Volvo machine digs deep at London Gateway

OVENDEN Earthmoving Ltd have taken delivery of a new Volvo EC700C excavator equipped with bespoke deep digging equipment to help carry out dredging work as part of the London Gateway deep-sea container port project, near Thurrock.

In order for the EC700C to undertake the required work on site, which involves deep water dredging to profile the revetments on the newly created sand and gravel island and placement of rock armour, Ovenden Earthmoving had commissioned Ipswich-based Messrs Kocurek to design and manufacture the bespoke digging equipment for the machine.

One of the key features of the excavator is its triple articulated boom, which provides a maximum reach of 25m from the slew centre to the bucket edge and a digging depth of 17m. The bucket capacity of the machine ranges between 1.5m3 and 2.0m3 depending on the material density, while an additional counterweight has been fitted to provide a stable working platform for the excavator.

The EC700C is powered by a 16-litre Tier III-compliant V-ACT engine (430hp) that operates in conjunction with an advanced mode control system ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions.

A maximum torque of 2,250Nm of torque is achieved at just 1,350 rev/min with the machine’s advanced hydraulic system, which Volvo CE say, delivers maximum fuel efficiency through every work cycle. The EC700C excavator also benefits from Prolec’s latest PCX - 3D GPS machine guidance package, which aids the operator when digging underwater.