Volvo construction equipment has unveiled a new entrant in the E-Series range of excavators which promises to reduce the costs associated with operating this type of machine whilst also improving the cab for greater levels of comfort for the operator...
Read More (Volvo EC160 Reivew)Volvo’s construction equipment arm has unveiled a new entrant in the E-Series range of excavators which promises to reduce the costs associated with operating this type of machine whilst also improving the cab to offer greater levels of comfort for the operator.
Fuel efficiency improvements are also significant, as this unit comes with an engine that eight per cent less thirsty than those of its predecessors. Furthermore, the Volvo Tier 4 Final D4 power plant is capable of boosting traction by five per cent, allowing this tracked excavator to take on tougher conditions as well.
Volvo spokesperson Matt McLean explained that there had been two goals in mind when creating the EC160E: the reduction in operator fatigue through cab enhancements and the slashing of operating costs through efficiencies on a mechanical level.
Optimisations to the machine’s hydraulics mean that there is the option to control everything entirely via an electric system without having to make compromises. In addition, the impressive ECO mode available on this and all modern Volvo excavators means that the arm can be operated with a reduction in power loss while allowing the operator to experience a more responsive degree of control over movement, leading to lower cycle times.
Although the EC160 is technologically superior to older Volvo excavators, the design of the cab has been deliberately de-cluttered, with a cut to the number of switches made in an attempt to make better use of joystick-based shortcuts for certain functions.
The operator can get an overview of everything via a sizeable display panel, through which access to a number of Volvo’s distinct settings is possible to make the most of the fuel savings promised.
Optional extras include auto engine shut-off if it is idle for extended periods, along with an integrated side camera for enhanced visibility which works alongside the rear camera that comes with every variant of this excavator.
Filters have been grouped together to lessen the burden of the maintenance process, while a number of components can be accessed from ground level, meaning technicians can work on things such as the radiator and coolant systems without having to get into awkward positions on the machine itself.
Service alerts are provided thanks to the advanced monitoring systems that are in place, meaning that looking after the EC160E will not be a guessing game. And this should help to make it a good used purchase, as its operational life should be less fraught with mechanical issues.
Volvo offers a total of 20 different attachment options for this new excavator, including a number of standard bucket options as well as the hydraulic braking capabilities that some operators will require. This level of variety is to be expected from a major manufacturer and gives its machines the competitive edge in many scenarios.
All new excavators should endeavour to be more efficient and comfortable than those that they are to replace, so with Volvo’s expertise being applied to this new E-Series model it looks more than capable of building on the firm’s already solid reputation.
