Volvo Construction Equipment launches dedicated demolition excavators

**James** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2006, 04:11 AM

Addressing the needs of recycling applications, Volvo Construction Equipment has launched a range of excavators that are adapted to cope with the rigors of demolition duties. The four models in the Standard Demolition Excavator series are the EC210B, EC240B, EC290B and EC360B excavators. The new machines keep all the attributes of the base excavator but offer increased protection for the machine and its operator – while at the same time offering hydraulic upgrades that allow the machine to act as a multi-function tool carrier.

Stripping, cutting, pulverizing, crushing, separating, and finishing: demolition excavators are called upon to conduct a variety of diverse operations. Attachments such as concrete pulverizer, scrap grapple, hammer, shear and multi-processor all require different hydraulic set ups: extra lines or different hydraulic flows. Consequently, the new range of standard demolition excavators allows the versatility to change attachments easily (via a quick coupler) and auxiliary hydraulic piping is pre-fitted.

Hydraulic flow can be adjusted from inside the cab to suit the tool in use. This is achieved by use of the Volvo Instrument Electronic Control Unit (I-ECU), which also allows machine functions to be customized – and conducts self-checks to detect any problems. As Volvo produces both the engine and the hydraulics, they are well matched and offer responsive controls that allow the operator precise use of the attachment. As maximum power and torque is reached at low engine speeds, fuel consumption is also optimized.

Body amour
In addition to a wide undercarriage and long tracks for stability over uneven ground, the new demolition range features extensive protection upgrades. Full length track guards protect against derailing and track links and bottom rollers defend against undue wear when working on uneven ground. Heavy duty plating fitted to the track frame and on the underside of the superstructure protects against sharp debris. For easier maintenance, service access plates are hinged and the bolt holes recessed. The swing ring bearing has an additional steel jacket to prevent wire, rebar, and cable etc. getting wound up and damaging the bearing seal, grease pipe etc.

The superstructure of Volvo CE’s demolition excavators also features extensive upgrades. The side impact protection system (SIPS) protects against collision damage during swing maneuvers. Reinforced, double thickness door panels are fitted to both sides to protect key components and micro mesh is fitted to the inside of the cooler door and engine cowl to prevent fine particles getting through to the radiators.

Boom and bucket cylinders plus hoses are protected by guards that ward off crush, tear or puncture damage when working in close proximity to demolition debris. The cab-mounted Falling Object Guard (FOG) protects the operator while not obscuring the view of the work area. The FOG can be tilted up to allow easy cleaning of the windscreen – and the tinted glass is also shatter resistant. Operator fatigue is reduced via shock damping and a multi-adjustable seat. Finally, air conditioning and a pressurized cab keep the operator comfortable and the dust and fumes outside, in what are often aggressive environments.

Wolf · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2006, 12:01 PM

This is a brilliant idea. Safety first. Have any of you ever had to run from the cab of the excavator as all kinds of debris comes showering down. Or hook something, pull hard, then run like heck?

geertyke · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 01:39 PM

Volvo also offers a range demolition machines with demolition booms. The booms are made by Kocurek and has the modular joint. A system for changing short boom to demolition boom in a very short time. One of the best systems ever made. see also www.kocurek.com

Robert Kulinski · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 10:45 AM

Wolf,
I watched (it seemed like slow motion) a part of a brick facade come tumbling end over end down the boom and it landed in the cab. You couldn't have saw cut to make it fit any better. It was a perfect shot, there was probably only a 1/2" clearance on either side. :

But talking about Volvo's I see a lot of them (and Liebherrs) in Russia.