Volvo Construction Equipment has launched the most significant update to its excavator lineup in two decades, introducing a range of new medium and large models in North America. 

The initial release includes the ECR145 short swing, EC210, EC230, EC370, EC400, and EC500 crawler excavators, with additional models expected in the coming months.

“This new excavator series is the realisation 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. 

“Together, these updates will substantially impact their productivity, uptime, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, their success.”

The new series has an electro-hydraulic system, smart cooling and engine speed regulation for higher torque at lower RPMs. 

These features are claimed to collectively contribute to a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency over previous models, delivering better performance and reduced operational costs.

The excavators now offer 10 work modes, including specific settings for power and automatic ECO. 

The new creep travel mode, along with boom and arm shock reduction settings, allows operators to handle loads with greater precision and minimise 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. 

“Improved fuel efficiency not only reduces costs but also lowers the environmental impact.”

The new excavators prioritise safety with the introduction of Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection. 

This system provides operators with 360-degree visibility and combines camera technology with radar detection to differentiate between objects and humans, enhancing site awareness and safety.

Volvo has also enhanced the cabs, focusing on ease of use and operator comfort. 

It says the human-machine interface (HMI) and the automation of boom and bucket movements with the Active Control system increase productivity, aided by an advanced electric control joystick.

The manufacturer states that safety has been a focus, with enhanced railings and relocated footsteps making it easier and safer for operators to move around the excavator. 

The models feature Volvo’s Co-Pilot, an in-cab tablet with a larger, higher-resolution screen that displays Dig Assist applications like on-board weighing and in-field design.

Volvo says the new series offers a 50% 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.

PS Plant Specs notifies subscribers to its exclusive specifications database that when these machines are confirmed for Australia, the specs will be posted and they will be advised.