New 50-tonne Volvo for RJT Excavations
Scottish Borders-based earthworks contractor takes delivery of new EC480E crawler excavator
RJT Excavations Ltd’s latest fleet addition, a 50-tonne Volvo EC480E, follows hot on the heels of a 40-tonne Volvo EC380E and three smaller 22-tonne EC220Es purchased last year.
‘We have a long association with Volvo Construction Equipment products and are currently operating excavators from 14 to 50 tonnes, as well as several A30 articulated haulers,’ said RJT’s assistant plant manager, Euan Heard.
‘This latest EC480E is a further endorsement of our commitment to the Volvo product, as it is not only replacing another make of excavator, but has become one of our frontline primary muck-shifting machines.
‘Our operators certainly appreciate the level of comfort in the cab and, in general, the performance and reliability of our previous Volvos has prompted our decision to invest once again.’
Powered by a Stage V-compliant 13-litre engine that delivers 385hp, the EC480E is said to offer the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication.
The Volvo Care Cab provides a large, roomy interior with plenty of leg room and foot space. The excellent all-round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air supplied by a 14-vent climate-control system.
An adjustable, easy-to-read LCD colour monitor also provides real-time information on the machine’s functions, important diagnostic information and a wide variety of work tool settings, while also providing visibility from the rear- and side-view cameras.
The EC480E supplied to RJT has been configured with mass-excavation equipment comprising a 6.5m boom, 2.55m dipper arm and a hydraulic quick-hitch. Thus rigged, the machine has a maximum digging depth of 6.5m, a horizontal reach of 11m, a practical load-over height of 7m and a maximum breakout force of 311kN.
RJT also specified a 3.2 cubic metre heavy-duty bucket compete with Esco penetration teeth, supplied by MST.
‘Another reason for continuing to invest in Volvo machines is down to the high quality of the aftermarket support we have received from SMT GB’s Customer Support Centre in Stirling, together with their flexible arrangements for providing the right type of service agreement to suit our needs,’ commented RJT's plant manager, Gordon Ballantyne.
‘This means we can take full advantage of the support from Volvo’s dealer, while also keeping our team of workshop and mobile engineers fully engaged at the same time.’
Formed in 1989 as an earthworks and general groundwork’s contractor based in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, today RJT offer specialized plant and equipment, bulk earthworks, groundworks, stabilisation, remediation, contract crushing, plant for civil engineering projects and other plant-orientated activities covering the whole of the UK.
