Load charts are continuously undated for 360-degree rotation and infinite machine geometries up to a 35-degree slope. The system matches and coordinates these factors to current operating conditions via a graphic display on a monitor in the cab, including a wide variety of warning and operational aids. Load-indicating light bars, located on the boom tips, provide visible warning to the operator and ground personnel to optimize safety and site management. (By contrast, traditional side-based booms are rated only for flat, level ground operation and are not generally available with on-board monitoring.)

The undercarriage of the new pipelayers provide a nearly square working platform, optimizing stability through the full 360-degree swing. The heavy weight of the lower frame and heavily reinforced track frames lowers the machine center of gravity, increasing stability.

The Volvo Care Cab
The Volvo Pipelayer is equipped with the newly-designed Volvo Care Cab, an operator environment well-known for its best-in-class safety, spaciousness, excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and climate control systems. The features of the Volvo Care Cab increase operator comfort and efficiency - and are especially welcome on demanding pipeline projects where site conditions can be extremely harsh.

Transportability...a unique system
The Volvo PL4611 has a unique design that allows removal of the track frames from the base machine to reduce weight and width for transport. The machine can self-disassemble in less than 60 minutes and reassemble in the same time frame. Disassembly begins when the outriggers are deployed and the machine is raised off the ground. The machine loads its side frames onto a flatbed truck, the counterweight is hydraulically removed and loaded, and the machine is then raised to full outrigger height to allow a low-boy truck to back in underneath. The outriggers are then retracted to set the base machine onto the lowboy.

Cost-saving versatility
One of the key benefits of the new Volvo PL4511 - and the entire class of Volvo Pipelayer machines - is the cost-saving versatility of its design. Built on the Volvo excavator platform, the new pipelayers can be quickly converted into a high-production excavator or used in applications where their heavy-lift capability can be brought into play.