As job sites grow in size and environmental regulations tighten, the need for adaptable, heavy-duty equipment in the U.S. is clearer than ever. A new venture between Hydex and Hills Machinery is stepping in with a solution that pairs articulated hauler performance with dust suppression capabilities.
A new water truck range, the Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated dump trucks (ADTs) are being fitted 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 job site conditions. Built in Motherwell, Scotland, and part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak trucks are engineered for power, control, and reliability in harsh off-road environments.
However, the latest application showcases a new kind of versatility. The RA30, with its 370-hp engine, now carries a 6,000 gallon or 22,712.47 litre (AWT6) water tank, while the 444-hp 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.
A partnership with a practical purpose
The idea to repurpose articulated haulers as water trucks came from the ground up. 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.
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 minimizing downtime as trucks hit job sites.
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 the pressure to 320, 480, or 630 gallons per minute. Multiple spray bars and nozzles, including vertical, side, front bumper, and rear dribble, offer complete customization depending on site needs.
A rear-mounted electric hose reel, an American-made Berkeley hydraulic water pump, and an optional suction system for drawing water from lakes or reservoirs round out the functionality.
Meeting the moment
Dust suppression isn't just a job site 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.
"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."
"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 recognize that some contractors will want to keep their fleet standardized so we're happy to work with everyone to solve their dust suppression and water access needs."
