Volvo CE launch new 50-tonne excavators

EC530E and EC550E said to offer digging and lifting forces normally found in 60-tonne machines

VOLVO Construction Equipment have launched two all-new 50-tonne class excavators, the EC530E and EC550E, which have been designed for heavy-duty digging and mass-excavation applications.

Heralding a new size class for Volvo CE with operating weights from 53.1–57.3 tonnes and 53.7–58.0 tonnes, respectively, the new machines are said to offer a 25% boost in fuel efficiency and a 20% boost in productivity.

According to Volvo CE, the new excavators deliver digging and lifting forces normally found in 60-tonne machines and feature the most engine power in their class (340kW at 1,600 rev/min), providing high tractive force and swing torque.

When coupled with large buckets (capacities range from 2.4 to 4.2 cubic metres), the EC530E and EC550E (pictured) are particularly well suited to the loading of 30–40-tonne articulated haulers, offering up to a 20% increase in productivity.

Both machines feature a super-rigid reinforced undercarriage which has the durability and strength normally associated with a 60-tonne class excavator. This is supported by equally sturdy lower and upper frames, with the EC550E undercarriage having a long and wide lower frame for extra stability when working with heavier loads.

With Volvo’s low-emission D13J engine at the heart of the EC530E and EC550E, a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 25% can be achieved thanks to the machines’ use of the latest electro-hydraulics system.

Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT) with intelligent electronic control offers more precise operation and greater efficiency than a traditional mechanically coupled hydraulic system, whilst further efficiency is gained from engine pump optimization and an improved hydraulic pipework layout.

The new system offers a range of smart functions, including creep mode (useful for precise lift-and-carry work) and optional Comfort Drive Control (CDC), which helps to reduce operator fatigue by allowing the excavator to be steered using the joystick rollers, instead of the pedals.

Operators can select several functions depending on the task at hand and their preferences. This includes boom/swing and boom/travel priority, which allows one function to take the lead over the other.

The boom-down speed can also be adjusted, giving optimum control for tasks that require extra precision, whilst new boom and arm bounce reduction technology lessens machine shock and improves operator comfort.

Operators are further assisted in their tasks by the optional Dig Assist apps – powered by the 10in Volvo Co-Pilot tablet. These include 2D, In-Field Design and 3D software packages. On-board weighing is another useful feature, providing real-time information on bucket load (to ensure optimum fill) as well as recording material moved per pass, per shift or per day.

Access to the Volvo Care Cab is safe and easy, thanks to bolted anti-slip steps and high-visibility handrails. For easier transportation, an optional entrance step and walkway can be folded away.

Once seated, operators benefit from a low-noise, low-vibration environment and are protected by ROPS structure that exceeds industry standards for this weight class. Operators are also presented with best-in-class visibility, which can be further improved with an optional one-piece front window. Technology also plays a part, with rear- and side-view cameras, along with optional all-round Volvo Smart View.

The EC530E and EC550E have been designed with high durability and maximum reliability at their core. Clever measures include the removal of hydraulic pilot lines, reducing the number of couplings needed, and a more robust electrical system, thanks to connectors that exceed water ingress protection standards.

Downtime and maintenance costs have been further reduced with ground-level access to grouped filters and engine oil and filter change intervals extended to 1,000 hours. In addition, a three-point right-hand-side access to the upper structure provides easy access to the Urea/DEF tank, which also features a splash guard to avoid spillages (and corrosion risk).