A new super heavy duty tipper chassis from Astra is being premiered at Bauma.

Part of the Fiat group, Astra is the Iveco brand associated with extreme on/off-road applications and fully off-road quarry and construction work. It is presenting its full range for the first time at Bauma.

The new super heavy duty Astra HHD9 8x6 tipper chassis features a 63 tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW). It uses the FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) Industrial Cursor 13 engine rated at 353kW, and the Allison 4700 fully automatic seven-speed transmission.

Alessandro Mortali, head of Iveco鈥檚 heavy range, said the technical solutions adopted on this model contributed to an increase in the robustness, reliability and durability of the product, and so enhancing productivity.

He said these solutions included heavy duty Kessler axles with reinforced front and rear parabolic suspensions, and new front disc brakes designed for a better steering angle as well as reduced maintenance costs and time. Then there is a heavy duty reinforced chassis made of two flat and parallel side members (320x90x10mm) which are claimed to have the highest Rail Bending Moment among competitors. Iveco said this provided greater stability and resistance in the most difficult working conditions.

The cab is made with galvanised steel and has been redesigned 鈥渢o reflect the aggressive and original identity of Astra vehicles鈥�.

The engine hood is prominent with rounded lines. It opens completely, along with the deflectors, which is designed to allow fast and easy access to maintenance areas.

The HHD range also includes the 6x6 model in chassis and tractor versions for a 50 tonne GVW at 70km/h, and a gross combined weight (GCW) from 120 up to 250 tonnes, depending on the configuration of the truck.