Volvo CE upgrade straight-boom demolition excavators
Swedish OEM introduces updated EC300 and all-new EC400 machines as part of new-generation revamp
VOLVO Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) are modernizing their straight-boom excavators with the updated EC300 and all-new EC400 models as part of the company’s new-generation revamp. These models ensure superior performance, greater safety, and dynamic demolition strength.
The new and improved 40-tonne EC400 straight-boom crawler excavator replaces the outgoing EC380E model, while the 30-tonne EC300 is an upgraded model for the previous generation EC300E.
Both new demolition excavators have been specially designed to deliver the highest productivity levels in demolition applications, while retaining the quality and comfort of their standard counterparts.
The new design of the straight boom excavators brings a host of additional safety and performance improvements, as well as outstanding reach and stability on demolition jobs.
Martijn Donkersloot, product manager for demolition equipment at Volvo CE, said: ‘These mighty machines embody the very best in demolition strength. Starting with a solid foundation of a new modern design that provides operators with best-in-class comfort and visibility, we have also packed in many outstanding features to ensure the toughest of demolition jobs can be carried out with greater ease, safety, and performance.’
According to Volvo CE, the updated machines offer a height advantage with an increase in reach of approximately 30% over standard digging-based models. With a heavier counterweight, which can be easily detached using a hydraulic removal feature when moving from site to site, they also provide exceptional stability during tall tasks.
The new-generation EC400 excavator benefits from a 14% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10% increase in engine power over the machine it replaces.
The significantly updated cab is not just a comfortable and productive place to be, but it is also a safer working environment. For the machine operator, it offers the ultimate protection against falling debris with its robust roll-over protection system and cabin-mounted falling object guards (FOGs), which can also be swung out to help clean the front window. With its 12mm thick single-piece high-impact resistant glass, the cab windows provide a clear view and the best possible protection.
Whilst the new EC300 and EC400 straight-boom excavators have been specially engineered for demolition tasks, their impressive strength and versatility also allow them to be used for other tasks, such as digging, on-site housekeeping, and truck loading. To maximize equipment uptime, the demolition machines have extended hydraulic oil filter changes to over 1,000h.
New and improved features added to the EC300 and EC400 include a bigger auxiliary return line for faster attachment movements and, in an industry first, Volvo CE say the case drain line feeds returning oil into the tank and not to a case drain circuit.
Also incorporated in the demolition excavators are impressive technological advantages, such as Auto Power Boost, boom-and-arm bounce reduction, and the ability to adjust boom-down speed, boom-swing, and boom-travel priority.
A reversible cooling fan helps to protect vital machine components from damage through overheating in dusty demolition environments. The machines also come factory-fitted with dust-suppression systems to help overcome challenging working conditions.
The new EC400 straight-boom unit is available to order this month, while the updated EC300 model can be ordered from March 2025.
