New Volvo EC220E offers best-in-class efficiency

Volvo Construction Equipment’s (Volvo CE) latest 22-ton crawler excavator, the EC220E, is fitted with a top-range Tier 4 Final/Stage IV Volvo D6 engine that meets strict emissions legislation across North America and regulated European markets – without compromising on power. The fully optimized hydraulics system and ECO mode deliver the precise amount of power required to complete the task in hand, while the auto engine shutdown feature helps further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, by automatically switching off after the excavator has been inactive for a pre-set amount of time.

The increased pump input power on the EC220E enables highly responsive operation for greater productivity and cycle times – and with the boom float function, the pump power normally used for boom lowering can be saved or used for other functions, also reducing cycle times. 

Custom comfort

A comfortable operator is a productive operator, which is why the new Volvo EC220E places comfort at the heart of its design. All machine interfaces – including the joysticks, keypad and easy-to-read 8” LCD monitor – are ergonomically designed and can be fine-tuned according to operator preference. The number of switches have also been reduced and the climate control integrated into the keypad for effortless adjustment. For added convenience, functions such as the windshield wipers, cameras, auto-mute or power max function can all be assigned a short-cut button on the joystick. This allows the operator to select a function mid-job without disruption.

For the safety of both the operator and site staff, Volvo’s 22-ton model now also includes an optional side view camera in addition to the rear view camera to cover the visual blind spot. Both views are displayed on the colour monitor. Operator safety is also improved by a seatbelt warning alarm, which sounds together with a visual alert if the ignition is turned without the seatbelt having been buckled – and as expected, the cab is ROPS and ISO Standard-compliant, to ensure the operator is fully protected in the unlikely event of the excavator rolling over.

Built to last

The EC220E excavator is not just a highly productive machine in the short term, rather the machine is engineered to continue working hard over a long service life. Operating in tough conditions means that every component matters – Volvo pays careful attention to every detail during the product design and manufacturing processes. Silicone caulking is used to prevent rust, while waterproof harnesses and connections come as standard. The design also incorporates heavy-duty door hinges and bolt-on protection for the framework lights.

The X-shape lower frame enables even weight distribution for increased stability and durability and helps prevent damage from rock and debris. The heavy-duty undercarriage likewise creates excellent tractive force in demanding terrain. The robust design of the boom and arm includes internal plates positioned to support pressure points during a wide range of applications. These plates help disperse pressure to ensure maximum productivity and uptime from the excavator – time after time.

Easy to inspect

In order to guarantee a long service life – and maximum uptime, regular service inspections are required to spot any potential problems before they occur. The EC220E excavator makes daily service checks quick and easy to carry out thanks to grouped filters that are easily accessible from ground level. The single layer cooling system is also easily accessed from ground level by simply opening the side door. The radiator, charged air cooler and hydraulic oil cooler and situated side-by-side to maximize efficiency, reduce blockages and aid cleaning. Should a technician or operator need to access the superstructure for inspection or maintenance, full size guard rails help maintain three-point contact at all times, while well-positioned punched anti-slip plates offer good grip. 

Volvo’s real-time service alerts also help promote a good service and maintenance routine. Diagnostic check alerts are displayed on the colour monitor for the engine oil filter, the fuel-water separator, the hydraulic oil and the hydraulic oil filter.

Mix-and-match attachments

In addition to the machine’s durability and ease of maintenance, the sheer versatility of the EC220E ensures maximum uptime and productivity. The excavator can be adjusted to take a wide variety of hydraulic lines, which are factory fitted with breaker and shear piping (X1), as well as rotator piping (X3). These state-of-the-art auxiliary lines provide the correct flow and pressure for special attachments such as mowers and grinders, shears, crushers and tilt rotators. A password-protected attachment management system pre-sets and permits hydraulic flow and pressure to be set for up to 20 different ones. The response sensitivity can be adjusted using the keypad, allowing the operator to tailor machine response for maximum impact in different environments. 

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