The EW180B satisfies high oil flow demanding attachments.
New models offer cost-efficiencies
GCM was in Kiruna, Sweden, recently to witness the launch and prowess of Volvo Construction, Equipment's two-wheeled excavators EW 160 B and EW 180 B and the hydraulic EC 160 B.
01 March 2003
The 15.8 to 19.8-tonne EW160B and EW180B excavators draw upon established designs utilised in Volvo's range of tracked excavators and other products, proven components which translate into maximum efficiency and cost savings for end-users.
An impressive set of specifications accompanies the new generation wheeled excavators, ensuring high productivity in arduous job site conditions. The EW160B boasts a digging depth of 5.5 m, while counterpart model, the EW180B, has a digging depth of 5.9 m, says Volvo Construction Equipment.
Different booms, complete with a range of dipper arm lengths and attachments, ensure the new units provide a solution to all digging needs. The optimal boom geometry designed for the most extreme stresses delivers dump heights of 6.2 m and 6.4 m respectively, ensuring high digging performance combined with easy truck loading. Add breakout characteristics of 109 kN and 140 kN, along with Volvo's tried-and-tested hydraulic quick-fit attachment system, and the end result is two new excavators designed for superior flexibility, according to the Swedish company.
A low-emission Volvo D6D six-cylinder engine, capable of developing 103 kW at 2000 rpm, is fitted to the EW160B model. Its bigger brother, the EW180B, generates 112 kW at low 1,900 rpm. Volvo engines are well known for their efficiency and these powerplants continue that tradition.
The three-speed Power Shift transmission allows operators to shift with creep, low and high-speed ranges on the move. A useful feature in the drivetrain design is a creep speed set to a maximum of 4 km/h. The operator can adjust this speed if necessary, thereby allowing slower speeds to be utilised when working on road construction or grading jobs. Automatic downhill speed control, meanwhile, protects the operator when running at full throttle on downhill grades. And additional safety comes from an emergency system that always allows steering and braking should the machine be starved of fuel.
The hydraulics fitted to the EW160B model deliver a working pressure rated at 320 bar and a flow up to 240 lpm. The EW180B sports a 320 bar system that delivers flows up to 355 lpm, satisfying even high oil flow demanding attachments. Each hydraulic system has been refined to suit these excavators, making the new machines extremely smooth and manoeuvrable, says Volvo. Oil is pumped to functions only when needed and all power is subsequently directed to the activated component. As a result, the operator has complete control of machine and attachment, allowing exact simultaneous activation of several movements. Moreover, this design promotes safe and easy control of both load and attachment.
Equal attention to detail has been placed upon the operator controls. Volvo's mode selector allows operators to select a mode that matches the job. The operator can also customise machine performance to suit conditions and his own style. Productivity is enhanced in this way.
In today's working environment, operator comfort is essential and the cab fitted to these new models has been redesigned to make it more spacious on the inside and provide better visibility. A new ergonomic seat with multiple adjustment functions for optimal individual comfort has been incorporated and an electronic climate control system provides a comfortable operator environment, says Volvo.
Visibility in the new cab has been improved too. The strong yet narrow cab pillars give the operator a safe workplace, significant reduction of 'dead angles' on both sides, as well as excellent forward visibility on the work site and the road. The front windshields of tinted safety glass are designed without moldings, giving a clear view in the digging direction without blinding glare from intense sunlight.
Inside the cab is a new instrument panel, combined with MDU (Machine Display Unit) that provides the operator with all relevant information about machine status in a simple and logical manner.
Volvo says it is in a class of its own when it comes to safety. Notable points include outriggers that reach almost 4 m from the machine, along with the inclusion of a support blade for extra stability. The stabilisers can be used simultaneously, or with separate movements in any combination. Where it is not practical to use outriggers, optional drum brakes can be deployed to ensure stable digging without play in the axles. Meanwhile, the travel mode, operated by simply turning a switch, ensures superstructure to undercarriage movement and hydraulic functionality are blocked. This prevents accidental movement of the digging equipment, slew, or undercarriage support functions when driving on a public road.
Completing the EW160B and EW180B are stylish good looks with more compact dimensions. This, in combination with the narrow tail swing radius, excellent boom lifting characteristics and superb travel performance, ensures these newcomers are equally at home manoeuvring on a congested job site or narrow city streets.
Volvo Construction Equipment also introduced the Volvo EC160B, the latest addition to its hydraulic excavator product line. The B-series Volvo excavators are a new generation of machines designed and engineered to provide more efficient power, productivity, and improved operator comfort, focused specifically on ease of maintenance and serviceability.
The design on the Volvo EC160B also focuses on ease of maintenance; extended service intervals, lower running costs, and power service tools such as Service Contronic, MATRIS and VCADS Pro (Volvo Computer Aided Diagnostic System Professional).
Service Contronic is a portable handheld unit that minimises the time spent on trouble-shooting for faults. All operational data are presented in the machine tracking system (MATRIS) providing all-fault tracking information and service requirements. The VCADS Pro allows the machine functions to be tested and changed to specific working or operator requirements.
The entire B-series excavators from Volvo also features a new generation of electronic systems that precisely balance available engine power with hydraulic output for maximum performance as well as the constant monitoring of electrical systems and engine performance. The systems also provide real time diagnostic troubleshooting information.
