The Evolution of Excavator Cabs

For example, multiple forms of climate control, adjustable seating and logically placed controls are no longer seen as mere conveniences — they’re vital to your ability to work efficiently for extended periods of time. And as cabs become more tech-enabled, machine control systems with real-time data displays contribute to a higher degree of accuracy and a reduction in costly rework.

With the ongoing shortage of skilled labor, managers are looking for ways to keep their current employees happy and returning to work each day. A machine that doesn’t make you feel beat up at the end of the day is a great place to start.

Meeting Jobsite Demands with An Intelligent Excavator Cab Interior

To be your most productive (and probably your most satisfied), you should be comfortable and not feel physical strain caused by the layout of the controls and dashboard. We address this need in our latest series of Volvo excavators with a keyless start, an updated seat design and an easy-to-use advanced electric joystick that allows multiple users to personalize their workspace and the way they use the machine. There’s also a new footrest for working on slopes to help you feel more secure, plus the seat, arms, headrest and lumbar can all be adjusted.

And we know all you operators have various things to store in your cab during the day. So to help you out, we’ve included a storage compartment next to the seat that keeps items secure and helps maximize the space in your cab. 

But modern excavator cab interiors are expected to do more than provide comfort. Another common challenge is poor visibility, which is obviously a safety hazard. Equipment manufacturers are addressing this concern by integrating excavator safety features like camera systems that provide a broader view of the jobsite so you can better see your surroundings to avoid blind spots.

It’s why we’ve developed a 360-degree visibility system in our newest excavators called Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection — but it’s much more than full visibility. While cameras are increasingly common, our system combines camera technology and a new radar detection system that can distinguish objects and humans. The system, combined with real-time feedback displayed on the cab’s digital screen, gives you a heightened level of awareness so you can make quick decisions to avoid potential collisions.

While staying connected on the job is another necessity, that connectivity should be convenient and distraction-free. Our cabs now offer wireless phone charging and Bluetooth capability for hands-free communication. We’ve integrated additional creature comforts like built-in hot/cold storage and more compartments for personal items, so you can easily access your daily essentials without unnecessary clutter or distractions.

Temperature control also plays a vital role in keeping you productive, especially during extreme weather conditions. Excavator cabins should be equipped with features like front and side window shades to help regulate cabin temperature during the hotter summers. The newest Volvo seat also features heating and cooling elements — because a long day only feels longer when the temps are tough to handle.

How Excavator Technology Drives Efficiency and Cost Control

With comfort and safety addressed, owners and fleet managers may wonder how the newest cab technology can contribute to more efficient operations. The top OEMs tend to have excavator machine control systems that display helpful data on touchscreen tablets for things like on-board weighing and in-field design. Our Volvo Dig Assist machine control system, for example, provides an improved user experience in the newest models thanks to a larger, higher-resolution screen.

Another feature that’s becoming more common on in-cab devices is the ability to automate boom and bucket movements. Within Dig Assist, this is called Active Control. Combining this option with real-time data and diagnostics from the cab’s control systems can greatly reduce rework costs and avoid downtime. A smart hydraulic system that automatically adjusts power based on the task at hand will also go a long way in optimizing fuel efficiency and extending the life of the machine while reducing operating costs.

Another technological perk found in more and more cabs is a selection of work modes. These are predetermined settings that you can choose based on the task and material at hand. Increasingly, OEMs are expanding upon these modes — we now offer 10 in our new excavator series, including two specific to power and four specific to automatic ECO modes. Not only does this help you easily find the right power for the job and dig in, it helps save on fuel and emissions too.

A new addition to Volvo excavators is an auto power boost, which automatically provides more power for additional digging force and lifting capacity. In addition to the ability to decide this manually, setting up predefined conditions will allow this function to kick in automatically and turn off after several seconds.

Superior Performance Starts with the Right Excavator Cab

The modern excavator cab has come a long way from being a simple operator station. Today, it serves as a critical component to improve productivity, enhance safety and reduce operating costs. As equipment manufacturers continue to innovate, it’s clear that a well-designed cab can make all the difference in your day — and a good day for you translates to a great day for your company’s bottom line.

Learn more about our newly redesigned Volvo excavator series and have your company set up a demo with your local Volvo dealer so you and others can try one yourself.

Sejong Ko
Product Manager – Large Excavators

Sejong has worked for Volvo since 1995. His broad experience includes product control, structure design, service engineering, product planning, product launches, sales support and more. As product manager for large excavators in North America, Sejong works with sales, engineering and production on machine requirements and applicable solutions.