Hydex has adapted robust Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers into high-capacity water trucks to meet the growAs jobsites grow in size and environmental regulations tighten, the need for adaptable, heavy-duty equipment in the U.S. is clearer than ever. That’s where a new venture between Hydex and Hills Machinery is stepping in with a solution that pairs proven articulated hauler performance with serious dust suppression capability.
At the core is a new water truck range. Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated dump trucks (ADTs) are being upfitted with high-performance water tanks to be deployed across quarries, mines and infrastructure projects under the Hydex banner.
A platform built for more
The RA30 and RA40 are no strangers to tough jobsite conditions. Built in Motherwell, Scotland and part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak trucks are engineered for power, control and reliability in the harshest off-road environments.
However, their latest application showcases a new kind of versatility. The RA30, with its 370-horsepower engine, now carries a 6,000 gallon or 22,712.47 litre (AWT6) water tank, while the 444-horsepower RA40 is matched with a 9,000 gallon or 34,068.71 litre (AWT9) tank – both equipped with advanced spray and pumping systems for high-performance water distribution.
“This is about using a proven platform to meet a pressing and growing need,” says Robert Franklin, director of sales – Americas at Rokbak. “The RA30 and RA40 give contractors the power, manoeuvrability and durability they need in a base machine – and now, with this adaptation, we’re showing just how far that platform can go.”
A partnership with practical purpose
The idea to repurpose articulated haulers as water trucks came from the ground up – quite literally. Hills Machinery, a long-time Rokbak dealer based in North Carolina, saw firsthand how contractors were searching for tough, reliable machines that could do more than haul.
“We work with Rokbak on a daily basis and believe those to be the best two trucks to outfit these tanks with,” says Jim Hills, president of Hills Machinery and Hydex. “But we also recognise that some contractors will want to keep their fleet standardised so we’re happy to work with everyone to solve their dust suppression and water access needs.”
Hydex is supporting the rollout through Hills’ existing dealership network, with upfitting taking place at a joint facility in Seattle, Washington, and distribution coordinated through Hill’s location in Wilson, North Carolina.
Each truck is backed by Hills Machinery’s Uptime Operations service, which includes lifecycle fleet management, real-time equipment monitoring and pre-stocked replacement parts – minimising downtime as trucks hit jobsites.
Engineered to adapt
The tanks themselves are engineered to meet demanding performance specs. Water is shot from an American-made Elkhart water cannon to distances of over 213 ft, while operators can adjust pressure to 320, 480 or 630 gallons per minute. Multiple spray bars and nozzles – including vertical, side, front bumper and rear dribble – offer complete customisation depending on site needs.
A rear-mounted electric hose reel, American-made Berkeley hydraulic water pump and optional suction system for drawing water from lakes or reservoirs round out the functionality.
“These tanks are serious pieces of equipment in their own right,” says Jim. “But what makes them truly effective is the machine underneath – the Rokbak hauler that keeps everything moving and delivers the power, even in the roughest terrain.”
Meeting the moment
Dust suppression isn’t just a jobsite concern – it’s a growing regulatory issue in many jurisdictions, particularly in states such as California, Texas and Arizona, where construction activity is booming in arid environments. Add to that the increasing size and activity level of quarries and mines, and the demand for large-capacity, off-road water trucks is rising fast.
With their articulated frame, powerful drivetrains and operator-friendly design, Rokbak trucks offer a more robust and stable solution than conventional rigid-frame water trucks – especially when off-road capability is a must.
As Hydex scales production and more water trucks hit the field, all eyes will be on how this versatile solution might open the door for further adaptations of the Rokbak platform. From fuel and lubrication service units to emergency response and haul support, the articulated hauler’s future may be even more diverse than its past.
“We’re just getting started,” Jim says. “When you’ve got a reliable chassis and a clear market need, the opportunities are endless.”ing demand for dust suppression across North America – proving once again the remarkable versatility of Rokbak ADTs.
