Daniel Charles Construction adds new Volvos to its fleet

Daniel Charles Construction Ltd of Dunholme, Lincolnshire, has added a trio of Volvo excavators for its expanding plant fleet in the guise of two, twenty-two tonne EC220Es and a twenty-five tonne EC250E.

The groundworks and civil engineering firm is no stranger to owning and operating Volvo equipment with existing ECR88s, EC220Ds and a larger EC380E in its plant portfolio. Operator preference, sound residual values and overall quality of the product has prompted Managing Director, Dan Ingall, to opt for Volvo equipment once again. “Adding an EC250E this time around is one step up from the twenty-two tonne machines we generally operate as our optimum sized excavators on site,” says Dan. “It’s been a good decision however, as already the added power, stability and performance of the EC250E on our typical applications is proving to be very beneficial.”

And the new EC250E certainly stands out wherever it goes to work with a striking Union Jack adorning the full extent of the machine’s counterweight - made up of micro prismatic reflective vinyl panels. Machine operator, Andy Jackson, is over the moon with his new charge as he explains: “It doesn’t sound much but that extra three tonnes of operating weight and the larger engine capacity is giving greater flexibility on site. The stability is impressive and it’s proving to be ideal for lifting the larger trench boxes and six-tonne manholes without budging an inch, even at full reach. The extra dig depth, reach and load over height and larger bucket capacity over the EC220E is proving beneficial on our larger sites too,” he continues.

Equipped with a 6 metre boom and 2.97 metre dipper arm, the EC250E boasts a dig depth of 7 metres, a maximum reach of 10 metres and a lifting capacity of 3.8 tonnes at full reach across carriage. The machine’s operating characteristics have been further enhanced with the addition of a Trimble GPS earthworks grade control system which is proving to be extremely helpful for operator Andy Jackson.

The EC220E and EC250E excavators are powered by six and eight-cylinder Volvo Stage-IV engines developing 174 and 213hp respectively. Operators can select the best work mode for the task at hand, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Modes include: I-idle, F-fine, G- general, H-heavy or P-power, with the machine automatically setting the appropriate engine speed for the work mode and ECO-mode is a new feature that works in G to H (or P) mode. Pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, while maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque. ECO- mode provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions. Hammer / shear lines along with hose rupture valves mounted on the boom and dipper cylinders are standard features found on Volvo excavators and the three new machines delivered to Daniel Charles Construction have additional x3 rotation lines fitted for slope bucket work.

Operator comfort is another major plus point, with the Volvo Care cab providing plenty of leg room and foot space. Excellent all round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air supplied by a fourteen-vent, climate control system. An adjustable, easy-to-read LCD colour monitor provides real-time information of the machine functions.