General groundworks and surfacing contractors JM Phillips & Sons of Stourport on Severn has given its business a significant boost with the addition of a new Volvo ECR145E reduced swing 16 tonne excavator complete with a Steelwrist tiltrotator.
JM Phillips undertakes general contracting, building and surfacing contracts in the Worcestershire area and has developed a reputation for specialising in projects where space is at a premium. “A good deal of the work we also undertake on site involves dealing with drainage, shoring excavations and handling drag box trench supports and our previous machine was continually on its limits,” explains Managing Director Dean Phillips.
And seeing the need to move up in machine size he set about evaluating the market. “I looked at several manufacturers but was particularly drawn to the Volvo reduced swing machine along with the added versatility of the equipment, dozer blade and Steelwrist tiltrotator.
“Having the chance to appraise a similarly specified ECR145, listening to third party recommendations and considering the quality of build and general appearance of the machine, my mind was made up and I’m really pleased with my decision,” he continues.
Equipped with a two piece boom the ECR145E supplied to JM Phillips and Sons includes the optional heavy duty dozer blade and a factory fitted Steelwrist X18 tiltrotator. Dean Phillips has further enhanced his new machine by adding street pads bolted to the steel track plates to eliminate damage to new road and access surfaces.
“The whole combination gives us a huge amount of flexibility allowing us to carry out virtually all the requirements on very tight and confined sites with the minimum amount of manoeuvring and travel,” says Dean. “Overall, it’s given us a new dimension to our operations and is completely on top of the job.”
Powered by a four cylinder Volvo engine developing 121 nett hp the ECR145E offers the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication.
For example pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, whilst maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque. Two variable displacement load sensing pumps each deliver a generous 124 l/min providing plenty of hydraulic power to the end equipment and travel motors.
The Volvo Care Cab offers a large roomy interior with plenty of leg room and foot space. The excellent all round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air supplied by a 14 vent, climate control system. An adjustable easy to read LCD colour monitor provides real time information of the machine functions, important diagnostic information and a wide variety of work tool settings. The monitor also doubles as a monitor for the rear view camera.
Opting for the two piece boom arrangement and intermediate 2.5 m dipper arm, gives a generous digging envelope with a forward reach of 8.6 metres, a dig depth of 5.6 meters and a maximum dump height of 7.1 metres. Equally thus configured, the machine has a very short front swing radius of just 2.59m which is again essential for working in confined spaces. The machine also offers excellent stability across carriage having a lift capacity of 1.86 tonnes at full reach and 1.5m above ground level.
Based at Chadwick near Stourport on Severn JM Phillips & Sons established back in 1960 by Dean’s father, are a groundworks and surfacing contractor specialising in infrastructure works and construction up to dpc level, finishing and landscaping projects for private clients as well as local authorities in the Worcestershire area.
Volvo Construction Equipment markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in Great Britain. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.
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