Collins Earthworks take UK’s first Volvo EC750E

New 75-tonne excavator offers high levels of fuel-efficiency, operator control and productivity

THE first Volvo EC750E crawler excavator in the UK has been supplied to Collins Earthworks of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, in Nottinghamshire. The new arrival, which has swiftly become the company’s flagship excavator, will spearhead the larger projects being undertaken by Collins Earthworks.

‘We wanted to be one of the first to take delivery of this long-anticipated model in the Volvo line-up – not least due to the fact that we are proud to have had some input into the machine’s development with one of our top operators being invited to take part in a customer clinic at the factory in South Korea,’ explained managing director David Collins.

‘We’re really pleased with the result. The machine certainly looks the part and it will no doubt enhance the profile of Collins Earthworks going forwards.’

The 75-tonne EC750E excavator has been designed to offer a combination of power and stability to handle higher-capacity jobs in any application. Building on the success of its EC700 predecessor model (launched in 2005), the machine features advanced fuel-efficient technology that delivers an extremely responsive operation for maximum productivity and profitability.

Powered by a 16-litre Volvo diesel engine (Stage IV-compliant) that develops 508hp, the EC750E boasts ‘electro-hydraulic technology’ which delivers enhanced operator control. The hydraulic system, in combination with Volvo’s advanced Eco mode, works in unison to reduce internal losses in the hydraulic circuit; resulting in improved fuel efficiency without any loss of performance in most operating conditions.

Equipped with a mass-excavation boom (6.6m) and dipper arm (2.9m), the EC750E excavator is fitted with a heavy-duty 5.7 cubic metre-capacity excavation bucket. Maximum breakout force is 342kN while maximum reach and digging depth in this configuration are 11.46m and 7.21m respectively. Effective load-over height is 7m and lifting capacity, at full reach across the carriage, is 13.64 tonnes.

The excavator features a wide track gauge, a long track length, a retractable undercarriage and an optimized counterweight for solid stability, giving operators the confidence to work in adverse terrains.

Built with the operator in mind, the spacious Volvo cab provides a low-noise environment for optimum operator productivity, while ergonomically positioned interfaces, including the joysticks, keypad and LCD monitor, and clear all-round visibility, ensure maximum efficiency and ease of use.

This latest machine addition brings Collins Earthworks’ fleet of Volvo excavators to 70 units, with the EC750E being the largest to date.

According to Mr Collins, Volvo’s after-sales support and the high residual values of Volvo machines in general were also key contributing factors in the decision to invest in the excavator.

‘Ultimately though, it’s all down to the backup and quality of service we receive from Volvo, irrespective of where in the country we are working,’ he said. ‘They are second to none when it comes to supporting us.’