Volvo Construction Equipment has completed its most significant update to its excavator range in two decades.
The new range of excavators deliver 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency, increased productivity, enhanced safety and numerous operator-friendly features.
The initial new model launch includes the ECR145 short swing, EC210, EC230, EC370, EC400 and EC500 crawler excavators. Volvo CE is expected to announce more new models in the coming months.
“This new excavator series is the realization of our commitment to our customers. Every design change, innovation and weld were made with our customers’ needs top of mind,” said Scott Young, Head of Region North America for Volvo CE.
“All together, these updates will substantially impact their productivity, uptime, employee satisfaction and ultimately, their success.”
Fuel efficiency
Volvo CE has equipped the new excavators with an optimized electro-hydraulic system, a smart cooling system and engine speed regulation for higher torque at a lower rpm. These new features provide as much as a 15 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency, when compared to the previous generation while outperforming the prior models.
The enhanced hydraulics improve machine control and deliver smooth and precise movement of the boom, bucket and other hydraulic components.
Volvo CE has expanded the number of work modes to 10 settings, including two specific power modes and four specific modes for eco operation.
A new creep travel mode coupled with boom and arm shock reduction settings give operators precise command of loads and reduce spillage.
“Our customers are looking for ways to increase productivity and reduce expenses, and we deliver on that with these new excavators,” said Sejong Ko, Product Manager for large excavators at Volvo CE.
“Fuel in particular is a major expense, and the improved fuel efficiency will reduce costs with the added benefit of lowering the environmental impact.”
Volvo Smart View
The new excavator series also enhances safety. A safety-enhancing highlight is the Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, which gives operators a 360-degree view of the machine’s surroundings. While cameras are increasingly being added to heavy equipment, Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection combines camera technology and a new radar detection system to distinguish between objects and humans for a heightened level of awareness.
As well, additional lights have been added to the cab, boom and arm to improve visibility on low-light jobsites.
New cab
Volvo has also enhanced the excavator cab, with features that address both ease of use and comfort.
An improved human-machine interface (HMI) helps deliver a productive workday. The automation of boom and bucket movement with the Volvo Active Control machine control system and an advanced electric control joystick help operators increase productivity.
The new excavators also include smaller upgrades that make a big impact on operator satisfaction, including:
- Updated seat design
- Improved ventilation
- New footrest support for working on slopes
- Keyless engine start
- Multiple operator preference settings
- Larger cab side mirror with heater
- In-cab wireless phone charger
- Built-in cooler/heater compartment for food or drinks
- Additional sunscreens and storage areas
- Additional safety railings and relocated footsteps
- New DEF sight gauges and splash guard
These models also include the latest generation Co-Pilot. The in-cab tablet’s larger, higher-resolution screen will display Dig Assist applications like on-board weighing, in-field design and more.
The new Volvo excavators offer a 50 per cent increase in hydraulic oil life with service intervals extended to 3,000 hours for regular hydraulic oil and 6,000 hours for long-life hydraulic oil.
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