Volvo CE launches two mid-size crawler excavators in North America

Volvo CE is launching two new models in the North American market (Photo: Volvo CE)

The company says that the EC260 will take the place of the EC250, while the new EC300 updates the previous model series.

According to Volvo CE, the EC260 and EC300 excavators feature up to 15% greater fuel efficiency, increased productivity, enhanced safety and cab upgrades.

S.S. Kim, product manager of mid-size excavators at Volvo CE, said, “These 26- and 30-ton models are popular sizes for site preparation, road building and utility applications.”

Kim added, “When it was introduced in May, the new excavator series represented the most significant update to the Volvo excavator lineup in two decades.”

The 231-hp/168-kW EC260 and 260-hp/189-kW EC300 have a max digging depth of 23 ft. 2 in./7 m and 24 ft. 1 in./7.3 m and  offer breakout force (with boost) of up to 40,690 lbf. and 48,070 lbf., respectively. Both models feature several enhancements including an optimised electro-hydraulic system, a smart cooling system, and engine speed regulation. Volvo CE says that these systems contribute to up to 15% better fuel efficiency.

The company adds that the machines offer ten distinct work modes, including two specifically tailored for power applications and four designed to operate in automatic ECO modes for improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Further innovations include a new creep travel mode combined with boom and arm shock reduction technology. The feature is said to minimise material spillage during operations while enhancing safety for the operator and surrounding environment.

The Volvo Smart View system features Obstacle Detection, offering operators 360-degree visibility of the machine’s surroundings. For enhanced precision and productivity, the Volvo Active Control machine control system, combined with an advanced electric joystick, automates boom and bucket movements.

The cab also received several updates, including an updated seat, keyless start with the ability to store multiple operator preference settings, and an improved human-machine interface (HMI) and larger, higher-resolution Co-Pilot tablet.