G A Henderson Plant Contractors of Aberfeldy, Perth & Kinross, has bagged the very first Volvo EC60E to be sold in Great Britain. The six tonne compact excavator has been supplied by SMT GB’s utility equipment dealer for the north of Scotland – CS Machinery Sales Ltd.
Launched at this year’s Plantworx exhibition, the Volvo EC60E was identified as the optimum machine size by proprietor Graham Henderson for his expanding groundworks and civil engineering business. “Since starting up five years ago, I’ve always operated Volvo compact excavators; initially from hiring them in,” explains Graham. “I had a three tonner on long term hire and never had to do anything to it, not even top up with engine oil, which was impressive. I couldn’t fault the reliability and performance, so took the decision to purchase my first machine, which was an EC27C,” he continues.
With the business expanding and larger projects being undertaken, Graham Henderson has opted for the new six tonne EC60E, complete with optional 500mm steel tracks. “It’s a good size of machine for street work and working on larger building sites,” he continues. “It’s a good performer, with plenty of dig depth and reach. It can easily load twenty tonne wagons without struggling for load over height. Opting for the steel tracks gives the machine added stability as well.”
The new six tonne machine is now the prime mover for G A Henderson’s main activities, which are housebuilding and ground working projects, as well as street work for the local authorities throughout Perth & Kinross. The machine has been prepared for the imminent addition of a Steelwrist Tiltrotator, that Graham sees as a sound investment moving forwards.
The Volvo EC60E is powered by a Volvo 2.6 litre Stage V low emission engine, producing 58 hp, coupled to a load sensing hydraulic system that provides fast cycle times and smooth control. The machine features a large and spacious operator’s compartment that is best in class for this size of compact excavator. It has a generous working envelope, offering a horizontal reach of 6.4 metres, a load over height of 4.3metres and a dig depth of 4.0 metres.
