This is part of Bell’s strategy to grow its own range of manufactured product for the global market.
Designed to meet the emerging needs of the grader industry, Bell Equipment has expanded its mining and construction OEM product range to include motor graders. With several units running in diversified applications, production has been set to begin as early as Q3 2024.
The Bell Motor Grader follows the introduction of the Bell Tracked Carrier in 2020 and is a significant step forward in the company’s strategy to grow its own range of manufactured product for the global construction and mining industries.
Bell will initially offer three base machines. The G140 is well suited to all maintenance and light to medium construction tasks while the G160, with its increased power and performance, is designed to handle heavy construction applications. Completing the range is the G200, which is designed for bulk earthworks and the mining industry.
Each base machine has the option of a four- or six-wheel drive configuration. The Bell Grader has been designed as a truly international product with the capability to meet varying emission regulations in international markets as well as different types of operator controls. The South African launch of this product is only the start of an exciting journey. Bell will be launching graders into its various international markets in a staged approach.
Automation has been one of the significant drivers in the motor grader design process to allow the operator to be more focused on the job at hand and the final product of his grade while still improving fuel efficiency and component life expectancy.
Recognising the diverse range of applications and often remote uses of motor graders, Bell has standardised on high-quality, low-maintenance components, such as a fully sealed circle bearing. This provides extended service intervals and consistent grading performance without the need to make regular adjustments. To simplify operations further, advanced diagnostics are incorporated into the machine to reduce the complexity of daily checks and servicing efforts.
The Bell Graders are fitted with Cummins engines and ZF transmissions. The G140 uses the Ergopower transmission while the larger G160 and G200 use the cPower transmission. The Ergopower transmission is well respected in the grading application for entry level units and the cPower transmission provides for higher duty applications.
The Bell design team also focused on providing long-term durability across all structures. According to the results of strain gauge testing, the main frame will provide a life expectance exceeding market norms by 40%. The tandem axle, with enhanced bearing and interaxle cooling, provides reliable performance in long-haul applications.
Bell Equipment’s test and prototype graders have already been operating with great success in a wide variety of applications from landscaping through heavy ripping and final levels to overall road construction. Source