Volvo A-Series Articulated Haulier Gearboxes & Dropboxes Tel: 0114 242 0808

Volvo A-Series Articulated Haulier Gearboxes & Dropboxes
A transmission or transfer gearbox problem on a Volvo articulated haulier can take an otherwise productive machine out of service remarkably quickly. A Volvo A-Series dump truck is designed to spend its working life carrying substantial loads over difficult ground, and the drivetrain has to transfer enormous amounts of torque while coping with gradients, mud, loose surfaces, repeated direction changes and thousands of hours of operation.
When a gearbox, dropbox or transfer gearbox begins to wear, finding the correct replacement unit can therefore become urgent.
Truckers Plant Parts can help customers source Volvo A-Series gearboxes, dropboxes and transfer gearboxes, including used and reconditioned units, subject to current availability. Depending on the particular machine, component and availability, new units, exchange reconditioned units or recondition-and-return options may sometimes also be available.
Our stock and sourcing opportunities change, so even if the exact Volvo gearbox or dropbox you require isn’t currently shown on our website, contact us anyway.
Tell us what machine you have, provide the serial number and any numbers visible on the gearbox or dropbox, and we can investigate what is currently available.
Truckers Plant Parts
Telephone: 0114 242 0808
Email: [email protected]
Volvo A-Series Articulated Hauler Gearboxes & Dropboxes

Volvo A-Series Articulated Hauler Gearboxes & Dropboxes
Volvo A-Series articulated haulers have become familiar machines in quarries, mines, construction projects, earthmoving operations and large infrastructure sites around the world.
The ability of an articulated dump truck to keep moving over poor ground is fundamental to its value. That ability depends on an entire drivetrain working together.
Engine power has to be transmitted through the transmission and driveline to the axles and wheels. Depending upon the particular model and specification, transfer gearing and associated drivetrain components form an important part of distributing that power through the machine.
These are not lightly loaded components.
A hauler repeatedly starting with a heavy payload, climbing gradients, descending, turning and operating on surfaces with constantly changing traction can place considerable demands on the drivetrain.
Eventually, wear or failure can make gearbox or dropbox repair unavoidable.
Truckers Plant Parts helps owners, operators, workshops, engineers and plant businesses find replacement options without restricting the search exclusively to brand-new components.
Used Volvo A-Series Gearboxes
A used Volvo gearbox can sometimes provide an economically attractive solution, particularly when repairing an older articulated hauler.
Heavy construction machinery can remain productive for many years. There comes a point in the life of some machines where fitting the most expensive new assembly available may not represent the best commercial decision.
A suitable used gearbox can potentially change that calculation.
Availability depends entirely on what machinery has been dismantled and what components are currently available, so used gearbox stock naturally changes.
This is why we encourage customers to contact Truckers Plant Parts rather than relying exclusively on the components currently displayed online.
If we don’t have the required gearbox sitting on the shelf, we may still be able to investigate sourcing possibilities.
Reconditioned Volvo A-Series Gearboxes
A reconditioned Volvo gearbox or dropbox provides another potential route.
Rather than treating the entire assembly as disposable when internal components have worn or failed, a suitable unit may be dismantled, inspected and rebuilt as appropriate.
The precise scope of any reconditioning should always be established for the individual component. The term “reconditioned” should not be assumed to mean that every component inside an assembly has automatically been replaced.
Ask what work has been undertaken and what is included with the particular unit being offered.
Where available, a properly reconditioned unit can provide a useful alternative between purchasing an unknown used assembly and sourcing a completely new gearbox.
Volvo Dropboxes and Transfer Gearboxes
The terms Volvo dropbox, Volvo transfer gearbox and Volvo transfer box are often used by customers searching for these drivetrain assemblies.
Whatever terminology brought you to this page, correct identification is critical.
Truckers Plant Parts welcomes enquiries for Volvo A-Series transfer gearboxes and dropboxes, including used and reconditioned units.
A useful example of how precise identification can become is the Volvo 22555 transfer gearbox/dropbox. The information supplied in the reference material identifies 22555 as a reconditioned unit for machines equipped with ATC – Automatic Traction Control and lists applications including the A25D, A25E, A30D, A30E, A25F, A25G, A30F and A30G.
