Wooldridge Demolition choose Volvo again

New Volvo EC480D crawler excavator with ultra high-reach capability replaces older EC460 model

WOOLDRIDGE Demolition have taken delivery of a new Volvo EC480D ultra-high-reach excavator with a bespoke three-piece demolition rig, designed and manufactured by Messrs Kocurek of Ipswich.

With a maximum pin height of 26m and forward reach of 14m, the EC480D is capable of handling a tool weight of 2,500kg. The machine is powered by a 13-litre Stage IIIB V-ACT engine (348hp), which is ideally matched to its automatic sensing mode hydraulic system.

This system features a hydraulic modular joint that allows the EC480D excavator to be fitted with ultra-high-reach demolition equipment, a straight boom arrangement or as a standard backacter for digging duties.

Further standard features of the ultra-high-reach specification include: a hydraulic tilting operator compartment; heavy-duty belly plates; Volvo’s SIPS (side-impact protection system); 5-tonne additional counterweight; double thickness to side panel doors; and X3 grab rotation hydraulics in addition to the standard hammer shear hydraulic circuit.

‘Specification and the robust build of the EC480D were the drivers in our decision to continue with the Volvo brand,’ commented Wooldridge Demolition director Nick Anderson. ‘This is especially so in recent years where we have had to elongate the effective service life of our equipment from three to five years. We have been very pleased with our fleet of Volvo machines as they have proved quite capable of handling a good five years in frontline demolition work.’

Mr Anderson also sees the latest bespoke modifications undertaken by Messrs Kocurek Ltd as a significant step forward in the development of the ‘high-reach’ concept, particularly in the area of the cab.

He continued: ‘This is our sixth machine with the Kocurek high-reach design and this latest version ticks all the boxes, especially when it comes to upward and forward visibility for the operator.’