Excavator applications

Many of the newer products on the Vovlo stand were launched last year. These include new wheeled loader models such as the 73 kW L45F and 85 kW L50F, the 23 tonne class EW230C wheeled excavator and the 33 to 38 tonne ECR305CL short radius tracked excavator.

It will also be a first European outing for the company's roadbuilding equipment range, which will be shown in Volvo livery for the first time on the continent.

Brand new however is the 21 m reach EC360CHR high reach demolition excavator, which joins two larger models in the range, the 32 m reach EC700BHR and anticipated 27 m EC460CHR. A key feature of all three is the modular boom joint, which allows a standard excavation front-end to be fitted in 30 minutes.

Also standard is the tiliting cab, while an extendable undercarriage is optional.

Another extension to a specialised range is the new waste handler version of the EC210C tracked excavator. Fitted with a hydraulically elevating cab and two piece boom, the machine is suitable for transfer stations and other waste handling applications.

Other elements of Volvo's waste package is a cooling system designed to prevent the ingress of dust, which can clog radiators and lead to overheating.

Another interesting innovation from Volvo at Intermat is the launch of its Eco Operator scheme. The programme will teach operators to get the most out of machines in terms of durability and fuel costs by focussing on areas such as planning work, driving economically, maintaining the correct tyre pressures, shutting machines down in idle periods and using the right machine for the task in hand.