The result of extensive customer consultation — highlighting the need for short swing machines that offer productivity, ease of operation and safety equal to their “conventional” counterparts — sees the addition of a third, larger model to the Volvo range.
The 34.8 ton (31.6 t) Volvo ECR305CL overcomes the dynamic challenges of producing excavators that can work in confined areas and still perform well and sets a new standard in the industry for not only lifting capacity but also stability — especially important in loading applications. With better weight distribution and increased swing torque, the Volvo ECR305CL also offers superior swing performance when working on slopes, according to the manufacturer.
Whether operating in cities, laying utilities, mining duties, highway work, in addition to a multitude of other, diverse applications, the increased safety and maneuverability offered by short swing excavators on congested work sites has seen the rapid growth of this important segment in the market.
Like the smaller machines in the range, the compact body on the Volvo ECR305CL swings only fractionally outside its own track width — less than 3.1 in. (80 mm) with 31.5 in. (800 mm) shoe — enabling it to work extremely close to objects (walls, road barriers etc.) without risk of collision with the rear of the machine as it swings.
Even when not working close to obstructions, the short front/rear radius has other uses — highway work being a prime example, where the machine can safely swing within a typical single road lane width, minimizing disruption with traffic flow.
The all-new, rounded cab on Volvo’s short swing models, also is designed to stay within the rear swing radius. Despite this design consideration, it remains a roomy and comfortable cab. The sliding door provides the operator with the ability to access and exit the cab even when it is positioned close to an obstruction, such as close to a wall. While at work, the heating and ventilation system ensures the perfect working environment, regardless of weather conditions.
The new cab features, as on all other C-Series excavator models, a larger, brighter, color LCD monitor, providing both a built-in service display and selectable hydraulic control options. This monitor also can be used with an optional, rear view camera, further increasing machine operating safety.
Despite its compact design, the Volvo ECR305CL is both easy to service and maintain. All check and cleaning points are readily accessible; many of them available via a wide opening side door. The optional CareTrack GPS system conducts a self diagnostic routine, alerting the operator — or the fleet manager back at the office — should a fault be detected. Enabling preventive maintenance operations to be carried out, CareTrack helps to optimize machine uptime and, consequently, return on the customer’s investment, according to the manufacturer.
With its latest generation, Tier III, fuel-efficient, Volvo engine with V-ACT ((Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology) developing 107 hp (143 kW), the Volvo ECR305CL has the power to perform any task thrown at it, with plenty in reserve. The bucket range on the Volvo ECR305CL is from 1.3 to 2.7 cu. yd. (1.0 to 2.1 cu m) and a wide range of genuine Volvo attachments also is available, as are quick fit options to ensure speedy attachment changes, for maximum machine versatility.
Fitted with a heavier counterweight, the Volvo ECR305CL offers added stability, providing it with its heavy lift capability.
For more information, call 828/650-2000 or visit www.volvo.com.
