Volvo Construction Equipment is launching two mid-size crawler excavator models in North America, further expanding its newest generation of excavators. The EC260 replaces the EC250 in Volvo’s lineup, and the EC300 is an update of the previous series’ model. Like the other models, the EC260 and EC300 excavators feature up to 15% greater fuel efficiency, increased productivity, enhanced safety and a host of cab upgrades.
“These 26- and 30-ton models are popular sizes for site preparation, road building and utility applications,” said S.S. Kim, product manager — mid-size excavators at Volvo CE. “And now customers can do these jobs while stretching their fuel supply farther and making operators happier and more productive.”
The EC260 and EC300, along with other excavators in the series, feature:
- An optimized electro-hydraulic system, smart cooling system and engine speed regulation that contribute to up to 15% better fuel efficiency.
- Better machine control for smooth and precise movement of the boom, bucket and other hydraulic components.
- Ten work modes, including two specific to power and four specific to automatic ECO modes.
- A new creep travel mode coupled with boom and arm shock reduction for reduced spillage and added safety.
- Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, which gives operators 360-degree visibility of the machine’s surroundings and the ability to distinguish between objects and humans.
- The Volvo Active Control machine control system and an advanced electric joystick that together automate boom and bucket movement for precision and efficiency.
- A 50% increase in hydraulic oil life with service intervals extended to 3,000 hours for regular hydraulic oil and 6,000 hours for long-life hydraulic oil.
The cab also got a major makeover, with several updates designed to improve operator comfort, productivity and safety, including:
- An updated seat, a larger heated side mirror, and additional lights, sun screens and storage areas.
- Keyless start with the ability to store multiple operator preference settings.
- An improved human-machine interface (HMI) and a larger, higher-resolution Co-Pilot tablet for helpful applications like on-board weighing, in-field design and more.