New Volvo EC140E excavator offers efficiency and comfort

The EC140E excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment is packed with the latest fuel efficiency technology, reducing consumption and emissions – all while providing one of the most comfortable and productive operator environments on the market

Equipped with a powerful Tier 4 Final/Stage IV-compliant Volvo D4 engine, the new Volvo EC140E excavator helps customers to minimize their fuel consumption and emissions, while still receiving the consistently high quality and reliability they expect from Volvo Construction Equipment.

The increased engine power, together with the increased pump input power ensures highly responsive operation and travel for reduced consumption, faster cycle times and improved productivity. Meanwhile, the hydraulics system, combined with the fully electric control system and advanced ECO mode, has been optimized to match engine power, reduce power losses and improve controllability and response time. The main control valve and software builds on the controllability, improving fuel efficiency through smooth and easy operation.

A boom float function, allows pump power for boom lowering to be saved or used for other functions, while the auto engine shutdown feature further helps to reduce consumption by automatically switching off the engine after a pre-set amount of time (5min is the default setting).

Volvo say the EC140E excavator offers an industry-leading cab that is spacious, comfortable and places everything at the operator’s fingertips. This not only increases the operator’s well-being but also their productivity.

All machine interfaces – including the joysticks, keypad, panel and LCD monitor – have been ergonomically designed for optimum control and efficiency. The number of switches has been simplified and climate control integrated into the keypad for easy adjustments. For added convenience, functions such as the windscreen wipers, cameras, auto-mute or power max can all be assigned a short-cut button on the joystick. This allows the operator to select a function during operation without disruption.

As well as the rear-view camera, the Volvo EC140E also offers an optional side-view camera to cover the visual blind spot. Both views can be displayed on the colour monitor, promoting a safer working environment for both the operator and personnel on the ground. Another important safety feature is the seatbelt warning alarm and continuous visual alerts that trigger if the ignition key is turned while the seatbelt is unbuckled.

All the EC140E’s fuel-saving and productivity-enhancing features would be useless if they could not be relied on, which is why quality and durability remain a key priority in the design of Volvo machines. Working in tough conditions means every component matters so careful attention to detail is paid during every stage of the product design and manufacturing processes. Silicon caulking, for example, is used to prevent rust, while waterproof harnesses and connections are installed. Heavy-duty door hinges are used and bolt-on protection is added to the framework lights.

In the unlikely event of the excavator rolling over, the reinforced steel structure of the ROPS and ISO standards-compliant cab ensures the operator is protected at all times.

The idlers, track links, and upper and bottom rollers on the undercarriage are built to withstand tough elements and terrain, while the intelligently-designed X-shape lower frame provides even weight distribution, increasing stability and durability, and preventing damage from rock and debris. The robust boom and arm design of the Volvo EC140E includes internal plates positioned to support pressure points ensuring the range of applications. This helps disperse the stress from high-pressure areas of the boom and arm, to ensure maximum productivity time after time. All these features help to ensure maximum uptime and service life from the machine.

Uptime and service life from the Volvo EC140E are also supported by the ease and speed with which routine and proactive service checks can be carried out. Guard rails and anti-slip steel plates help maintenance staff stay safe when checking the hydraulic tank, fuel tank and AdBlue/Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), while the grouped filters can easily be accessed at ground level through a wide compartment door. The radiator, charged air cooler and hydraulic oil cooler can also be accessed through the same door and are situated side-by- side on a single layer to maximize efficiency, reduce blockages and aid cleaning.

For extra peace of mind, real-time service alerts are displayed on the colour monitor to allow diagnostic checks. Separate service intervals include the engine oil/filter, fuel filter/water separator, hydraulic oil and hydraulic oil filter.

The uptime of the Volvo EC140E is enhanced by its versatility. Volvo have listened to customer needs and built a machine in the EC140E that is not only capable of doing a variety of applications but doing them all with consistent quality, easily switching between attachments. The excavator can be adjusted to take a wide range of hydraulic lines, which are factory fitted with breaker and shear piping (X1), as well as rotator piping (X3). State-of-the-art auxiliary lines provide the correct flow and pressure for special attachments such as mowers and grinders, shears, crushers and tilt rotators. A choice of one or two pump flow helps to maximize productivity and profitability.

An attachment management system helps operators keep on top of all the different settings required. It allows the operator to pre-set and adjust the hydraulic flow and pressure for up to 20 different attachments, allowing the excavator to get back to work as quickly as possible after an attachment change.