The same reference distinguishes 22512 for non-ATC vehicles.
That distinction illustrates exactly why ordering a component based solely on “Volvo A25 gearbox” or “Volvo A30 dropbox” can be insufficient.
Two machines carrying closely related model designations may still require different assemblies.
Popular Volvo Dropbox & Transfer Gearbox Numbers
Customers searching for Volvo articulated-hauler drivetrain components may encounter a number of references.
Some examples worth including when making an enquiry are:
Volvo 22555 – Transfer Gearbox / Dropbox – ATC application
The supplied reference information identifies 22555 for ATC-equipped machines and lists A25D, A25E, A30D, A30E, A25F, A25G, A30F and A30G applications.
Volvo 22512 – Transfer Gearbox / Dropbox – Non-ATC application
The supplied information specifically identifies 22512 as the corresponding reference to investigate for non-ATC vehicles.
Volvo 22568 – Transfer Gearbox / Dropbox – ATC
This is another Volvo transfer gearbox/dropbox reference appearing in the supplied specialist parts information.
Volvo 22504 – Dropbox
The supplied reference also identifies a Volvo 22504 dropbox associated with an A30C listing.
These numbers are useful search and enquiry references, but do not select a gearbox solely because a number appears alongside a particular model online.
Part numbers, specifications, serial breaks, ATC configuration and previous modifications or replacements can matter.
Truckers Plant Parts should confirm the requirement against the information available for the particular machine and unit.
Volvo A25 Gearboxes & Dropboxes
The Volvo A25 family has existed across multiple generations, and many of these machines remain active in construction, quarrying and earthmoving fleets.
Truckers Plant Parts welcomes enquiries for gearbox, transmission and dropbox requirements associated with machines including:
Volvo A25C
Volvo A25D
Volvo A25E
Volvo A25F
Volvo A25G
The exact component required must be identified rather than assuming that an assembly fitting one A25 generation will necessarily fit another.
Serial numbers become especially important when dealing with long-running model families.
Volvo A30 Gearboxes & Dropboxes
The same principle applies to Volvo A30 articulated haulers.
We welcome drivetrain enquiries associated with machines including:
Volvo A30C
Volvo A30D
Volvo A30E
Volvo A30F
Volvo A30G
If you are searching for a Volvo A30 gearbox, A30 transfer gearbox, A30 dropbox or A30 transmission, send us the complete machine details rather than relying only on the A30 designation.
A photograph of the identification plate on the existing assembly can be extremely useful.
Volvo A35, A40, A45 and Larger A-Series Hauler Gearboxes
Truckers Plant Parts also welcomes gearbox, transmission, driveline and transfer-component enquiries for larger Volvo articulated haulers.
This can include Volvo A35 and A40 series machines, as well as later and larger Volvo articulated-hauler models where suitable components can be sourced.
Again, availability varies.
Larger drivetrain assemblies can represent significant investments, making used and professionally reconditioned options particularly interesting where available.
Contact us with the complete model and serial number and we can investigate the requirement rather than assuming that a unit isn’t available because it doesn’t appear in an online catalogue.
ATC and Non-ATC Volvo Dropboxes
ATC deserves particular attention when identifying certain Volvo dropboxes.
ATC stands for Automatic Traction Control.
As the 22555 and 22512 example demonstrates, the presence or absence of ATC can affect the transfer gearbox/dropbox requirement.
This is exactly the kind of detail that can be missed when someone searches online by machine model alone.
If you’re unsure whether the machine is fitted with the relevant system, provide the machine serial number and photographs of the existing assembly and its identification plate.
Do not assume.
A gearbox is too expensive and too labour-intensive to install on the basis of a guess.
Signs a Volvo A-Series Gearbox May Be Wearing Out
Gearbox deterioration doesn’t always begin with complete loss of drive.
In many cases, there are warning signs beforehand.
An operator may begin to notice changes in the way the machine drives. Gear engagement may become less positive. Shifting behaviour can change. New noises may appear. Oil condition may deteriorate. Temperatures may increase.
