More Volvo machines for RJT Excavations
Earthmoving contractor adds new Volvo EC480E excavator and L180H wheel loader to existing fleet
RJT Excavations Ltd have strengthened their machinery fleet with the addition of a new Volvo EC480E excavator and an L180H loading shovel. The new arrivals have been assigned to the company’s contract division; the 50-tonne EC480E has been rigged for mass excavation, while the L180H is equipped with a 4.6 cubic metre capacity rehandling bucket.
‘We have a long association with Volvo equipment and are still running six-year-old A30 articulated haulers, which have proved very reliable and productive,’ said Les Pole, RJT’s contract crushing and transport manager.
‘We needed to replace existing kit for our contract crushing division and having looked carefully at the market and, more importantly, having analyzed the total cost of ownership over a set period, coupled to our past experiences operating Volvo machines, the package on offer was too good to overlook.’
The Stage IV Final 13-litre engine in the EC480E excavator develops 378hp and is ideally matched to its automatic load-sensing hydraulic system, which provides on-demand flow and reduces power losses within the circuit.
Volvo’s ECO mode contributes significantly to the machine’s total improved efficiency without any loss of performance in most operating conditions. The excavator also offers a choice of five work modes according to the task in hand – I (Idle), F (Fine), G (General), H (Heavy) or P (Power max) – for optimum efficiency and machine performance.
When the controls have been inactive for a pre-set amount of time, the machine can be programmed to automatically reduce engine speed or even shut down to further reduce fuel consumption and noise. Operators can keep track of both current and average fuel consumption via a simple gauge in the cab.
To meet RJT’s contract crushing operations (ie loading blasted rock into a mobile crusher), the EC480E has been supplied with a 6.5m mass excavation boom, a short 2.5m dipper arm, an hydraulic quick-fit and a 71in extreme rock bucket.
The L180H wheel loader features a 13-litre Stage IV final engine that develops 333hp at between 1,300 and 1,400 rev/min. The machine also benefits from Volvo-designed and manufactured driveline components including Optishift with torque converter lock-up and reverse by braking feature – all designed to offer considerable fuel savings each shift.
Fuel savings are further enhanced by the Volvo Eco-pedal, which encourages the operator to run the machine at its optimum rev/min in the engine’s torque curve. Both new machines have been supplied with Volvo’s driveline warranty (cover for next five years or 10,000h) and Blue service agreement, which ensures each unit is regularly maintained by Volvo trained engineers using genuine OEM parts.
