Volvo ECR355EL excavator presents new opportunities for contractor in Japan

The Volvo ECR355EL excavator hard at work.

Miwa Construction, which specialises in services from civil engineering to agricultural production, was looking for a new excavator in the 20-ton class but upgraded to the larger 32-ton class ECR355EL from Volvo Construction Equipment after a hugely impressive trial period with the machine. The new addition is also the company’s first Volvo excavator, but the contractor had no hesitation in adding a larger machine from a company that it was new to.

Akio Miwa, President of Miwa Construction Co. Ltd said:

“We thought the fuel economy might not be as good as alternatives, but after trialing the machine several times, we found it to be much better, as well as quieter and with lower emissions. We are extremely pleased with its performance and advanced features. It’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces, offers great visibility from the cab, and has enhanced our work efficiency. In the future, it will allow us to take on larger, more complex projects with confidence. The decision to invest in Volvo will open new opportunities for us, and this will be a key piece of equipment that strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality construction services.”

The machine was delivered by local Volvo CE dealer SKY Construction Equipment, which is also providing after-sales parts and service support from its Shizuoka facility to ensure optimal machine uptime and productivity levels. The ECR355EL offers unique specifications, with capabilities that are not available from domestic manufacturers in Japan.

The Volvo ECR355EL at work on the school reconstruction project

Achieve more with the ECR355EL

The ECr355EL is a robust, short-swing excavator that delivers exceptional stability, allowing operators to fully harness its power. Its solid construction features strategically placed components for optimal balance,and comes with an optional dozer blade – as chosen by Miwa Construction – to help level the machine on uneven terrain while accelerating clean-up operations.

Powered by advanced electro-hydraulic technology, the ECR355EL significantly boosts both lifting capacity and digging force, making it perfect for tasks like pipelaying, trench-box installation, and utility work. It navigates tight spaces with ease and provides a spacious, comfortable operator environment. In addition, the low-noise cab is equipped with features like automatic climate control to enhance efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

Shoji Isamu, Head of Market Japan at Volvo CE said:

“We are thrilled to see the Volvo ECR355EL making such a significant impact at Miwa Construction's project site in Japan. This machine is a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge equipment that not only enhances efficiency but also meets the highest possible environmental standards. It’s exciting to witness how the ECR355EL is helping to expand Miwa Construction’s capabilities and create new growth opportunities. We look forward to supporting the company as it continues to offer customers innovative, sustainable construction solutions.”