Driveline
Cursor 8 and 13 litre engines with electronically controlled fuel injectors and an overhead camshaft deliver excellent torque at a range of engine speeds and engine brake functions to guarantee flexible running and high braking power to HD8 models, two fundamental features for use on construction sites.
The entire driveline is designed for the toughest, most demanding of missions: Astra offers a wide choice of ZF 16-speed mechanical transmissions, Astronic 16-speed automated transmissions and fully automatic transmissions for top-notch take-off efficiency and optimal traction on all terrain.
To adapt to mission requirements, Astra equips its vehicles with 8 t, 8.5 t or 9 t front steering axles and a remarkable, extra-strong 10 t capacity steering axle on 6x6 and 8x6 vehicles for the toughest use on soft, loose terrain, such as sand or mud alongside special versions with concentrated loads on the front axle (winches, cranes, perforating tools or more).
The chassis
The Astra chassis is the genuine strength of the HD8 series: made of special, very high-yield strength, steel, with parallel C section (320 x 90 x 10 mm) side rails for the entire length of the chassis, joined together by cross members.
With the highest Rail Bending Moment (R.B.M.) among competitors, the Astra chassis is famed for its ability of withstanding heavy loads on any type of terrain, minimising torsion stress and ensuring high stability even with a very high centre of mass. The simple construction of the structure and its toughness, which does not require additional reinforcement, allows body builders to simply and quickly mount any superstructure.
Cast leaf spring mountings and axle mounts, designed with very high factors of safety, best -in-class quality performance levels.
Suspension
HD8 range vehicles utilise parabolic leaf springs on both the front and rear axles for more comfortable and quieter running. Optional semi-elliptic leaf springs are available for specific applications where very high centres of mass and very arduous conditions of use are foreseen.
Body building
The most extreme body installations are possible by exploiting the extra features of the heavy duty chassis and new electronics control systems. The adoption of the Multiplex system allows body builders to manage engine speed and optimise the function of the various power take-offs. Outstanding versatility to satisfy all needs.
TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE VEHICLES ON DISPLAY
Truck mixer chassis with Cifa concrete mixer (12 cubic metres)
HD8 84.48 - Euro 5
8x4
Engine FPT Cursor 13
Displacement 12.882 Litres
Max. power 480 cv (353 kW) at 1900 rev/min
Max. torque 2300 Nm from 1000 to 1440 rev/min
Transmission ZF16S2520TO
Maximum technically
permitted mass 50,000 kg
Chassis cab
HD8 88.48 - Euro 5
8x8
Engine FPT Cursor 13
Displacement 12.882 Litres
Max. power 480 cv (353 kW) at 1900 rev/min
Max. torque 2300 Nm from 1000 to 1440 rev/min
Transmission ZF16S2520TO
Maximum technically
permitted mass 50,000 kg
HHD: IDEAL FOR SUPER TOUGH MISSIONS
The HHD (Heavy Heavy Duty) model, specifically designed for exceptional transport applications, is Astra's answer for tackling situations in which normal load and terrain turn into desert dunes, Siberian winters and extreme load conditions.
The new Astra HHD8 exploits the design and the main components of the Astra HD8 and is the best for the arduous petrochemical industry sector and for extra-heavy haulage in general because all research and solutions aim to ensure reliability and the capacity of dealing with the toughest of applications.
The specific features of these vehicles are high power and robustness of the following specific components:
Heavy-duty axles certified for a gross mass of up to 50,000 kg (10,000 kg on front axle and 40,000 kg on rear tandem) at a speed of 70 km/h (truck version) and a gross combined mass in excess of 250 tons when the optional WSK 440 torque converter is included in the drive line specification.
Extra strength parabolic front and rear leaf springs.
Extra capacity power steering system
Rear 14.00 R20 tyres, twined for the rear axles, specific for earth-moving machinery, to maintain a top speed of 70 km/h.
HHD8 66.54 - Euro 3
6x6
Engine FPT Cursor 13
Displacement 12.882 Litres
Max. power 540 cv (397 kW) at 1900 rev/min
Max. torque 2350 Nm (240kgm) from 1000 to 1690 rev/min
Transmission Transmatic ZF16S251 with WSK 440 torque converter
GCM over 250 t (subject to vehicle configuration)
AN ARTICULATED DUMPER FOR UNLIMITED MOBILITY
A 6x6 ADT30D articulated dumper will also be on show on the stand.
The distinctive features of Astra vehicles - power, strength, resilience and mobility - are epitomised in the ADT range. These articulated dumpers stand out for their unbeatable grip and traction, even on the most difficult terrain and operative agility also in the most inaccessible of places, with top-level handling, stability and comfort at all times.
The range currently features four models: ADT 25D, 30D, 35D, 40D, with a capacity of 23, 28, 31.5 and 36 t, respectively. All models are equipped with Cursor engines from 320 to 460 cv and automatic transmissions with Eco-Power selection mode.
