Flow Patrol, Cornwall’s number one drainage solutions company, has taken delivery of a Volvo ECR18E compact excavator from SMT GB’s utility dealer for the Southwest of England, Plant and Engineering Services, following a successful demonstration.
Wanting to replace an older competitor model, the brothers made contact with Plant & Engineering Services and a demonstration of the zero swing compact excavator was arranged. “We were extremely impressed with the ECR18E whilst we had it for evaluation,” comments Robin Jameson. “It demonstrated sufficient dig depth for tank installation, together with good stability and plenty of power. But above all, we found it to be very user friendly,” he continues. “The zero swing characteristic is equally important for working in confined spaces, which for us is pretty much the norm.”
The ECR18E is Volvo’s smallest zero swing excavator, weighing in at just 1.8 tonnes. It is powered by a low emission three cylinder 0.9 litre engine, which develops 16.3hp. The machine is available with a choice of short or long dipper arms, giving a reach of either 3.9 metres or 4.1 metres, which provides a dig depth measuring from 2.52 metres to a generous 2.72 metres.
The zero swing excavator design provides exceptional stability and is ideal for working in confined spaces. Simultaneous control of slew and offset movements provides faster, more precise performance. All hydraulic functions are also performed in total independence, for more control and less delay when handling multiple tasks. When required, an added bonus of this machine is the ability to operate a wide range of hydraulic attachments using proportional control.
The ECR18E features automatic two-speed travel, automatically shifting gear from high to low according to the travel load, as well as a hydraulically extendable undercarriage as standard. Hammer/shear lines are also a standard feature on all compact Volvo excavators. Additionally, ease of maintenance and access to the main serviceable components is greatly improved, thanks to a hinged fuel tank, which is unique to Volvo. Other considerations, such as a fifty-hour greasing interval, were also other deciding factors for Flow Patrol opting for the ECR18E.
