Get FinancingNewest Volvo Midsize & Large Excavators Offer Better Fuel Economy & Operator Comfort
Volvo Construction Equipment recently announced new medium and large crawler excavators with a list of significant upgrades. Developed for the North American market, the new Volvos deliver up to 15% better fuel efficiency, up to 10% faster cycle times for higher productivity, enhanced safety systems, and many operator comfort and convenience features.
The new Volvo excavators include the EC210, EC230, EC370, EC400, and EC500 models and the ECR145 with a short swing radius. Volvo says more new models are on the way.
“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,” says Scott Young, head of Region North America, Volvo CE. “All together, these updates will substantially impact their productivity, uptime, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, their success.”
Volvo EC210
- Operating weight: 45,149 to 52,941 pounds (20,479 to 24,014 kilograms)
- Gross power: 154 horsepower (115 kilowatts)
- Bucket capacity: 0.63 to 1.88 yards³ (0.48 to 1.44 meters³)
- Key features: Relatively lightweight; designed for agriculture, construction, road work, and utilities
Volvo EC230
- Operating weight: 45,560 to 57,640 lbs (20,666 to 26,145 kg)
- Gross power: 173 HP (129 kW)
- Bucket capacity: 0.6 to 1.88 y³ (0.46 to 1.44 m³)
- Key features: Versatile and efficient; made for general construction and road building
Volvo EC370
- Operating weight: 82,890 to 87,460 lbs (37,600 to 39,670 kg)
- Gross power: 344 HP (257 kW)
- Bucket capacity: 1.14 to 3.19 y³ (0.87 to 2.44 m³)
- Key features: Significantly more power and capacity; a “classic” excavator for general construction
Volvo EC400
- Operating weight: 86,800 to 91,600 lbs (39,370 to 41,550 kg)
- Gross power: 339 HP (253 kW)
- Bucket capacity: 1.14 to 3.79 y³ (0.87 to 2.9 m³)
- Key features: Solid structure and undercarriage; suitable for quarries and construction
Volvo EC500
- Operating weight: 106,110 to 116,400 lbs (48,130 to 52,800 kg)
- Gross power: 424 HP (316 kW)
- Bucket capacity: 1.5 to 4.33 y³ (1.15 to 3.31 m³)
- Key features: High breakout and tearout forces; use in quarries and heavy construction applications
Volvo ECR145
- Operating weight: 32,500 to 36,810 lbs (14,740 to 16,697 kg)
- Gross power: 121 HP (90 kW)
- Bucket capacity: 0.33 to 1.01 y³ (0.25 to 0.77 m³)
- Key features: Short-swing tail radius allows work in confined spaces; bigger cabin
Common Features
The new Volvos’ gains in fuel efficiency come from several improvements, including an optimized electro-hydraulic system that also provides better control and makes the movements of the boom, bucket, and other hydraulic devices smoother and more precise.
Four new automatic Eco work modes—out of a new total of 10 working modes—contribute to better fuel economy, as do a smart cooling system, engine speed regulation, and increased torque at a lower rpm. Volvo extended the new excavators’ hydraulic oil service intervals by 50% to 3,000 hours, or 6,000 hours for long-life hydraulic oil.
“Our customers are looking for ways to increase productivity and reduce expenses, and we deliver on that with these new excavators,” says Sejong Ko, Volvo CE product manager for large excavators. “Fuel in particular is a major expense, and the improved fuel efficiency will reduce costs with the added benefit of lowering the environmental impact.”
Upgrades In The Cab
Volvo enhanced the cabins of the new excavators with additional interior space, intuitive controls, creature comforts, and convenience features to make an operator’s shift more pleasant and productive. In addition to an improved user interface, there’s a next-generation Co-Pilot tablet with a larger, higher-resolution screen for Dig Assist applications such as onboard weighing and in-field design.
The Volvo Active Control system can automate boom and bucket movements and comes with an advanced joystick. The excavators’ new creep mode and boom and arm shock reduction settings help operators reduce material spillage from the bucket. The boom and arm have more lights, as does the cabin. Meanwhile, Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection can distinguish between objects and humans in its 360-degree view of the machines’ surroundings.
New comfort and convenience features include an updated seat, better ventilation, and a footrest for operator support while working on slopes. The cab has a wireless phone charger, a heated and enlarged side mirror, and keyless start with saved operator setting preferences. There’s a cooler/heater compartment for lunch or beverages; more storage spaces, safety railings, and sun shields; and new sight gauges and a splash guard for the engine’s DEF tank.
Finally, the new Volvos look fresher and more futuristic on the outside to impress passersby and customers alike.
Source: Volvo