Meet the 922G: The Latest Generation Dump Truck from Hydrema

Hydrema, the company renowned for producing some of the best off-road dump trucks, has recently released the 922G. The first of many has just landed in New Zealand, a great opportunity for a deep dive into what makes this machine the high performer that it is.

With maximum traction, better grip and record low ground pressure, the 922G Series will shift material wherever you need it with efficiency. Couple this with new features like payload measuring and hoist assistance, the 922 is as safe as it is quick.

Cab and controls

Access up to the cab is aided with generously-sized steps and handrails, making the climb safe and easy. The Hydrema's cab provides great all-round visibility with plenty of glass and narrow cab pillars. An unobstructed view to the front and sides is obtained and helped further by a sloping engine cover. The air-suspended seat soaks up the remaining bumps from the visco-elastic suspended cab mounts, giving a very smooth ride in all ground conditions.

Most of the switches are conveniently mounted on the two right-hand cab pillars, allowing them to be easily identified and reached. With the press of a button, the right-hand joystick raises and lowers the body. Incorporated into the top of the joystick are forward/reverse and plus, minus and neutral gear selection buttons. A holding brake for use when tipping the body is included. Large mirrors provide a good view to the rear. These are heated and can be electrically adjusted by controls in the cab.

Engine & driveline

In rough terrain, engine power and torque make all the difference. Equipped with the EGR-free 6-cylinder Cummins B6.7 Stage-V engine and an intelligent 6-gear ZF Soft-Shift transmission, the performance of the 922G Series is better than any previous 20 tonnes dump truck from Hydrema. The intelligent transmission effectively translates the engine’s 314 hp and 1288 Nm of torque into the maximum tractive effort. Moreover, the advanced transmission shifting system guarantees a smooth gear shift, preventing the wheels from slipping and continuing to provide maximum torque and traction. At the same time, the improved fuel economy and longer maintenance intervals between the changing of Fuel & Oil filters contribute to a reduced cost of operation and lower Total Cost of Ownership.

Design and maintenance

The Hydrema has been carefully designed and built to last. Quality Hardox steel is used in the construction of the dumper body and features a very steep tip angle of 70° for a full discharge of sticky material in a fast time of 7.5 seconds up and 5.5 seconds down. To achieve a low tare weight while retaining durability, high tensile steel is used in the fabrication of the chassis. The engine bonnet electrically opens for easy access to the engine and cooling system and opens well forward to provide maximum room. Unique to Hydrema is the pendulum bar centre pivot with double hydraulic stabilisers This design ensures excellent stability while driving and when tipping the body and allows +/- 12 degrees oscillation. An auto-grease system is fitted to provide constant lubrication of the pins, dramatically increasing their service life.

Performance and handling

When loaded, the 922G is amazingly smooth to ride in, even when travelling at a variety of speeds over undulating ground. The electronically-controlled hydraulic front suspension soaks up the bumps very well and provides an exceptionally smooth ride in the cab, assisted by an air-suspended seat that is very comfortable and has plenty of adjustment.

The steering wheel is also adjustable, so getting into your favourite driving position is simple as all the controls are well placed and easy to reach. The Cummins engine provides plenty of punch and doesn't give in without a fight when pulling fully-loaded up the steep haul roads.

The transmission can be operated in auto or manual modes, changed simply by the push of a button.

Retarder system

The powerful retarder system is a combination of engine brake and hydraulic retarder. It is operated via the “Retarder Joystick” in the right armrest and will significantly relieve the service brake when travelling downhill. With the 922G Series, Hydrema also introduced a new Brake-care system. If the brakes overheat, the operator receives a warning in the dashboard to react upon, accompanied by an acoustic alarm.

Payload measuring system

To increase efficiency and prevent underload/overload of the 922G, Hydrema has developed a payload measuring system. When activated, the system calculates the payload via pressure sensors and angle of the vehicle, where the calculated payload then is shown to the operator in the dashboard.

Short tipping cycles

As time is scarce, Hydrema has focused on making the tipping process as fast as possible. The 5-pump hydraulic system ensures that steering and tipping never feel “sluggish”. The separate pumps provide independent control of steering and tipping functions, so the vehicle can be positioned while initiating tipping. The two powerful tipping cylinders underneath the dump truck body are well protected and have a short stroke length, which enables the body to be raised quickly and provide faster unloading. The electric-servo controls enable new features for Smooth tipping, which provides a soft start and stop when raising and lowering the body.

Along with expanded functionality, the ‘auto-body-return’ system now includes auto-raising of the body. The automatic tipping throttle will increase the engine speed when the tipping function is activated to raise the body faster. To improve safety in the tipping process, the hoist assistance, which is an inclination indicator in the dashboard, provides the operator with an alarm if it’s unsafe to tip.

Other Models

Hydrema 912

The most popular of the Hydrema range, this machine is the perfect combination of speed, agility, compactness and off road abilities.

By utilising air suspension, the 912 can move faster than your typical dump truck, while it’s oversized tyres assit it in moving through the muddiest of work sites.

It’s massive all-glass cab, you can be sure your operators have minimal blindspots and an uniterrupted view of the site. The air suspended seat provides all day comfort, while ergonomic controls make it a breeze to operate.

Hydrema 707G

The most recent addition, this compact powerhouse has all the class-leading features of its larger siblings, all packed into a traditional 7t site dumpers dimensions. Offering industry leading 360° visibility, a low-to-ground design, reverse cameras and a 180° multi-tip bin, this machine is as safe as it is practical. Its signature 600mm wide tyres help it to conquer the same type of terrains as its larger siblings.