Philippi-Hagenbuch is planning to highlight its patented HiVol® Water Tanks, along with other custom-engineered off-highway haul truck solutions, at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 event in Las Vegas this week.

HiVol Water Tanks feature a stable, square design that improves stability and maximises hauling capacity, according to the company. Each tank is custom engineered to haul the greatest possible volume for the specific make and model of off-highway articulated or rigid frame haul truck.

The tanks also feature easy-to-use, operator-friendly controls and the ability to spray the entire width of a haul road with one pass. HiVol Water Tanks are built with a superior-grade steel for increased longevity and maximum return on investment, the company says.

Philippi-Hagenbuch engineers HiVol Water Tanks for new haul trucks and as a retrofit for older trucks. Operations often incorporate the tanks onto their ageing haul trucks to convert them to water trucks, extending equipment life.

“After years of hauling heavy material and absorbing loading impact, even the sturdiest haul trucks experience wear on the suspension, frame and tyres,” the company says. “Making the change to hauling water eases this burden and extends the life of the haul truck, helping operations maximise their equipment investment.”

Unlike traditional round and trapezoidal water tanks, which typically use only 80% of the truck’s capacity to prevent dangerous churning, HiVol Water Tanks incorporate a square design that lowers the centre of gravity and maximises the haul truck’s capabilities, according to Philippi-Hagenbuch. The company engineers each tank to achieve the lowest weight and greatest possible hauling capacity. This can range up to 60,000 gallons (272,765 litres) – more than half the capacity of a water tower.

The square design, along with internal side-surge stabilisers and a baffling system that results in full compartmentalisation of the water, minimises churning to improve vehicle stability, the company added.

Philippi-Hagenbuch custom engineers each HiVol Water Tank to fit the specific make and model of the haul truck and to match the unique needs of the operation. Each tank features corrosion-resistant Hardox® 450 steel from SSAB, which is over 300% harder and more corrosion-resistant than the steel used in most other water tanks on the market, equating to an exceptionally long water tank life, the company claims.

HiVol Water Tanks utilising Hardox HiAce acidic-resistant steel are also available as an option for highly acidic environments. Philippi-Hagenbuch also offers an insulated water tank design for cold weather conditions, with optional heating for use in environments as cold as -40°F/C.

Josh Swank, Philippi-Hagenbuch Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said: “After more than 23 years on the market, none of our water tanks are showing signs of rust, corrosion or failure. The high-quality steel ensures they won’t rust or wear down quickly. Most water tanks on the market only last 5-7 years, but the first water tanks we engineered are still out on the job site today.

“We are proud to explain why we exclusively use Hardox steel throughout our water tanks, and that we have decades worth of water tanks still operating around the world. This proves why our design coupled with superior steel create a water tank that is second to none.”

Philippi-Hagenbuch water tanks feature rear-mounted spray heads, an optional remote-controlled water cannon and individual in-cab analogue controls that are straightforward and easy to use, the company says. This provides the operator with precise – yet simplified – water control. The horizontal spray heads operate separately, allowing the use of any or all spray heads at the same time. The remote-controlled water cannon enables operators to spray water from 150-200 ft (46-61 m) away.

The HiVol Water Tanks’ patented design minimises confined space issues and provides easy maintenance access by incorporating full-sized exterior and interior access doors as well as access points at the top of the tank. All interior doors include rustproof pivots and allow unobstructed flow of clean air and natural light throughout the tank, according to Philippi-Hagenbuch. To negate potential fall risks, the tanks incorporate a unique flat-top design that is easy to walk on when personnel are required to gain access to the top of the tank.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 runs from March 14-18 in Las Vegas, USA.