German contractor reaches new heights with Volvo CE

Volvo EC380E HR excavator makes light work of demolition for Austen GmbH

A CUSTOM-made quick-change boom system on a Volvo EC380E HR excavator is helping German demolition and earthworks specialists Austen to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently on a range of key demolition projects.

With an operating weight of 51 tons, the Volvo EC380E HR is a vital item of equipment for family-run Austen. And now, thanks to a custom-made boom system, developed in partnership with Volvo CE’s German dealers Robert Aebi, this demolition excavator is an even more versatile and efficient work machine.

Before taking delivery of the Volvo EC380E HR, it was clear Austen needed a high-reach excavator that would tackle the toughest demolition jobs around and is more than suited for the challenge. With no EC380E HR in the area, Stefan Kirsch, sales manager of Robert Aebi, drove four directors from Austen in Germany, to north of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Whilst the trip proved worthwhile in terms of observing the suitability of the machine, a quick-change boom system did not exist for excavators of this size. ‘You can’t get something like that off the shelf, you have to build it,’ said Mr Kirsch. ‘We had to think about everything down to the smallest detail. Where should the quick-change couplings be placed? How should they be attached?’

It was a challenge that was embraced by all involved. Within a year, a team from both companies had developed the first Volvo EC380E HR with an oil-free quick-change boom system. At the customer’s request, the machine also received a protective coating. And a custom-made big rock spoon was also designed and developed with the spoon builder to allow them to rip out foundations even more effectively.

Thanks to the modifications that were made to their EC380E HR, Austen can switch between booms in just 30min. With the long front equipment, the excavator can reach a maximum working height of around 24m (78ft). For work at lower elevations or on foundations, the machine can be switched to using an earthmoving boom.