by Kyle Molyneux | Fri 15 Jan 2021
New Volvo EC350E excavator
The all-new EC350E from Volvo Construction Equipment has been designed to bridge the performance gap between the company’s existing EC300E and EC380E excavators. Operators can select several functions depending on the task at hand and their preferences. This includes boom/swing and boom/travel priority, enabling one function to take the lead over another. The boom-down speed can also be adjusted, giving added control for tasks that require extra precision.
The Comfort Drive Control option helps reduce fatigue by enabling operators to steer the machine using the joystick rollers instead of the pedals. There are also customisable settings that include a ‘long push’ functionality on the joystick, allowing operators to set an additional shortcut function.
Operators are further assisted in their tasks by the optional Dig Assist apps – powered by the 10-inch Volvo Co-Pilot tablet. These include 2D, In-Field Design, 3D software packages, and On-Board Weighing. Not forgetting Volvo Active Control, which automates boom and bucket movements, making digging twice as fast. With Volvo Active Control, operators can also set swing fence, height limit, and depth limit. This helps to avoid contact with side obstacles, overhead obstacles such as power lines, and underground hazards such as pipes and cables.
Safety is enhanced by bolted anti-slip steps, high visibility handrails as well as the ergonomic, low-noise, and low vibration Volvo Care Cab. The low machine hood design contributes to best-in-class eyelines to the side and rear of the machine from the operator’s seat, and visibility is boosted further by rear and side cameras, along with the optional all-round Volvo Smart View.
The EC350E is powered by a 295hp D8M Volvo engine fitted with auto-idle and shutdown to help reduce unnecessary fuel use. With auto-regeneration technology, the machine doesn’t need to be stopped to clean the diesel particulate filter. An optional delayed engine shutdown feature cools the turbochargers even more effectively. Also contributing to increased machine reliability is the electro-hydraulic system, which requires fewer hoses than is normal – reducing the need for couplings and minimising maintenance requirements.
Volvo CE’s portfolio of Uptime Services is key to ensuring long term machine performance. Oil Analysis, Care Inspection, and Undercarriage Inspections help keep machines in top condition, while easy-to-read reports – powered by CareTrack telematics system – help owners track productivity, fuel efficiency, and machine condition. For even less hassle Volvo Uptime Centers monitor the machine and notify customers, if required. This service is called Volvo Active Care.
Key specs for the new Volvo EC350E excavator include a bucket capacity of 0.87 to 2.33 cubic metres, and a lifting capacity of 13,470kg at a reach/height of 6/1.5m. The machine’s maximum digging reach is 11.12m, whilst its maximum digging depth is 7.49m. Maximum breakout force in Normal mode is 177kN, this figure rising to 192kN in Boost mode. Maximum tear out force figures are 201kN (Normal) and 219kN (Boost). The new EC350E’s tail swing radius us 3.6m and its overall width is 3.19m, making it easy to transport from site to site (all figures based on a machine with a 6.45m boom and 3.2m arm).
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