The tipping body is actuated by twin dual-acting multistage hydraulic cylinders located in a perfectly protected position inside the chassis rails (an Astra exclusive). The body - with a heaped capacity from 14.5 to 22 m3 - has another exclusive feature: the rear trolley geometry, hinged under the frame rails instead of on the outside, is much wider than usual to provide better torsional resistance, improved vehicle stability and correct body positioning during tipping.
The model on show at the stand is equipped with front suspension with a beam axle connected to the transmission by means of a drive shaft and to the chassis by means of an A-Frame which increases driving comfort with its simple structure and simple maintenance providing advantages in machine productivity.
Another strength of the Astra articulated dumper is the cab, designed in compliance with ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure)/FOPS (Falling Objects Protective Structure) standards and designed around the operator with particular attention to driving comfort and visibility. Electronic instruments allow all parts of the vehicle to be monitored. Modern graphical information appears on a high-definition multifunction display for checking vehicle functions in real time and indicating accurate service schedule requirements.
The productivity of these vehicles must be guaranteed at top levels at all times. For this reason, all the technological solutions adopted aim at cutting routine and supplementary servicing times: the bonnet is electrically operated to make checking and servicing easier. Even the "gull-wing" front wheel mudguards open fully to ensure the best possible accessibility to mechanical parts under the cab, which in turn can be tipped leftwards by 53°.
The ADT range includes many customisation opportunities according to needs: extra strength body, for haulage of rocks or heated for easily dumping material in particularly cold climates. A chassis cab version of the ADT30 model is available for special body configurations, such as tanks, lumber transport beds or even concrete laying.
Articulated dumper
ADT 30D - TIER 3
6x6
Engine FPT Cursor 10
Displacement 10.300 litres
Max. power 353 cv (260 kW) at 1900 rev/min
Max. torque 1650 Nm at 1140 rev/min
Transmission Ergopower ZF6WG260 Automatic
Payload 28,160 kg
GVW 50,730 kg
Body capacity
levelled 13.7 m3
heaped 17.6 m3
A RIGID DUMPER IN WORLD PREVIEW
The brand-new RD40 rigid dumper, perfectly integrated and in line with the rest of the rigid dumper range with regards to appearance, will be on show at the stand in its world preview with a new cab and new technology solutions. The result confirms the remarkable reliability and strength of the product along with its extraordinary performance, safety and operating comfort for drivers. The innovations of the models shown on the stand are immediately visible in the new design that conveys the family feeling of the range, with rounder, more appealing lines.
The ROPS/FOPS standard compliant cab, positioned on the left, is made of steel and has large windows which extend into the lower part of the door to ensure optimal visibility. Innovative solutions for obtaining maximum safety and operative comfort are implemented throughout the cab. The spacious cab is fully pressurised, soundproofed and thermally insulated. Finding the perfect driving position is easy with the universally adaptable pneumatic suspension seat.
All instruments are arranged ergonomically around the operator and are easy to use. The new cluster - in common with the entire range - stands out due to the quantity and completeness of information managed via the Multiplex system. Three memory areas are devoted to engine, gearbox and vehicle to monitor all functions in real time.
The chassis is made of high-strength steel with two boxed chassis rails and a central, ring-shaped element (also boxed) to ensure top level torsion and bending resistance, further contributing to driving comfort.
The front and rear suspension system is also designed to ensure maximum driving comfort: independent steering wheels and hydro-pneumatic suspension cylinders on front end and fork with Panhard rod on the rear to allow adequate suspension travel on the roughest terrain, while the two hydro-pneumatic cylinders positioned behind the axle provide excellent vertical damping.
The body is made of high-strength steel and actuated by two three-element simple-acting telescopic hydraulic cylinders. In addition to enhancing its manoeuvrability, the particular compactness of the vehicle is exploited to increase body capacity, which now reaches 25.2m³ (heaped).
Another important innovation of the RD40 dumper is the new wheel hub/rear axle flanging system which replaces the old cone-shaped attachment to considerably facilitate easy wheel assembly operations in the event of repairs/servicing.
The current Astra rigid dumper range features four models - RD28, RD32, RD40 and RD50 - with capacity of 28, 32, 40 and 50 t, respectively. All models are equipped with Cursor engines from 350 to 500 cv, except for the RD50, the only model to fit a Deutz 680 cv engine. The automatic transmission has Eco-Power mode and integral retarder (standard or optional according to the model).
The RD range also offers many customisation possibilities with a wide range of optional equipment and bodies according to the intended vehicle mission.
Rigid dumper
RD 40 - TIER 3 NEW
4x2
Engine FPT Cursor 13
Displacement 12.882 litres
Max. power 500 cv (368 kW) at 1900 rev/min
Max. torque 2200 Nm from 900 to 1540 rev/min
Transmission Allison H 5610 AR Automatic
Payload 40,000 kg
GVM 70,000 kg
Body capacity
levelled 20 m3
heaped 25.2 m3