Any significant change in drivetrain behaviour deserves investigation.
One of the most useful things an experienced operator can provide is a description of what changed.
If a machine has operated normally for thousands of hours and suddenly begins behaving differently, that information can be diagnostically valuable.
Unusual Gearbox Noise
Noise is one of the more obvious indications of a possible mechanical problem.
Whining, rumbling, grinding, knocking or other previously absent drivetrain noises should not simply be ignored.
The character of the noise can also matter.
Does it occur continuously?
Does it change with vehicle speed?
Does it occur only under load?
Does it appear in a particular gear?
Does it change between forward and reverse?
Does it occur while turning?
Does it disappear when the machine stops moving?
These observations can help an engineer distinguish between possible gearbox, transfer box, differential, axle, bearing, propshaft or other drivetrain problems.
Grinding or Rumbling from the Dropbox
A worn bearing or damaged internal component can create rumbling, grinding or other abnormal mechanical noises from a transfer gearbox.
Continuing to operate a machine with a serious internal mechanical fault can potentially turn a repairable assembly into one with substantially more damage.
If a bearing begins to break down, for example, debris can circulate within the lubricant and damage gears and other internal surfaces.
Early diagnosis can therefore have a direct financial benefit.
Difficulty Selecting Gears
Changes in gear selection can indicate transmission-related problems, although they do not automatically prove that the entire gearbox has failed.
Modern heavy machinery depends on mechanical, hydraulic and electronic systems working together.
A shifting problem can therefore require systematic diagnosis.
The important point is not to jump immediately from “the machine isn’t shifting properly” to “I need another gearbox.”
Establish the fault first.
Once the gearbox itself has been confirmed as the problem, Truckers Plant Parts can investigate replacement or reconditioning possibilities.
Loss of Drive
A more severe drivetrain failure can result in partial or complete loss of drive.
The machine may fail to move normally, lose drive under load or exhibit abnormal behaviour through part of its drivetrain.
At this stage, continued attempts to operate the machine can sometimes worsen the underlying problem.
A competent diagnosis should establish whether the failure originates in the transmission, transfer gearbox, propshaft, axle, differential, final drive or another component.
Excessive Gearbox or Dropbox Temperature
Unusual heat deserves attention.
Heavy drivetrain components naturally generate heat during operation, so temperature must always be interpreted relative to the machine’s normal behaviour and manufacturer specifications.
However, an assembly running substantially hotter than expected may indicate lubrication, bearing, friction, adjustment or internal mechanical problems.
Investigate the cause rather than simply topping up the oil and continuing indefinitely.
Metal in the Gearbox Oil
Metallic contamination in drivetrain lubricant can be an important warning sign.
Some fine material may occur as components wear, but obvious particles, flakes or significant metallic debris can indicate internal deterioration.
The type, quantity and appearance of contamination can provide clues about what is happening inside the assembly.
If a gearbox or dropbox has suffered an internal failure, the oil itself can effectively become evidence.
An engineer inspecting a failed unit should therefore consider the lubricant condition rather than discarding it without examination.
Gearbox Oil Leaks
A leaking gearbox does not necessarily require complete replacement.
A leak may originate from a seal, gasket, joint, breather or another serviceable area.
However, a leak that is ignored can eventually create a much more serious problem if the lubricant level falls sufficiently.
Low oil can compromise bearings and gears that depend upon correct lubrication.
The relatively modest cost of addressing a seal problem can therefore prevent a much more expensive gearbox failure.
Vibration Through the Drivetrain
New or increasing vibration is another symptom worth investigating.
Vibration can originate from many different drivetrain components, so it should not automatically be blamed on the gearbox.
Propshafts, universal joints, bearings, mounting points, tyres, axles and other rotating components can all contribute.
The diagnosis should consider the entire drivetrain.
Backlash, Clunking and Drivetrain Play
Excessive play can become noticeable as a clunk when drive is taken up or direction changes.
Again, there are multiple possible sources.
Wear can accumulate through several drivetrain components, meaning the movement felt by the operator may not originate entirely from one assembly.
An experienced inspection should determine where the excessive clearance actually exists before expensive parts are ordered.
