Page 73 - Hub-4 Magazine ISsue 64

Bulk Handling
For Collins’ muck-shifting requirements, the EC950F is equipped with a 7.25m boom with boom float, and a 2.95m ME arm. The mass-excavation configuration also means a bigger bucket cylinder to generate more breakout – typically 43 tonnes-force of bucket tearout. The 6.75 cubic metre bucket gets floating pins that are sealed for life, while an auto-lube system takes care of the machine’s main points.
Keeping the front-end of the EC950 in balance is a 14.5 tonne, hydraulically removable counterweight. This simplifies machine movements too, as Collins Earthworks has built a cradle for one of its low-loader trailers, allowing the excavator to reverse up to the truck, and lower the weight directly into its transport cradle.
The machine’s undercarriage is adjustable too, from a 3.55m working width to a 2.79m transport width. These features will reduce a lot of the associated set-up cost when the EC950F is moved from site-to-site.
Decked out with Collins’ distinctive blue sign-writing, plus blue cab roof and bucket pin caps, the EC950F also
features a striking new design of high-vis blue and white decal across the rear of its counterweight.
Additional specification of the flagship machine includes a heated and cooled air-suspension
seat, and Volvo’s Smart View camera system, providing a 360-degree view around the
machine. Both are elements that EC950F’s Operator Mark
Oakley appreciates.
“Having spent thousands of hours on an
EC750, I can’t believe the speed and power
of the EC950F,” says Mark Oakley.
“The 750 was a good muck-shifter,
but this is on another level.”
“I didn’t expect such a big, heavy machine to feel this agile and this nimble,” adds Mark. “The overall machine balance is impressive, and it is so stable that I believe it could comfortably handle a bigger bucket on this material.”
SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products, together with K-Tec articulated hauler scraper boxes, 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.
www.hub-4.com Sept/October 2020 - Issue 64
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