Volvo CE's largest excavator lineup update in 20 years

Volvo CE has introduced a new range of excavators in what the company says is its most significant excavator line update in 20 years. Volvo says its new machines deliver greater fuel efficiency, improved safety, and new operator-friendly features.

The initial launch includes multiple medium and large excavator models in North America with more models coming soon. The first machines in the series are the ECR145 short swing and the EC210, EC230, EC370, EC400, and EC500 crawler excavators.

Scott Young, the head of region North America at Volvo CE, says that every choice that went into these new machines – from each weld to every design change – was made with the needs of operators at the forefront.

Fuel efficiency

An electro-hydraulic system and features – like a smart cooling system and engine speed regulation for higher torque at a lower rpm – add up to a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the previous generation while outperforming the prior models.

The hydraulics enable better machine control and the smooth and precise movement of the boom, bucket, and other hydraulic components. Work modes expand to 10 settings, including two specific to power and four specific to automatic ECO modes. A new creep travel mode coupled with boom and arm shock reduction settings gives operators command of loads and reduces spillage.

"Our customers are looking for ways to increase productivity and reduce expenses, and we deliver on that with these new excavators," says Sejong Ko, product manager of 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."

Safety enhancements

The new excavator series also enhances safety. One highlight is Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, which gives operators 360-degree visibility of the machine's surroundings. While cameras are being added to heavy equipment, Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection combines camera technology and a radar detection system to distinguish between objects and humans.

Additional lights have been added to the cab, boom, and arm to make dimmer worksites safer.

Operator features

Volvo also updated the cab in the new excavators with features that address both ease of use and comfort. A human-machine interface (HMI) helps create a productive workday. The automation of boom and bucket movement with the Volvo Active Control machine control system and an electric control joystick helps operators increase productivity.

The new excavators also include some minor upgrades that Volvo anticipates will have a big impact on operator satisfaction:

• Updated seat design
• Improved ventilation
• New footrest support for working on slopes
• Keyless engine start with the ability to store 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 newest 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.

Maintenance

The new Volvo excavators offer a 50 percent 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.