Bearing Failure Inside a Volvo Dropbox
Bearings are critical components within gearbox and transfer assemblies.
Once a bearing begins deteriorating, shaft alignment and gear engagement can be affected. Continued operation can potentially damage races, shafts, gears and housings.
Warning signs can include noise, vibration, heat and metallic contamination.
Bearing failure caught sufficiently early may offer a very different repair proposition from a unit that has continued operating until major internal destruction occurs.
Gear Tooth Damage
Gear teeth operate under substantial contact loads.
Damage can result from fatigue, contamination, inadequate lubrication, shock loading, bearing problems or other mechanical conditions.
Broken or badly damaged teeth can generate further debris and consequential damage inside the gearbox.
A gearbox suffering significant gear damage should be properly dismantled and inspected rather than simply having the obviously broken component replaced without considering the cause.
Water or Contamination in Gearbox Oil
Heavy plant operates in dirty environments.
Water, mud, dust and other contamination are enemies of precision drivetrain components.
Milky or emulsified lubricant can indicate water contamination.
Contamination should prompt investigation of seals, breathers and any possible ingress routes in addition to changing the lubricant.
Otherwise, fresh oil may simply become contaminated again.
Used, Reconditioned or New Volvo Gearbox?
There is no universal answer.
For a relatively new, high-value machine expected to remain in frontline service for many years, the purchasing calculation may favour one solution.
For an older A-Series hauler working fewer hours, a good used assembly may make considerably more commercial sense.
A reconditioned gearbox can provide another option where the condition and rebuild specification are suitable.
And where available and commercially appropriate, a new unit may be preferred.
Truckers Plant Parts can investigate the possibilities rather than assuming every customer requires the same solution.
Volvo Gearbox Exchange Units
Some reconditioned gearboxes and dropboxes may be supplied on an exchange basis.
Under an exchange arrangement, a rebuilt unit is supplied with the expectation that the customer’s old serviceable core will be returned.
A surcharge or core charge may apply until the old assembly is returned and accepted according to the supplier’s conditions.
This arrangement allows valuable gearbox casings and rebuildable assemblies to remain within the reconditioning cycle rather than being discarded.
Always establish the exchange conditions before purchasing.
What Is a Core Charge?
A core charge is effectively a deposit or surcharge associated with the old component.
If a reconditioned exchange gearbox is supplied, the old gearbox has value because it can potentially be rebuilt for another customer.
The core charge encourages its return.
Whether the full charge is refundable can depend upon the condition and completeness of the returned assembly, so customers should confirm the applicable terms before sending the old unit back.
Recondition and Return Options
In some cases, a recondition-and-return service may be possible.
Rather than receiving another exchange unit, the customer’s own gearbox or dropbox is removed, sent away, dismantled and inspected, rebuilt as appropriate and returned.
This approach can have advantages where maintaining the identity of the original assembly is desirable or where exchange stock is unavailable.
It also means the turnaround time can be different from purchasing an existing used or exchange unit.
Availability depends upon the particular gearbox and the condition of the customer’s core.
Contact Truckers Plant Parts to discuss whether a recondition-and-return option is available for your component.
Removing a Volvo A-Series Gearbox or Dropbox
Removing a major drivetrain assembly from an articulated dump truck is not a minor mechanical task.
These components are heavy, awkward and installed within machinery where access can be restricted.
The work should be undertaken by appropriately competent personnel using suitable lifting equipment, workshop facilities and the correct technical information for the machine.
Before dismantling, identify and photograph connections.
Clean the surrounding area where practical.
Record hose, wiring and driveline positions.
Use suitable tags or identification methods where multiple connections could later be confused.
Most importantly, support the assembly correctly before removing its mountings.
Never rely on improvised lifting arrangements for a heavy gearbox.
Record Everything Before Removal
Mobile phones have made this much easier than it once was.
Take photographs before dismantling.
Photograph propshaft orientation, electrical connections, hose routing, mounting arrangements, brackets and anything else that could become ambiguous during reassembly.
Record identification plates before they become damaged or separated from the unit.
A few minutes spent documenting the installation can save considerable time later.
