Volvo Construction Equipment launches EC550E excavator that gives up to 35% higher productivity

Volvo Construction Equipment’s newly launched EC550E crawler excavator features a Tier 3 engine, enabling customers to benefit from its industry leading performance, productivity, and efficiency. According to Dimitrov Krishnan, Head of Region India at Volvo CE, customers can get ready for up to 35% more productivity and 22% more fuel efficiency, combined with superb operator comfort and outstanding levels of uptime. “Delivering such high durability and performance (more commonly expected from a 60-ton excavator), the EC550E truly punches above its weight,” he said.

Up to 35% higher productivity
Boasting remarkable levels of power and productivity, the EC550E is perfectly suited for mass excavation and heavy-duty digging – boosting productivity by up to 35%. It is available with a range of optimum-sized buckets, and a perfect partner to wide-body 38-40t hauling equipment, reducing the number of required passes and dramatically improving cycle times.

Featuring impressive engine power, the EC550E delivers digging forces and lifting capacity more commonly found in a 60-ton excavator, along with superior swing torque and speed. It is the ideal choice for handling heavy loads in the toughest applications, featuring an ultra-durable undercarriage with a long lower frame, a strong upper frame, and reinforced digging equipment with large pin size. The optional wider retractable lower frame provides further stability and higher ground clearance.

Up to 22% more fuel efficiency with Independent Metering Valve Technology
Customers can take fuel efficiency to a new level with the machine’s next generation electro-hydraulic system with Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT) and engine/pump optimization, which lowers engine rpm while optimizing power. The main control valve uses Independent Metering Valve Technology, the latest pioneering innovation from Volvo and the most advanced hydraulic system in the industry. It provides significantly more precise control compared to a conventional system and contributes up to 22% improvement in fuel efficiency.

To support the fuel-efficient performance of the machine, Volvo offers a range of services to help customers reduce the fuel expenditure and carbon emissions of their operations even further, including Fuel Efficiency Reports and operator training initiatives.

Outstanding comfort and safety
For decades Volvo has been renowned for delivering the ultimate in operator control, comfort, and safety, and the EC550E is no exception. Operators will be stepping inside the best cab on the market, with the ROPS cab exceeding industry standards for this class of machine, with features that include a 14-air vent climate control system and ergonomic seat with 9 adjustment settings. Boom and arm bouncing reduction technology also dramatically reduces machine shock, resulting in a more comfortable and productive operator performance.

Safety is enhanced by a 3-point seatbelt with a reminder alarm which notifies the operator if they are not buckled up. A seatbelt cutter/hammer assists egress through the emergency exit.

Visibility is further improved by the rear-view camera and 10 LED lights positioned throughout the machine, including the rear. Furthermore, the optional 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.

Behind the controls, operators can easily select and adjust a number of functions depending on their personal preferences and the task at hand, including boom down speed, ideal for precision tasks which require optimum control and Boom/Swing and Boom/Travel priority.

Works harder for longer
With a host of uptime-boosting machine features combined with the support of the Volvo dealer, customers can count on the EC550E to deliver maximum machine availability. For example, the oil bath pre-cleaner, which keeps the engine clean and performing at its best, especially when working in dusty conditions.

What’s more, the delayed engine shutdown helps to keep the turbocharger in top condition by turning the engine off only after the turbocharger has cooled down to the appropriate temperature. When working in tropical conditions, the tropical cooling system is designed to regulate hydraulic oil temperature.

CareTrack, the Volvo telematics system, also helps customers to maximize machine uptime and reduce repair costs. Customers can choose to keep track of their machines themselves, or let Volvo take care of it with ActiveCare. The Volvo Uptime Center provides 24/7 machine monitoring, supplying weekly reports, and notifying customers should preventive maintenance action be required.

When maintenance actions are required, servicing is made quick and easy by grouped filters and a battery cut-off switch, which ensures complete disengagement of the equipment. Features such as high visibility guardrails and handrails, 3-point right-hand access to the upper structure, bolted anti-slip plates and optional walkway ensure the highest levels of convenience when negotiating the machine.