New Volvo D-series compact excavators pack a punch

Belying their small stature, the EC15D, EC18D and EC20D excavators from Volvo Construction Equipment are powerful machines that are easy to operate, tough and durable

The new D-Series compact excavators from Volvo Construction Equipment, occupying the 1.5-2 tonne weight category, feature a D0.9A Volvo diesel engine that meets the latest Tier IV final emission regulations. Emissions are further kept to a minimum thanks to the optional automatic idling system, which reduces engine speed to idle if the controls are inactive for more than five seconds. If the machine is left idling for longer, the engine can be automatically shut down. This then stops the hour meter, leading to longer service intervals, lower operating costs and ensuring a better resale value for the machine.

The EC15D and EC18D, which are being shown for the first time in Great Britain at Plantworx 2015, come with a 12% increase in lifting capacity compared to the previous C models and can now be equipped with an additional rear counterweight for even greater stability. The digging equipment features a modified and re-designed boom giving further improvements to overall dig reach and depth.

The Volvo cab helps to promote high productivity from the operator. It is safe and easy to access via a wide door with three contact points or, when fitted with a canopy, using a large handrail. With superior noise and vibration insulation, excellent all-around visibility, and no extra pedals on the floor, it provides excellent operator comfort throughout the day. All controls are ergonomically placed and the large travel pedals allow the operator to easily manoeuvre the machine in tight spaces. The fingertip roller offers precise boom offset and convenient attachment use. To achieve maximum efficiency, a high-speed travel switch is located on the dozer blade lever for fast backfilling sessions, while a single-acting auxiliary button on the front of the right joystick ensures easy hydraulic breaker operation.

The D-series machines feature new high-profile and impact-resistant rear counterweights made from a single casting that wraps around each side of the machine for protection. The flat, toughened glass used on the four sides of the cab guarantees that replacements can be fitted simply, quickly and inexpensively if damage occurs.

The robust dozer blade is equipped with a welded-on cutting edge for superior wear resistance and a durable upper lip provides added protection against damage in tough applications and excellent stiffness when using the blade as a stabilizer. The sturdy structure and the curved profile of the blade ensure outstanding performance whether dozing or back filling.

On the EC15D and EC18D the lifting cylinder is located on top of the boom, ensuring maximum protection against damage. A strong steel casing protects the boom cylinder on the EC20D. Furthermore, on the three models, most hoses are routed through the boom, for durability.

The swing frame, the boom and the arm ends are also cast for stress distribution. Hardened pins and bushings are designed to keep tight pivot tolerances and secure for minimum wear.

Volvo say that not only are the D-Series compact excavators highly durable, they are also easy to maintain thanks to their built-in service features. Daily service points are logically grouped under the wide-opening engine hood. With Volvo’s patented multifunctional hydraulic oil filter, filtration occurs when the tank is filled or topped up and before the oil returns back via the drain lines. A transparent bowl allows easy oil level checks and permits early detection of contamination.

Both the ease and speed of inspections, together with long 50h greasing intervals, increases uptime and encourages essential work to be carried out, enhancing machine lifetime.

In addition to simple service requirements and excellent durability, the uptime of the D-series models is supported by their sheer versatility. The EC18D and EC20D’s undercarriage can be extended or retracted to suit jobsite requirements and a reduced width can be selected when passing through tight spaces. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art hydraulic system is primed to deliver superior performance no matter what the application. The flow sharing system ensures the operator has precise control of simultaneous functions for efficient operation.

The boom is slightly offset to the left to maintain visibility when working in tight spaces. These machines are designed so that the swing post and cylinder stay within the tracks, avoiding the risk of damage to the machine when working alongside obstacles.