Cleanliness During Gearbox Removal
Heavy machinery frequently arrives at a workshop covered in mud, dust and oil.
That contamination should not be allowed into open hydraulic or drivetrain connections.
Clean the working area appropriately before opening systems.
Cap or protect exposed connections.
Prevent dirt entering replacement components during installation.
A rebuilt gearbox should not begin its new service life by being contaminated during fitting.
Inspect Related Components
A gearbox failure should trigger inspection of the components around it.
Check the condition of propshafts, universal joints, mounts, couplings, splines and related drivetrain components as appropriate.
If another component caused or contributed to the original gearbox failure, installing a replacement without correcting that problem can damage the new unit.
This is particularly important after severe failures.
Flush or Clean Contaminated Systems Where Required
If the failed gearbox has released substantial metallic debris, consider where that contamination may have travelled.
The correct cleaning procedure depends on the machine and assembly and should follow appropriate technical guidance.
The underlying principle is straightforward: do not introduce a clean replacement component into a contaminated system without addressing the contamination.
Inspect Gearbox Mountings
Mounts and supporting components should be inspected during replacement.
Worn, loose or damaged mountings can contribute to vibration, movement and alignment problems.
Because access is often significantly easier while the gearbox is already removed, this is an appropriate time to examine surrounding components.
Check Propshafts and Universal Joints
Propshaft and universal-joint condition can have a significant influence on drivetrain behaviour.
Excessive play, binding, damage or imbalance should be addressed rather than ignored.
If the original complaint involved vibration or clunking, these components deserve particular attention.
Installation of a Replacement Volvo Gearbox
Installation should follow the correct workshop procedure for the specific Volvo model and component.
Use appropriate lifting equipment.
Ensure mating surfaces and mounting locations are clean and serviceable.
Do not force components together using bolts where alignment is incorrect.
Reconnect driveline, electrical and other systems according to the applicable technical information.
Use the correct fasteners and tightening specifications.
Where seals, O-rings, gaskets or other associated service items are specified for replacement, they should be dealt with appropriately during assembly.
Use the Correct Lubricant
Never assume that “gear oil is gear oil.”
The correct lubricant specification and quantity should be established for the particular Volvo gearbox or transfer assembly.
Incorrect lubricant can compromise performance and service life.
The correct filling procedure can also matter.
Follow the applicable Volvo technical information for the specific machine and assembly.
Don’t Run a Replacement Gearbox Dry
It sounds obvious, but lubrication must be confirmed before operation.
A newly installed or reconditioned gearbox can suffer serious damage very quickly if operated without the correct lubricant.
Verify the oil level using the prescribed procedure rather than relying on assumption.
Initial Checks After Installation
Before returning the machine immediately to full production, check the installation.
Look for leaks.
Listen for abnormal noises.
Check for unexpected vibration.
Confirm correct operation.
Where applicable, recheck lubricant levels after the initial run according to the appropriate service procedure.
Any abnormal behaviour following installation should be investigated immediately.
Why the Old Gearbox Failed Matters
Replacing the component addresses the result of the failure.
It doesn’t necessarily address its cause.
A gearbox can fail because it has simply reached the end of a long working life, but failures can also be accelerated by lubrication problems, contamination, overheating, bearing deterioration, shock loads, related driveline faults or maintenance issues.
Understanding the cause protects the investment in the replacement unit.
Volvo A-Series Gearbox Parts
Not every gearbox problem requires an entire replacement assembly.
Depending upon the unit, condition and parts availability, repair may involve individual internal components.
Truckers Plant Parts welcomes enquiries for gearbox-related components as well as complete units.
The commercial decision should consider labour, component availability, damage extent, downtime and the value of the machine.
Sometimes rebuilding the existing unit is sensible.
Sometimes fitting a reconditioned exchange unit gets the machine working faster.
Sometimes a used assembly is the practical solution.
Sometimes a new unit is justified.
Volvo A-Series Dropbox Bearings
Bearing condition is particularly important during gearbox reconditioning.
A rebuild provides an opportunity to inspect bearing surfaces, shafts, gears, seals and other internal components rather than focusing solely on the component that has obviously failed.
