior operator comfort – altogether a very attractive package for our customers,” he adds.
A look at the specifications of the MT51 reveals some impressive features, such as the 46.27-tonne payload capacity together with level and heaped body capacities of 22.8 cu m and 28.8 cu m respectively. The sloping chassis frame and body is the same design as used in the smaller models, which the company says ensures a low centre of gravity, good stability and weight distribution. The MT51 is claimed to be one of the most stable trucks, in the market thus eliminating the need for costly wide, low profile tyres, while its higher load capacity, fuel economy and low unladen weight should contribute to greater efficiency and a lower cost per tonne.
The MT51 is powered by a Tier 3-compliant Cummins QSX15 water-cooled diesel engine with an output of 374 kW. This powerful 15-litre, six-cylinder engine drives through an Allison 4600 ORS six-speed automatic transmission with lock-up in all gears.
Like the other models in the range, the new model has permanent six-wheel drive, a free-swinging rear tandem bogie, articulated hinge system, independent front wheel suspension and sloping rear frame, all combining to provide good driving stability in uneven terrain with equal power and weight distribution to the wheels. The dual-circuit hydraulically-operated brakes have enclosed oil-cooled wet multiple discs all round.
“One of the MT51’s features that we are keen to stress on is the location of the turning ring in relation to the swing point. Because the ring is located in front of the swing point, there is equal weight distribution to the front wheels in all applications including during full lock turning,” points out Thompson.
“Our competitors have located the turning ring behind the swing point, giving different weight distribution on the front wheels during turning. As a result of a larger load difference on the front wheels, other ADTs use a 100 per cent differential lock that causes steering difficulties when turning, thus creating more force on the driveline and higher wear and tear on the tyres,” he adds.
A highlight of the new MT51 is its upgraded rubber-mounted cab and bonnet design with air-conditioning and an air-suspension seat to provide the operator with better visibility, both front and rear, together with good ride characteristics and a low noise level of 74dB(A), contributing to safer and more comfortable working environment. In addition, the ‘tip-tronic’ gearshift enables the operator to drive the truck in both automatic and manual gear for smoother gearshifts and momentum. The cab tilts to one side to allow for servicing and access to major components.
