First new-generation Volvo EC500 excavator arrives in the UK
Fuel-efficient 53-tonne crawler machine packs a punch and is put straight to work on demanding demolition project
VOLVO CE’s new-generation EC500 crawler excavator is showcasing its formidable capabilities on a huge and demanding demolition project, transforming the site of a former aluminium plant for future development.
The challenge of removing an estimated 90,000 cubic metres of heavily reinforced concrete and preparing the ground at a 200-hectare site on the outskirts of Holyhead in Wales called for a serious heavy-duty machine.
The solution? The latest EC500 from Volvo CE. Construction contractors Rock Remediation (part of Rock Civil Engineering) have taken delivery of the UK’s first such heavyweight excavator, which has been engineered for use on mining sites, quarries, and construction projects.
Following the demolition and clearing of the buildings and a 140m high chimney at the former production plant, a plateau of concrete was all that was left.
The first job for the excavator was the removal of column bases along the perimeter of the former aluminium storage shed. Measuring 3m x 3m and around 1m in depth, the blocks were loosened using a ripper attachment, before being carefully lifted out and placed on the slab ready for breaking.
Rock Civil Engineering plant operator, Paul Faulkner commented: ‘Concrete and rebar couldn’t have cost that much in the late 1960s. We have encountered some heavily reinforced material on this job, and while our smaller machines could just about handle them, Connor Kane [founder of Rock Remediation) wanted to expand our fleet to allow us to manage this, and future projects more easily.’
With an operating weight of just over 53 tons, the new generation EC500 has immediately been won over by the contractors. Mr Faulkner continued: ‘The improvements to the cab are brilliant. There’s so much room in there, the seat is excellent, and everything just seems to feel right and be in the right place.’
A key part of the new design included a revamp to make the machine more spacious and ergonomic than ever before. The updated cab features a heated/cooled seat with plenty of space to allow any operator to find their perfect seating position.
The heating/ ventilation system has also been enhanced, as have the media upgrades, which now include both wired and wireless charging options and a Bluetooth speaker. New advanced electric control joysticks and fully electric travel pedals are highly responsive and have additional switches and rollers allowing a variety of functions to be performed.
On the right-hand side of the cab is the new high-definition 12.8in Co-Pilot screen – Volvo CE’s state-of-the-art touchscreen tablet that powers all Volvo Assist platforms, using on-board machine data and high-precision sensors to allow tasks to be completed efficiently and easily. Simple and intuitive, excavator operators can set up projects in just a few touches by selecting the required job parameters.
They can then monitor the job’s progress and stay safe, with on-screen alerts that indicate when pre-set parameters are met. The Volvo Co-Pilot feature is 3G compatible when equipped with a SIM card, allowing software updates to be received automatically and wirelessly.
The new-generation EC500 is also equipped with Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, which gives operators a 360° view of the machine’s surroundings thanks to an improved camera system and new radar detection system. The technology can identify obstacles as either an object or human, alerting the operator so they can take appropriate action.
Powered by a 13-litre Volvo D13J engine that delivers 2,070Nm at 1,300 rev/min, the EC500 excavator boasts new ‘electro-hydraulic technology’ which delivers enhanced operator control. The result is smooth and precise movement of the excavator’s boom, bucket, and other hydraulic functions, allowing for more accurate digging and loading.
Rock Remediation’s next-generation EC500 has been supplied with a 7m boom and 2.55m stick backed by a full suite of additional hydraulic services. A Miller GTX quick hitch has been fitted to allow the excavator to swap between bucket and ripper. The standard excavation bucket has been supplemented with a heavy-duty bucket and ripper supplied by Strickland.
Proven digital solutions such as Volvo Dig Assist have been added to the EC500, which provides built-in machine guidance and control technology. While not required for the bulk of the concrete removal, it is still a beneficial tool for Rock Remediation when the final earthworks side of the project is reached.
The construction firm also benefits from the addition of On-Board Weighing which provides real-time insights into the excavator’s bucket load, helping to eliminate overloading, underloading, reweighing, and waiting times.