Truckers Plant Parts also sources industrial bearings for heavy machinery, including major bearing manufacturers such as Timken and NTN, providing another relevant route for drivetrain component enquiries.
Volvo A-Series Gearbox Seals
Oil seals and related sealing components perform a simple but critical job.
A small seal failure that allows lubricant to escape can eventually contribute to a much larger mechanical failure if ignored.
When a gearbox is removed or rebuilt, sealing surfaces and associated components should therefore be inspected carefully.
Replacing a seal without checking the shaft or surface it runs against may fail to solve the underlying problem.
Volvo A-Series Gearbox Sourcing for Workshops
Truckers Plant Parts welcomes enquiries from independent plant workshops and engineers.
If you regularly repair Volvo articulated haulers, send us the complete component requirement rather than spending valuable workshop time searching dozens of individual listings.
Where possible, provide the Volvo part or assembly number, gearbox manufacturer’s number, machine model and serial number.
Photographs of the identification plate are particularly useful.
Volvo Gearboxes for Quarry Operators
Articulated haulers are fundamental machines in many quarry operations.
When one stops, the effect can extend beyond the individual vehicle because material movement forms part of a wider production process.
Truckers Plant Parts therefore welcomes urgent drivetrain enquiries from quarry and aggregates businesses looking for used, reconditioned or replacement Volvo A-Series components.
Volvo Gearboxes for Mining & Earthmoving Equipment
The same applies to mining, earthmoving and major construction operations.
A fleet operator may decide that rebuilding or sourcing a replacement gearbox for an older machine is considerably more economical than replacing the entire hauler.
This is one of the reasons the used and reconditioned heavy-equipment parts market remains so important.
Good machinery can remain productive long after individual assemblies have required repair or replacement.
How to Enquire About a Volvo A-Series Gearbox
The quality of the information supplied with the initial enquiry can dramatically affect how quickly the correct component is identified.
Ideally send us:
Volvo machine model
Machine serial number
Gearbox, transmission or dropbox identification number
Volvo part or assembly number if known
Whether the machine has ATC where relevant
Clear photographs of the identification plate
Photographs of the complete unit
Description of the fault
Whether you want used, reconditioned, new or whichever suitable option is available
Whether you have an old unit potentially suitable for exchange or reconditioning
This gives us a much stronger starting point.
Can’t Find Your Volvo Gearbox Online?
Contact us anyway.
Heavy-equipment drivetrain components are exactly the kind of product where an online catalogue can never tell the complete story.
Stock changes.
Machines are dismantled.
Used components become available.
Reconditioned units are completed.
Exchange units move in and out of stock.
A gearbox that wasn’t available last month may be available today.
Likewise, a unit shown previously may already have been sold.
For that reason, the best way to find out is to ask us.
Volvo A-Series Gearboxes & Dropboxes from Truckers Plant Parts
If your Volvo articulated hauler needs a gearbox, transmission, transfer gearbox or dropbox, Truckers Plant Parts can help investigate the available options.
We welcome enquiries for Volvo A25, A30, A35, A40 and other A-Series articulated haulers, including older machines where finding replacement drivetrain components has become more difficult.
Depending upon the exact requirement and current availability, options may include:
Used Volvo gearboxes
Used Volvo dropboxes
Reconditioned Volvo gearboxes
Reconditioned Volvo transfer gearboxes
Exchange Volvo gearbox units
New replacement units where available
Recondition-and-return services where available
Gearbox and drivetrain components
If you have seen references such as 22555, 22512, 22568 or 22504, include them with your enquiry, but always provide the machine model and serial number as well.
The objective isn’t simply to sell you a gearbox.
It’s to establish which gearbox your machine actually needs and investigate the most appropriate available solution.
Contact Truckers Plant Parts
Need a Volvo A-Series gearbox or dropbox? Try us.
Your required unit may be available used, reconditioned or new, or an exchange or recondition-and-return option may be possible, depending upon the particular component.
Truckers Plant Parts
Telephone: 0114 242 0808
Email: [email protected]
Send us your Volvo model, serial number, gearbox/dropbox reference and photographs, and we’ll investigate the requirement.