Volvo compact excavators for new Ayrshire groundworks and utilities contractor

A new Volvo EC18C mini excavator has been delivered to Glen Maree Contracts Ltd of Ayr which joins a Volvo EC17C supplied earlier in the year. Both machines joining this new family-run venture which started up in January 2013.

Drawing on years of experience working for other utility contractors in Scotland’s central belt area, father and son team, Joe and Kevin Kominski decided to strike out on their own and set up a groundworks and utilities contracting business at the start of 2013.

Specializing in the complete installation of traffic light and street lighting systems along with general groundworks projects, the newly formed Glen Maree Contracts Ltd was in need of a mini excavator and turned to Volvo Construction Equipment for the solution.

Initially Messrs Kominski opted for a 1.7-tonne Volvo EC17C for their business complete with cab and a selection of buckets.

‘We wanted a machine we knew we could depend on for maximum uptime and total reliability and the range of Volvo compact excavators have a good reputation in the market,’ said Kevin Kominski.

‘As the business has grown significantly, with contracts awarded in Ayrshire and West Lothian in the last eight months we needed a second machine for the work we are undertaking and this time opted for the slightly larger EC18C with the added advantage of its hydraulically adjustable undercarriage. So far we can’t fault the product but it’s re-assuring to know we can rely on Volvo for service and back up with a support centre based down the road at Stirling.’

The Volvo EC17C and EC18C are two of four machines ranging between 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes and are powered by a 12.3kW (16.8hp) engine. The machines feature automatic two-speed travel with the EC18C benefitting from extendable undercarriage as standard. The hydraulic hoses for the digging equipment are now routed through the boom and cylinders are top mounted to minimize on site damage.

The machines supplied to Glen Maree Contracts feature full cabs (a canopy version is also available). The 1.8-tonne compact excavator also benefits from a load-sensing hydraulic system for fast cycle times, even when carrying out multiple functions. Maximum dig depth is 2.3m.

A single-piece engine hood provides unobstructed access to all the engine components whilst the instrument panel provides at-a-glance monitoring of all key functions. The cab’s easy to clean flat floor panel lifts for access to hydraulics and main control valve.