Volvo CE Takes the Wraps off its New 50-tonner

In the days before ConExpo-Con/Agg officially opened its gates, the rumour mill was in full force as to what was sitting on the Volvo Construction Equipment stand wrapped up in black plastic, ideas ranged from a large hydrogen powered excavator, to another alternative power sourced machine, however, all was revealed on the opening day of the show.

After a grand unveiling visitors were invited to take a peek at Volvo’s new excavator direction, with this preview of a pre-production unit of the all-new 50-tonne class EC500, the exciting successor to the EC480E model.

An all-new cab design is the most notable difference, but in addition the technologies included especially in the field of safety are the real big standout features.

The improved cab styling comes with an all-new control layout and features including high-definition co-pilot screen, keyless engine start, wired and wireless smart phone charging and new work mode switch.

Volvo have also included its Smart View system with Obstacle Detection which is a valuable new addition that delivers significant safety benefits. Improved camera technology offers a 360-degree view around the machine and new radar detection system provides automatic alerts when the excavator approaches any obstacle, identifying and classifying them as an object or human, and giving the operator time to act.

Productivity and safely options include an operator coaching app, a suite of tools called Volvo Dig Assist designed to help dig accurately without manually marking the site and checking depths and grades, and Volvo Lift Assist. They’re all accessed from the Co-Pilot screen. Volvo Active Control, an automated grading system and part of the Dig Assist suite, will also be available for the first time on an excavator of this size.

New electric joysticks give the operator even more control over the hydraulic system. The excavator’s hydraulic pumps can be operated together or virtually disconnected, allowing the operator to activate the boom without affecting track speed. Increased controllability shortens cycle times and improves fuel efficiency.

Comfort Driver Control allows the operator to move the machine forward, backward and steer with the joysticks. Operators can customize the machine’s hydraulic responses to control inputs and save them in Co-Pilot so they can be quickly and easily accessed in the future.

Pictured above: Volvo's Stephen Roy (left), Martin Lundstedt and Melker Jernberg give a thumbs up to the new Volvo EC500 excavator model at Conexpo.

Production of the EC500 will begin at Volvo’s excavator plant in Changwon, Korea, in the fourth quarter of 2023. It will be available in regulated markets including North America, Europe and Korea. More models of this next generation excavator will follow.

Checkout the reveal of the new machine captured on video by our friends over at IVT Magazine.