THE versatility of Motherwell-built Rokbak haulers has been evidenced after Hydex adapted RA30 and RA40 ADTs into high-capacity water trucks to meet demand for dust suppression across North America.
The haulers are being upfitted with water tanks to be deployed across quarries, mines and infrastructure projects under the Hydex banner.
The RA30, with its 370-horsepower engine, now carries a 6,000 gallon water tank, while the 444-horsepower RA40 is matched with a 9,000 gallon tank – both equipped with spray and pumping systems for high-performance water distribution.
“This is about using a proven platform to meet a pressing and growing need,” explained Robert Franklin, director of sales – Americas at Rokbak. “The RA30 and RA40 give contractors the power, manoeuvrability and durability they need in a base machine – and now, with this adaptation, we’re showing just how far that platform can go.”
The idea to repurpose articulated haulers as water trucks came from the ground up. Hills Machinery, a Rokbak dealer based in North Carolina, saw how contractors were searching for tough, reliable machines that could do more than haul.
“We work with Rokbak on a daily basis and believe those to be the best two trucks to outfit these tanks with,” said Jim Hills, president of Hills Machinery and Hydex. “But we also recognise that some contractors will want to keep their fleet standardised so we’re happy to work with everyone to solve their dust suppression and water access needs.”
Hydex is supporting the rollout through Hills’ existing dealership network, with upfitting taking place at a facility in Seattle, Washington, and distribution coordinated through Hill’s location in Wilson, North Carolina.
Water is shot from an Elkhart water cannon to distances of over 213 ft, while operators can adjust pressure to 320, 480 or 630 gallons per minute. Multiple spray bars and nozzles offer customisation depending on site needs. A rear-mounted electric hose reel, Berkeley hydraulic water pump and optional suction system for drawing water from lakes or reservoirs round out the functionality.
“These tanks are serious pieces of equipment in their own right,” Jim added. “But what makes them truly effective is the machine underneath – the Rokbak hauler that keeps everything moving and delivers the power, even in the roughest terrain.”
Dust suppression is a growing regulatory issue in states such as California, Texas and Arizona, where construction activity is booming in arid environments.
Rokbak said that as Hydex scales production and more water trucks hit the field, all eyes will be on how the solution might open the door for further adaptations.
“We’re just getting started,” Jim revealed. “When you’ve got a reliable chassis and a clear market need, the opportunities are endless.”
