Bell TC11A '2021–pr.

18 July 2022

Following extensive field testing with US users and a successful North American debut at Conexpo 2020, Bell Equipment is now launching its new Tracked Carriers in Western Europe. On display at Bauma will be the Bell TC11A, the larger of the two versatile models with a payload of 11t.

The introduction of the new Tracked Carrier (TC) range from global ADT specialist, Bell Equipment, was preceded by several years of development.

As with other tailored solutions, such as its unique 4x4 ADT range, Bell Equipment sought close contact with end users throughout the pre-production stage to ensure that the expectations of its distribution and customers were met. The demand was first identified in the USA, notably the challenging pipelaying industry.

Prior to the unveiling of the two TC7A and TC11A models in early 2020, a group of US dealers were involved in reviews of the design before the prototype units were even manufactured.

The dealers were later involved in the prototype field tests in the USA and gave invaluable input to further fine-tune the Bell Tracked Carrier concept during this phase. This has enabled the company to design and manufacture a product that delivers far more than the competitor machines and differentiates the Bell product in the key areas of robustness, operator comfort and serviceability.

Tracked Carriers are used in tough situations where it’s not possible to use other machines; either the ground is so soft that an ADT would be too heavy and get stuck, or the angle of attack has the machine travelling straight up a hill, which would cause another machine to slip or roll. This means Tracked Carriers must be robust and Bell achieves this through the unique design of the undercarriage and choice of materials.

Bell ADT genetics are evident throughout the machines: Extensive use of high-strength steels in chassis and other assemblies makes Bell Tracked Carriers highly robust and ensures optimised net weights (TC7A: 10 950kg; TC11A: 13 960kg).

Both models are powered by the Stage 5 emissions complaint 6,7 litre Cummins engine (TC7A: 168 kW / 2 200rpm; TC11A: 186kW / 2 000rpm) and feature Rexroth hydraulics for optimised fuel consumption and performance. Bell Fleetm@tic®, the company’s proprietary telematics software is a standard feature enabling owners to monitor machine health, productivity and fuel economy.

Cab accessibility and operator comfort are other standout features. Unlike competitor machines that are fitted with generic excavator cabs, the TC7A and TC11A have a spacious purpose-built cab that is ROPS and FOPS certified and provides excellent visibility.

For ease of maintenance the service hatch, located on the left-hand side of the machine, houses all the service items in one place and at ground level for customer convenience and time saving. The Bell Tracked Carrier also has rubbers in the bogie pivots for reduced greasing requirements and improved wear.

Both models offer different configurations on the backend to suit a customer’s needs. The compact TC7A (W: 2 590mm, L: 5 690mm, H: 3 073mm) has a combination bin that can be used as a dump bed (3,5m³) or a flat deck when the sides are folded down and the tailgate is removed. The TC11A (W: 2 895mm, H: 3 200mm) can be ordered with either a dump bed (5,25m³; total length: 5 970mm) or a flat deck (total length: 6 833mm). The flat deck versions are suitable as universal carriers for equipping with lifting gear, concrete mixers or other special equipment.

Once the final homologations have been completed, Bell Equipment expects both models to be delivered from 2023.

https://www.bellequipment.com/miningconstruction/en-NA/about-us/latest-news/bauma-to-mark-bell-tracked-carrier-s-european-debut