New Volvo EC220 excavator for Oakley Plant

Product reliability and a competitive overall package secures the deal for Volvo Construction Equipment

‘THE package was right – the product is even better!’ That was the sentiment of Stuart Oakley, proprietor of family-run business Oakley Plant Ltd, as he took delivery of a brand-new Volvo EC220E for his plant fleet.

Mr Oakley is no stranger to owning and operating Volvo construction equipment products. ‘Our first Volvo excavator was a second-hand EC140B that has now clocked up 14,000 virtually trouble-free hours. It has proved to be a very reliable machine,’ he said.

‘We supplemented that with a larger EC300D to tackle some of the demolition work we regularly undertake, besides more challenging excavations involving rock extraction.

‘Overall, the Volvo is a good and reliable product and certainly takes a lot to beat when it comes to operator comfort,’ he continued. ‘Not only that, the overall package was very competitive so, all in all, that’s why I decided to replace an older machine in the fleet with this new EC220E.’

Powered by a six-cylinder Stage V Volvo engine that develops 174hp, the EC220E offers the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. For example, pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, whilst maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque.

When Eco mode is selected, the machine provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.

The Volvo Care Cab offers a large and roomy interior, with plenty of leg room and foot space. The excellent all-round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air, which is supplied by a 14-vent climate-control system, whilst an adjustable, easy-to-read LCD colour monitor provides real-time information on the machine’s functions.

The new EC220E has been supplied in standard specification, which includes hose-rupture valves to both the boom and dipper cylinders, as well as quick-fit hydraulics and hammer/shear hydraulic lines.

The combination of the 5.7m boom and 2.9m dipper arm affords the machine a maximum digging reach of 9.93m and a digging depth of 6.73m. The practical dumping height is 6.55m, while the machine’s maximum lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is 2.8 tonnes.

Joining a mixed fleet of equipment in Oakley Plant’s arsenal, the EC220E complements the existing Volvo 14- and 30-tonne excavators, Volvo A25 articulated haulers, traxcavators, rollers, telehandlers, dozers, mini-excavators and a backhoe loader.

This expansive list of equipment is supported by an additional fleet of eight-wheeled, predominantly Volvo-badged, tippers and low-loaders.

Established in 1967, Oakley Plant provide a range of services within a 60-mile radius of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, including: general contracting, demolition and dismantling, site clearance, muckaway, general excavation work, aggregate supply and operated plant hire.