Volvo Construction Equipment has expanded the distribution of its EC550E crawler excavator to benefit customers across the globe

The EC550E crawler excavator is suited for mining, mass excavation and large infrastructure projects. With the ability to fill a 35-40 tonne hauler or highway truck in just four to six buckets, optimum pass-matching and high-levels of production is achieved at a low cost per tonne. 

Short cycle times also boost productivity, made possible by digging forces and lifting capacity more commonly found in a 60/65-tonne excavator. Enhanced engine power, reinforced boom and arm, as well as boom/swing and boom/travel priority settings add to the machines performance. 

The EC550E is available with a range of optimum-sized heavy-duty rock buckets designed for use in abrasive conditions, with the Volvo Tooth System capable of making easy work of teeth replacements due to its place, push and click functionality. The optional system provides real-time information to eliminate under and overloading of haul trucks and also records total tonnage for complete production management.

A lower cost per tonne

The next generation electro-hydraulic system with Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT) and engine/pump optimisation, with lower engine rpm while optimising power, enhances fuel efficiency for customers. The main valve control uses IMVT which provides more precise control in comparison to a conventional system and contributes towards up to a 22% improvement in fuel efficiency. 

The ROPS cab, with low noise and low vibration, allows operators to experience the highest levels of comfort. Boom and arm bouncing reduction technology reduces machine shock, resulting in a more productive environment for the operator. 

Visibility is enhanced by the optional high visibility cab, one-piece front window, and rear- and side-view cameras. Additionally, the Volvo Smart View uses front, rear and side cameras to provide a real-time, overhead view of the machine, especially helpful when working in confined spaces.

The EC550E delivers maximum machine availability through a host of uptime-boosting machine features combined with the support of the Volvo dealer. The EC550E can also be fitted with a high-performance fuel filtration system which delivers 99.7% water separation efficiency consistently over the full service life of the filter.

CareTrack, the Volvo telematics system, also helps customers boost uptime and reduce repair costs. Customers can keep track of their machines themselves or allow Volvo to do so with ActiveCare. The Volvo Uptime Centre provides 24/7 machine monitoring, supplying weekly reports and notifying customers should preventative maintenance action be required. If so, groupd filers accessible from the ground level make servicing quick and easy, while the three-point right-hand access ensures the upper structure can be accessed with confidence. 

Kwangsuk Jee, global product manager, commented, “Delivering the type of durability and performance more commonly expected from a 60/65-tonne machine, the EC550E is a crawler excavator which truly punches above its weight. Customers in Tier 3 markets can get ready for up to 35% more productivity and 22% more fuel efficiency, combined with superb operator comfort and outstanding levels of uptime.”

Alain Charles Publishing, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, UK T: +44 20 7834 7676, F: +44 20 7973 0076, W: www.alaincharles.com