Gulf Construction Online - Volvo boosts power for popular EW series

Excavators

EC180C crawler excavator ... better productivity.

Volvo boosts power for popular EW series

01 March 2007

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is introducing a new C-series generation of its popular EW range of wheeled excavators.

The new EW140C, EW160C and EW180C will all have the benefits of Volvo CE’s new C-series crawler excavators.
“The multi-functional, highly balanced, fuel-efficient and comfortable new models have significant improvements in almost every element of the machine, including a new engine and cab, hydraulics, substructure, boom/arm, controls, servicing and environmental impact. However, the most exciting changes relate to the engine and the operator environment, which have been substantially upgraded,” says a company spokesperson.
“The C-series offers more powerful Volvo Tier III compliant engines with V-ACT (Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology) that deliver the best fuel efficiency in the industry,” he continues. “Producing high torque at low revs, this allows fast hydraulic response and ultra-efficient fuel consumption. It features large capacity turbocharger, new air management and precision high-pressure fuel injection. The engine management’s anti-stall system balances maximum available power to hydraulic output, preventing the engine from becoming overloaded, regardless of engine speed or pump demand.
The operator’s environment – which is already class leading in the B-series – has been improved further with the introduction of a roomier Care Cab. This gives operators more room where they need it – such as when wearing big site boots – with a higher level of comfort, climate control, better visibility and easier-to-use controls The extent of cab glass has been increased and a transparent opening roof hatch added – with everything, from the air suspension seat to the steering column and controls, being fully adjustable. The operator has a clear line of sight for safe and confident manoeuvring, whether digging or lifting.
Productivity is also enhanced as the operator can adjust flow and pressure to suit the particular tool fitted, without leaving his seat. Easy and safe tool changing is also possible as the EW range can work with three types of quick fits – the S-1, S-6 or Universal. Morning inspections of engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil and filters can be done via the easy-to-read, in-cab control monitor, and the optional CareTrack GPS system conducts a self-diagnostic routine, alerting the operator – or the fleet manager back at the office – should a fault be detected, the spokesman points out.
Other enhancements incorporated in the new C-series generation include:
• Smooth load-sensing hydraulics; A higher torque swing motor means faster cycle times when working on slopes or placing loads. It places priority on the boom, arm and swing. In-cab operator selectable hydraulic flow and pressure increases performance, especially when changing attachments regularly. It is highly responsive for fast cycle times with the hydraulically driven fan only operational when needed, reducing fuel consumption still further;
• Better controls with more space: A larger Care Cab offers more floor space and better visibility – especially upper and lower visibility, while a multi-adjustable seat, pedals and joystick ensure the perfect operating position. The enhanced suspension system surpasses emerging cab vibration requirements, reducing operator fatigue and whole body vibration. In-cab noise levels are also reduced thanks to the low revving engine, re-siting of the cooling system and to the pressurized insulated cab itself, which blocks sound. A new colour LCD display that is easy to read offers real time information;
• Electronic climate control; Boasting 14 vents, the electronic climate control within the cab has a highest capacity heating and cooling ventilation system than any rival excavator, he claims;
• Safer ROPS (roll over protection system) cab: All steps and platforms feature punched steel plates for superior grip. The new windshield wiper cleans a wider area – including both upper corners. An optional rear view camera provides a safer view while slewing or during travel;
• Easier to service: Ground-level access makes inspection and service convenient, straightforward and safer. Centralised lubrication points and long service intervals reduce downtime. An LCD monitor conducts a self-diagnostic check routine for maximum uptime;
• Rugged undercarriage: A strong undercarriage firmly anchors the machine for digging, lifting and precision operations with a robust dozer blade and wide gauge outriggers which allow the EW to lift, load or grade, as required;
• Optional two-piece boom: The optional two-piece boom offers increased agility, allowing the excavator to work in tight spaces or perform parallel digging;
• Parts availability: The C-series shares a large number of components found on other Volvo equipment that contractors may also be using, thus increasing parts availability while reducing stockholding requirements; and
• Environmental awareness: Almost 95 per cent of a C-series excavator can be recycled. In addition, external sound levels are greatly reduced and the external paint is lead-free.
Whether it is trench digging, concrete breaking, grading, craning, hole boring, the wheeled excavator is one of the most adaptable tool carriers in construction equipment, with the additional benefit of being able to move independently between job sites at speeds up to 35 km per hour.
While offering strength, balance, mobility, ease of use, comfort, safety, reliability and adaptability, the C-series of EW wheeled excavators from Volvo CE offers two added benefits: it uses less fuel and and requires less time to get a task done properly and efficiently, the spokesman concludes.