O’Hara Bros opt for Volvo crawler excavators
London-based aggregates supplier acquires two new Volvo EC220Ds for crushing and recycling operations
O’HARA Bros Aggregates Ltd have taken delivery of two new Volvo EC220D crawler excavators and are already reaping the benefits of significant fuel consumption reductions over the machines they replaced.
‘We took on board Volvo CE’s claim of a 12% reduction in fuel consumption with the new D series models when considering which machines to purchase,’ explained contracts manager Jason O’Hara. ‘Since the machines have arrived and gone to work loading our primary crushers, we’ve been staggered at the actual fuel savings we are delivering. Both excavators are returning between 10 to 12 litres an hour as opposed to our previous machines which consumed up to 18 litres. Most notably, they are more productive in eco mode; we’ve calculated our weekly fuel consumption has dropped by 500 litres.’
Equipped with a Stage IIIB D6 engine, the EC220D produces 175hp (129kW) and 849Nm of torque, while also benefitting from an improved hydraulic system with larger pumps that significantly reduces fuel consumption with shorter cycle times.
Operators have the option to select the best work mode for the task at hand, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Modes include: I-idle; F-fine; G-general; H-heavy; and P-power.
The excavator is equipped with a new ‘smart’ hydraulics system designed for delivering high productivity, greater digging capacity, easy manoeuvrability and good fuel economy. Independent and simultaneous movements of the digging equipment are controlled by an automatic sensing work mode. It can also prioritize flow according to the work being done, for example, to the boom for faster raising when loading or in deep excavations.
‘We are one of the largest recyclers of Type 1 planings in north London and operating equipment that is eco-friendly in terms of fuel consumption and reduced emissions enhances the image O’Hara Bros wants to present in the marketplace,’ said Jason O’Hara. ‘We are equally confident with Volvo’s reputation for quality and reliability which helped us choose the EC220Ds.’
