For the first time, Volvo Construction Equipment invited operators and customers to test-drive their popular machines and trucks at two ground-breaking live-demo events in the UK
Called ‘Live it. Dig it’, the events took place across two weekends in March 2017, firstly in Alloa, Scotland, followed by a repeat event in Birmingham.
Explains David Munns, Sales Director of Volvo, “We wanted to give companies, customers and operators a unique way of experiencing the full range of machines we produce – from excavators to haulers and also Volvo trucks, and also showcase our largest excavator, the EC750E.
“It’s an opportunity for them to speak to the experts, share experiences and just have a great day out. Over 400 people attended across the four days – and what was unique was that most people stayed for the whole day for the opportunity of driving every machine they could.”
The Live It. Dig It events were the largest ever demonstration days Volvo CE has held to date with visitors driving a broad range of Volvo products in real-life working environments.
A wide range of Volvo excavators, along with the A45G articulated hauler and L150H wheeled loader were featured, and Volvo Trucks also took part with their latest FM and FMX vehicles.
Volvo demonstrator at the show, Ian Kennedy, says: “Of course, the EC750E was the star attraction with visitors who came to try the latest, and largest, addition to the Volvo excavator range, but there were also queues for the EWR150E and EW60E which were available to try for the first time in Great Britain.”
Scott Hastings, operator for Volvo customer, A&V Squires and who has been featured in the Live it. Dig it. campaign since the end of 2016, was invited to be part of the demonstrator team on the EC220E, saying:
“Operators mentioned it was not always possible to get on machines at plant shows to check things like balance and sturdiness in various substrate conditions, and that it was helpful to get proper advice on attachments and buckets, as well as operating issues. We even had some hauler drivers try excavators, and vice versa.”
Ag-Con was also represented at the event showcasing the Steelwrist tilt-rotator which was fitted to the EW60E, EW160E and EC140E excavators, proving popular with those new to the product wanting to give it a try, as well as seasoned users who enjoyed talking with like-minded people about the benefits of this increasingly popular equipment.
David Munns gives credit to hosts and Volvo customers, Owens Illinois in Alloa, and Armac Group in Birmingham, saying “Offering their sites to us was absolutely key to the overall success of the events as they carried out all the ground preparation and their staff were absolutely brilliant in their support, putting in a lot of voluntary support behind our staff’s effort on the day.”
The line-up of excavators included the EC380E, EC330E, EC220E, ECR145E, EC140E, EW160E and from the compact range the ECR35D, ECR88D, EC55C, ECR25D, EC18D and EC15D. The EW210D was also on static display along with an EC380E high-reach excavator at the Birmingham event.
All the photos from the events can be viewed on Volvo CE’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/VolvoCEGB
Videos from the event can be found on Volvo CE YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/VolvoCEGB
