Volvo EC480E HR helps Australia’s demolition industry reach new heights

As factory shutdowns become increasingly prevalent, and high real estate prices drive more redevelopment, Australia’s industrial demolition market has boomed of late with a focus on knocking down and rebuilding sites. This trend has also spurred demand for a new type of demolition machine that can boost time and cost productivity.

The EC480E HR from Volvo CE has been purpose-built to suit the needs of heavy-duty demolition with both high reach and digging capabilities rolled into one. This comes courtesy of the patented modular boom system which includes an innovative hydraulic modular joint with hydraulic lock mechanism to release digging equipment and change from the high reach demolition boom to a standard configuration in a simple and swift operation.

“The EC480E HR is Volvo CE’s most advanced demolition machine yet. The new E-series machine offers better visibility, comfort and reach than its D-series predecessors. For example, maximum reach is now 28 m compared to 27 m previously. Maximum tool weight has been increased too, from 3 t to 3.5 t as well,” said Anthony Farmer, in charge of product marketing for Volvo CE in Region APAC.

“The highlight of the machine is our patented modular boom system. Instead of taking a full day to fit a digging boom in place of a high reach boom, operators can now make the switch in under an hour.”

Industry-verified functionality

Earlier this year, the first EC480E HR unit was delivered to Delta Group, which has over 30 years of experience in providing commercial and industrial demolition and excavation to Australia’s largest builders and developers.

On testing the EC480E HR, Delta Group was impressed with the modular boom system and credited the excavator with being more stable and smoother to operate than the company’s current after-market modified excavators. Delta Group will use the EC480E HR for demolishing complete buildings – using the high reach boom for higher floors and the digging boom for work below 15 m.

Heavy duty, light footprint

Non-road diesel engines in construction and demolition machines are major contributors of PM 2.5 fine particles that may cause health problems such as heart and lung diseases, asthma attacks as well as other respiratory symptoms.  

The EC480E HR is powered by a state-of-the-art Volvo Tier 4 Final engine which fully meets the world´s most stringent emissions regulations – required for all Australian governmental jobs by 2018. By being compliant, companies that use the EC480E HR can also gain an advantage over competitors by being able to bid for government projects.

Value-added capabilities and services

The EC480E HR has a hydraulic removable counterweight option, enabling easy detachment and installation of counterweights. A versatile undercarriage can be retracted for transportation or fully extended for ultimate stability. For dust suppression, four nozzles on the arm provide a fine mist that clears dust and cleans the machine.

CJD Equipment, Volvo CE’s dealer in Australia, supports new machine deliveries with two days of service training and another two days of product/operator training. Part of this training includes the use of a demolition simulator housed at the Civil Contractors Federation in Adelaide. Access to this is exclusive to Volvo CE customers, and the simulator is the only one of its kind in the APAC region.

“Even before the EC480E HR was launched, we sent our service team to undertake service training for a week with Volvo factory specialists,” explained Lindsay Daniels, national product development manager, CJD Equipment.

Extra Versatility

To achieve the correct flow and superior pressure for hydraulic attachments such as mowers, grinders, shears, crushers and tilt rotators, the EC480E HR can be factory-fitted with a wide variety of auxiliary hydraulics and dedicated drain lines. An attachment management system, controlled via a monitor, stores up to 20 different hydraulic attachment settings.

In addition, Volvo CE offers a full range of quick couplers, including its dedicated S-type coupler, that are perfectly matched to Volvo’s bucket range to ensure high break-out forces at all times. It also picks up a variety of attachments from various manufacturers.

Operator comfort, safety and productivity

The EC480E HR’s high visibility cab, designed specifically for high reach demolition, features a one-piece laminated front window, right hand window and LEXAN roof window to create a safe and protective operator environment. A frame-mounted falling object guard protects the operator and cab from falling debris, while double-thickness side doors on both sides of the superstructure protect coolers and pumps in the event of a side impact.

EC480E HR operators stand to benefit from the hands-on tilt function, allowing them to adjust the angle of their cab up to 30^o. Two demolition arm mounted cameras display on an 8-inch monitor and provide further sight of the attachment.

Key specs: