Shetland contractor opts for more Volvos

Stuart Malcolmson Plant Ltd add additional EC27C and EC140D machines to existing Volvo fleet

STUART Malcolmson Plant Ltd, based at Sumburgh on the Shetland Isles, have continued to opt for models from Volvo’s excavator and compact excavator range by adding new a EC27C and an EC140D to their fleet.

‘We’ve been operating Volvo compact excavators for several years now. They are economical to run, easy to work on and maintain and operator friendly,’ said proprietor Stuart Malcolmson. ‘But more importantly, we continue to favour Volvo due to the after-sales support we get from the team on the mainland – it’s second to none in our opinion.’

Joining Mr Malcolmson’s fleet are a second Volvo EC27C compact excavator and a second 14-tonne EC140D, making five Volvos in total. The machines are deployed on a variety of house building and industrial building projects concentrated on Shetland’s mainland.

In addition to their contracting arm Stuart Malcolmson, also hire out their equipment for self-drive rental and operate a small quarry extracting stone and materials for the company’s building projects.

The EC27C is powered by a Volvo 1.6 litre low-emission Stage III engine coupled to a load-sensing hydraulic system for optimum performance and fuel saving. Simultaneous control of slew and offset movements provides faster, more precise performance due to the right joystick control lever that features an electronically proportional roller. This allows the operator to accurately adjust hydraulic flow as needed.

All hydraulic functions are performed totally independently for more control and less delay when handling multiple tasks. An automatic two-speed travel system engages when operating in high-speed mode, automatically shifting gear from high to low according to the travel load.

Another feature for increased efficiency is the standard auto-idling system that lowers the engine speed to idle if a control is not used for five seconds. The engine reverts to the pre-selected speed almost instantly when any control is moved. This system delivers lower fuel consumption, longer engine life and less environmental noise.

The EC27C also features a spacious and ergonomically designed cab which offers greater leg and foot room. Optional air-conditioning, including heater, is also available for year-round productivity in hot, humid or cold climates.

The EC140D is powered by a Volvo four cylinder D4H Stage IIIB engine which develops 114hp. The machine’s advanced integrated work mode control provides high efficiency, rapid dig cycles and low fuel consumption, by ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions.

In addition, boom and arm geometry provide highly competitive digging forces and lifting capacities, which makes for faster work cycles. Hose rupture valves are fitted as standard to the boom and dipper cylinders, as are quick-fit hydraulics and a hammer/shear service.

The Volvo Care Cab offers a large interior with ample leg room and foot space. Chief machine operator John Nicholls commented: ‘The machine has excellent all-round visibility and the automatic climate system is a bonus – especially in the typical climate we get here on Shetland.’