Norwegian contractor reaches new heights with Volvo excavator
Veidekke use EC750E high-reach excavator to demolish one of the largest buildings in Oslo
WHEN Norwegian firm Veidekke were tasked with demolishing the House of Oslo, a towering shopping mall in the heart of the capital city, the contractor knew it had a huge challenge on its hands. Not only was the 55,000 sq m building surrounded by bustling streets packed with pedestrians, cars and trams, it was also 11-storeys high – a significant height even for the most experienced demolition contractor.
Having experienced success with seven other Volvo high-reach demolition excavators in the past, Veidekke contacted Volvo CE for a machine to meet their demands. The contractor explained its needs and Volvo CE listened, launching the EC750E HR in 2018, based on feedback from Veidekke and other customers around the world.
‘We required a machine with a long reach and that is what we got,’ commented Jon Nässelquist, machine purchasing manager for Veidekke. ‘That a customer can present their own requirements and Volvo builds what the customer wants is unique.’
The new EC750E HR has a maximum pin height of 36m with a 3.6-tonne tool, which is a 4m reach advantage and 44% tool weight increase over its predecessor – the EC700C HR.
As the Volvo excavator model has been purpose built for demolition; stability and safety are at the heart of the design. The EC750E HR, for example, features an all-new undercarriage, specifically developed for the demolition sector. It is heavier and wider than even that of the bigger Volvo EC950E excavator, and compared to the EC750E, the undercarriage is 0.5m longer and 1m wider, with an impressive track gauge of 4.3m.
With an additional four tonnes of counterweight helping to push the EC750E HR’s machine weight to 104 tonnes, the additional stability gives the machine a solid foundation for best-in-class performance.
‘The width and the counterweight are what provide the machine with its stability,’ said Mr Nässelquist. ‘Even when using the high reach, the machine remains strong and does not sway which is absolutely crucial.’
The EC750E HR also incorporates a number of key safety features that protect both the operator and machine when removing up to 70,000 tonnes of concrete waste on the House of Oslo site.
These include a complete demolition guarding package with a robust frame-mounted falling object guard (FOG), which protects the operator from falling debris while maintaining the operator’s visibility. To further enhance safety, the excavator features a new total moment indicator (TMI) system that provides real-time display of the boom and tool position and warns the operator when working in a dangerous stance.
The machine is also designed for operator comfort. Demolition of tall buildings requires machine operators to focus on high points above the ground and so the cab in the EC750E HR, which can tilt up to 30 degrees, helps reduce neck strain and fatigue. A responsive hydraulic system also allows for greater control, safety and efficiency, meaning more productive and satisfied operators.
Veidekke have been a valued Volvo customer for nearly 15 years and own a fleet of 66 Volvo machines. The contractor placed its order for the new EC750E HR with a 36m boom well before the machine was officially launched and was the first company to receive the high-reach model.
‘Volvo is a great partner when it comes to demolition,’ said Erik Nilsen, environment and construction manager for Veidekke Norway. ‘The EC750E HR works extremely well and has helped us to maintain a high level of productivity. It is the most effective tool for a job of this type.’
