“They’re good, robust machines” is the verdict of Holmes Plant and Construction Ltd as a further seven Volvo compact excavators are delivered form SMT GB’s utility dealer, Contractors Equipment Sales Ltd.
A further four, zero swing 2.5-tonne ECR25Ds and three larger 5-tonne reduced swing ECR50Ds have just been delivered to Holmes Plant and Construction Ltd based at Otley near Ipswich, bringing the total number of Volvo compact excavators to twelve in a large multi-branded hire fleet.
“The Volvo compact excavators are good, robust machines,” comments co-Director, Ben Holmes. “They are easy to operate, they wear well and keep their appearance. We have regular clients who request them by name and since we find them very reliable, we tend to hire them to customers with projects further afield,” he continues. “Just as importantly, we have developed a very good relationship with the team at CES who we find extremely helpful on technical and parts support when we need it.”
Joining a comprehensive range of equipment including telehandlers, site dumpers and excavators ranging from micro machines up to 30 tonnes in operating weight that are available for either operated or non-operated hire, the new ECR25Ds and ECR50Ds have been supplied with a full range of buckets and quick fits by SMT GB’s utility dealer for Norfolk and Suffolk – Contractors Equipment Sales Ltd (CES).
The ECR25D is the smallest zero swing model in the Volvo compact excavator range and is powered by a 1.1 litre low emission engine developing 21hp. With an operating weight of 2.5 tonnes the ECR25D is available with a choice of short or long dipper arm giving a reach of either 4.48 metres or 4.77metres and a dig depth measuring from 2.67 metres to a generous 2.96 metres.
The larger ECR50D features a fuel-efficient Volvo D2.6A four-cylinder engine that brings a useful power increase at 41.8hp. Eco-plus preset engine rpm modes and an auto-idle function let the operator make the most of the machine’s power and economy. With load sensing, variable displacement hydraulics, plus flow sharing and proportional controls, the ECR50D also brings big machine capability to a compact package. With auxiliary lines and 75-litres/min oil flow, it offers much more than just the ability to dig holes.
The zero or short radius 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 and all hydraulic functions are performed in total independence for more control and less delay when handling multiple tasks. An added bonus is the ability to operate the wide range of hydraulic attachments using proportional control if required.
“Another plus point about the Volvo excavators is the cab,” says Ben Holmes. “Both our own operators and customers alike appreciate the space and comfort and from a practical point of view, it’s very easy to clean out thanks to its flat floor characteristics.
Holmes Plant & Construction Ltd is very much a family-run business with Ben Holmes in charge of the day-to-day operations supported by his father Austin. Austin’s brother Brian originally set the company going as far back as 1964 from a farming background at Woodham Ferrers in Essex. In 1972, the family moved to Otley near Ipswich and in 1984 bought their first backhoe loader and the business has steadily grown since then. The company now has a portfolio of some 150 machines available for operated and non-operated hire across the whole of East Anglia supported by mobile and workshop based engineers as well as low-loader and beaver tailed lorries for deliveries and collections.
Contractors Equipment Sales Ltd (CES) of Harrier Way, Norwich is SMT GB’s utility equipment dealer covering Norfolk and Suffolk marketing the full range of Volvo compact excavators from 1.5 to 9 tonnes in operating weight.
SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products which include 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, a dedicated National Used Equipment Centre and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.
