Hydex and Hills Machinery partner to retrofit Rokbak ADTs into water trucks with high-capacity tanks for dust suppression in demanding job sites. The versatile units offer powerful performance and meet growing regulatory requirements, providing a robust solution for off-road environments.
Rokbak photo
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.
As job sites grow in size and environmental regulations tighten, the need for adaptable equipment in the United States 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.
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 the harshest off-road environments, according to Rokbak.
However, their latest application showcases a new kind of versatility. The RA30, with its 370 hp engine, now carries a 6,000 gallon (AWT6) water tank, while the 444 hp RA40 is matched with a 9,000 gallon (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," said Robert Franklin, director of sales — Americas of 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."
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," said 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, Wash., and distribution coordinated through Hill's location in Wilson, N.C.
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 job sites.
Engineered to Adapt
The tanks themselves are engineered to meet demanding performance specs, according to the company. 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," said 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 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.
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, according to the company.
"We're just getting started," Jim said. "When you've got a reliable chassis and a clear market need, the opportunities are endless."
For more information, visit https://www.rokbak.com/.
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