Volvo EC220E for John Thompson Construction

Company adds new 22-tonne E-Series crawler excavator to mixed equipment fleet on Isle of Arran

A BRAND new 22-tonne Volvo EC220E crawler excavator has been delivered to John Thomson Construction Ltd (JTC), on the Isle of Arran, for deployment on a number of ongoing and future projects on the island.

Joining a mixed fleet of equipment operated by JTC, including older EC140B’s and Volvo loading shovels, the new Tier IV-compliant EC220E will play a multi-functional role, having been specified to handle applications ranging from general construction to quarrying and forestry work.

Powered by a six-cylinder Volvo engine developing 174hp, the EC220E is said to offer the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. For example, pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, while maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque.

Also, when Eco mode is selected the machine provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.

Opting for the new E-Series machine from Volvo was a culmination of recently trialling and evaluating a D-Series EC220, which proved highly positive, together with a visit to the 2015 ‘Volvo Days’ event in Eskilstuna, Sweden, where JTC’s managing director, Iain Thomson, was able to appraise the latest model first hand.

‘We know from our own experiences that the Volvo comes with a good pedigree in terms of performance, operator acceptance and overall reliability,’ said Mr Thomson. ‘With the outcome of a recent demonstration plus the chance to take a detailed look at the latest E-Series model, we decided the time was right to opt for the latest 22-tonne machine.’     

Initially, the new Volvo EC220E has been deployed in JTC’s Dereneneach Quarry, on the island’s String Road, near Shiskine, where it is in charge of loading a mobile crusher.

Thanks to its high specification, including optional extras such as an X3 rotation circuit and heavy-duty guarding around the cab and hydraulic cylinders, the excavator can be utilized within any of the company’s five main activities on Arran – besides quarrying, this includes construction, house building, general plant hire and forestry.

John Thomson Construction Ltd were founded in 1952 by the late John Thomson and the business has steadily grown and expanded to become one of Arran’s largest employers. John Thomson retired in 1988 handing the business over to his two sons, Iain and Graham, who, together with their management team, continue to run the business today.