Andrew Sinclair Contractors of Kirkwall, Orkney, has opted for two new Volvo excavators in the form of an EC140E and an EC200E for its groundworks and contracting business.
This time the family-run business, who are long-standing users of Volvo construction equipment products, has replaced a Volvo EC160D and an EC180D with a fourteen-tonne EC140E and the larger twenty-tonne EC200E. “We certainly appreciate Volvo excavators for their reliability, performance and build quality,” comments Director Bruce Sinclair. “This, coupled to the good aftermarket support we have received from SMT GB, the fact that the machines hold high residual values and the competitive package put together for us were our main reasons for sticking with Volvo once again,” he continues.
“Deciding to go with the fourteen-tonne and twenty-tonne machines this time around will give us greater flexibility for the typical groundworks contracts we undertake on Orkney. In particular, the addition of a Steelwrist rotator on the EC140E will add another dimension and enhance the work the machine can do onsite; especially when working in confined spaces. On the other hand, the EC200E will provide that extra capacity for site clearance and muck shifting duties,” says Bruce.
Developing 121 and 156 nett hp respectively, Stage V compliant 4-cylinder Volvo engines power both machines. The EC140E and EC200E also benefit from an ‘Integrated work mode control’. This advanced mode control system ensures the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. This provides both machines with the ability to carry out rapid dig cycles at high levels of efficiency, which helps to significantly lower fuel consumption. In addition, boom and arm geometry provide highly competitive digging forces and lifting capacities, which makes for faster work cycles. Hose rupture valves are also fitted as standard to the boom and dipper cylinders, as are quick fit hydraulics and a hammer/shear service.
The new machines join a mixed plant fleet that includes: general purpose and compact excavators, backhoe loaders, site dumpers and other assorted mobile equipment. They will be deployed predominantly on groundworks projects for commercial and some domestic property development on the archipelago.
