Volvo adds two models to updated excavator line

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is now offering two mid-size crawler excavator models in North America that are part of its newest generation of excavators. The EC260 replaces the EC250 in Volvo’s lineup and the new EC300 is an update of the previous series’ model.

Like the other models in the new series, the EC260 and EC300 excavators feature up to 15 percent greater fuel efficiency, increased productivity, enhanced safety and several cab features the company considers upgrades.

“These 26- and 30-ton models are popular sizes for site preparation, road building and utility applications, and now customers can do these jobs while stretching their fuel supply farther and making operators happier and more productive” says S.S. Kim, a product manager with Volvo CE.

The EC260 and EC300, along with other excavators in the series, feature what the company calls an optimized electro-hydraulic system, a smart cooling system and engine speed regulation that can contribute to up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency, according to Volvo CE.

A new “creep” travel mode coupled with boom and arm shock reduction has been designed to offer reduced spillage and added safety.

The Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection feature, which gives operators 360-degree visibility of the machine’s surroundings and the ability to distinguish between objects and humans, also is included.

The new models also offer a 50 percent increase in hydraulic oil life with service intervals extended to 3,000 hours for regular hydraulic oil and 6,000 hours for long-life hydraulic oil, according to Volvo.

In the cab, an updated seat, a larger heated side mirror, and additional lights, sun screens and storage areas are among the upgrades.

Volvo says the new models also have “an improved human-machine interface (HMI) and a larger, higher-resolution Co-Pilot tablet for helpful applications like on-board weighing [and] in-field design.”

The excavators are backed by what Volvo calls a Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty that covers the frame, boom and arm for the initial ownership period.

“There are now eight models in the new Volvo excavator series and more will join the lineup in the coming months,” states Volvo CE.