London-based contractor opts for D Series excavators.
Embassy Demolition Ltd of Edmonton north London has added four new Volvo ED220D excavators along with an EC480D three piece hi-reach demolition rig making its fleet of crawler machines virtually 100% Volvo.
Choosing more Volvo excavators for his fleet Managing Director Jim O’Doherty comments; “It’s the build quality and reliability we like about the Volvo machines. They are robust and well specified for this sort of application.” Volvo’s level of after-market support is just as important to his operation with all of his Volvo equipment being covered by Volvo’s Blue Customer support agreements. Under this arrangement all his Volvo machines are serviced and maintained by qualified Volvo service engineers including regular inspections, oil sampling and analysis and comprehensive, proactive reports to maximise machine productivity with the aim of enhancing residual values.
The four new Volvo EC220D machines have been equipped with FOGs guarding as well as additional 3rd hydraulic service lines to handle a variety of demolition attachments. (Hammer/shear and quick fit hydraulics are provided as standard). “Equipping the machines this way means we can have full flexibility for the contracts we are undertaking which can be anything from demolition to muck shifting, material or waste rehandling,” says Jim O’Doherty.
The EC220D benefits from the use of Volvo’s Stage IIIB D6 engine, delivering 175hp (129kW) of power and 849Nm of torque, coupled to an improved hydraulic system with larger pumps which in turn significantly improves hourly fuel consumption with shorter cycle times. Operators can select the best work mode for the task at hand, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Modes include: I-idle, F-fine, G-general, H-heavy or P-power, with the machine automatically setting the appropriate engine speed for the work mode and ECO mode is a new feature that works in G to H (or P) mode. 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. Eco mode provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.
The EC480D supplied to Embassy Demolition with a bespoke three piece demolition rig designed and manufactured by Messrs Kocurek of Ispwich replaces an older EC460B model. With a maximum pin height of 26 metres and forward reach of 14 metres the EC480D is capable of handling a tool weight of 2500kgs. At the heart of the machine a Stage IIIB V-Act 13 litre engine develops 348 nett hp and is ideally matched to its automatic sensing mode hydraulic system. The equipment features a hydraulic modular joint which enables the machine to be fitted with either ultra hi reach demolition equipment, a straight boom arrangement or as a standard backacter for digging duties. Further standard features to the Ultra High reach specification include a hydraulically tilting operator’s compartment; heavy duty belly plates; the Volvo SIPS (side impact protection system); five tonne additional counterweight, double thickness to side panels.
