Grenco Ltd, the ‘Constructors of Exclusive Homes’ based at Bideford, North Devon, has purchased its very first excavator in the shape of a nine tonne reduced swing radius Volvo ECR88D for its bespoke building projects.
The machine has been supplied by Volvo’s utility dealer for the south west of England – Plant & Engineering Services.
The ECR88D was chosen following a demonstration that was arranged with the Volvo dealer earlier in the year.
“We had reached a point where we had to stop and consider how often it was we were having to hire in machines to carry out the basic groundwork and foundation laying on our building plots,” explains James Lott, the son of Grenco Ltd’s proprietor David Lott.
“The reality was it was costing a good deal of money, coupled to the fact we couldn’t always get a machine hired in when it was needed which could cause delays at crucial times in build schedules.
“We decided enough was enough and took the decision to buy one for ourselves,” he continues. “Plant and Engineering Services won hands down as we couldn’t get any other manufacturer to provide us with a machine to evaluate, so purchasing the Volvo was a done deal.”
The Volvo ECR88D is highly regarded in the marketplace for its economical use of fuel – thanks to the combination of its Stage IV 2.6 litre engine developing 56 nett horsepower and closed centre load sensing hydraulic system, for fast cycle times and smooth control.
“The machine offers a generous horizontal reach of 7.3 metres and a lift capacity of 960kg at full reach across the carriage. Operator comfort and excellent access to all the service points have added to the overall appreciation of the machine.
The ECR88 Plus has a comfortable, spacious cab with a wide uncluttered floor. The instrument panel provides operators with at-a-glance monitoring of all key functions and operator fatigue is reduced through easy-grip, high response joystick control levers.
The rubber-mounted cab reduces whole-body vibration and external noise, minimizing the rigours of the jobsite, whilst air-conditioning with well positioned vents is a standard feature.
And since making the decision to purchase the machine the family run business has been extremely pleased with its decision.
“It certainly does everything we ask of it and so far we’re delighted with every aspect of it,” says James Lott.
“Not only that, we’ve developed a good relationship with Plant and Engineering Services who seem to go the extra mile to help us on parts supply and technical advice. There aren’t many companies around like them any more either.”
Grenco design and build bespoke quality homes offering the complete package from the drawing board to the landscaped finished article. The family run company based at Bideford North Devon covers the whole of North Devon and employs a total of five skilled trades’ people.
Plant and Engineering Services based at Beare near Exeter, is Volvo Construction Equipment’s utility dealer covering the south west of England, Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire 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.
