SMT GB showcase new Volvo CE machines

Hillhead debuts for L260H wheel loader, EW240E material handler and ECR355E short swing radius excavator  

This year, SMT GB, Volvo Construction Equipment’s exclusive dealer for Great Britain, showcased several innovative new Volvo machines and sponsored Hillhead 2018’s show-stopping Man Engine performances. 

Hillhead has always been synonymous with innovation and the new Volvo L260H wheel loader that premiered at this year’s event was no exception. Built in response to evolving business demands, the machine can load 26 tonnes in just two passes. Compared with its predecessor, the L260H boasts 15% greater productivity thanks to its intelligently designed wheelbase (increased by 2in) and optimized weight distribution of the front frame and lifting-arm system.  

These two features allow for larger buckets to be used and deliver 6% more power and 5% more torque than the L250G, and 10% better fuel efficiency. The machine comes with four new specifically designed buckets, with the rock bucket having a longer floor that can hold 11.5% more material, boosting productivity by up to 25%, whilst the redesigned rehandling buckets are easier to fill and new convex sides minimize spillage by 5%.  

Also on show for the first time at Hillhead was the all-new and versatile EW240E material handler – said to be the company’s strongest and most innovative yet. Specifically designed for the waste and recycling industries, it has a reach of more than 11m and boasts a host of new features, such as a dedicated upper-structure and reinforced undercarriage to withstand the forces in scrap-sorting applications.

It differs from a standard excavator with its hydraulically elevated cab, four stabilizers as standard, full rubber tyres, and a tailor-made straight boom that is flexible enough to be fitted with either a 5m gooseneck arm or a 4m grab/sorting arm.

Performance is enhanced by a boom-float function and boom cylinder dampening, which minimize shaking and holds the grapple in place for increased stability. To improve accuracy, the grapple control and soft-swing braking system work in harmony during simultaneous operations, whilst an optimized hydraulics system delivers instant response.

The Volvo cab can be raised up to 5m for an eye-level view when working at height. To enhance safety, the EW240E is equipped with arm-in limitation to avoid any collisions between the cab and the grapple. Moreover, customers can configure the machine to their specific application by selecting either a gooseneck arm or straight arm, to ensure they always have the best grasp for the job.

Also shown for the first time at Hillhead 2018 was the ECR355E short swing radius excavator, which offers significantly increased digging and lifting forces, controllability and ultimate uptime, as well as 10% better fuel efficiency. The ECR355E features increased hydraulic flow for accurate control in grading and combined operations, whilst he synchronized boom and arm assist ease of movement when simultaneously travelling and lifting, contributing to higher grading quality.

Meanwhile, a Volvo L220H wheel loader was at the heart of the Man Engine project, which saw the giant mechanical puppet put on a three performances a day at this year’s show. ‘The Man Engine is a magnificent feat of engineering and we’re proud and happy to have our machine power its countrywide tour, and here at the Hillhead show,’ said Nick Allen, chief executive officer of SMT GB. ‘We’ve been sponsoring this amazing project since 2016 and couldn’t wait to see the Man Engine transform to his full 11.2m height once again.’

Will Coleman, director of Golden Tree Productions, added: ‘We’d like to thank SMT GB and Volvo CE for sponsoring the machine, which recently returned from a tour of South Wales and Cornwall to play at Hillhead 2018. This year marks the beginning of the Man Engine’s ambitions for a global tour.’