First Volvo EC250D goes to Jim Jamieson of Ellon, Aberdeenshire

Extraction and mobile crushing and screening specialist Jim Jamieson of Ellon Aberdeenshire has taken delivery of the first Volvo EC250D excavator to be sold in Great Britain which has gone to work at the company’s Ardelethen quarry.  

The new machine replaces and EC240C which was originally purchased in 2008 and joins a mixed fleet in the Jamieson arsenal which includes eight Volvo branded machines and an FMX road tipper. “The build quality of the Volvo is ideal for the typical applications we undertake and we’ve enjoyed good reliability and when it’s needed, good support from Volvo’s Stirling support centre,” says Jim Jamieson. 

At the heart of the machine a 6 litre Stage IIIB engine developing 202 nett hp operates in conjunction with an advanced mode control system ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. Maximum reach with the intermediate dipper arm is a generous 10.7 metres whilst maximum digging depth is 7.34 metres and lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is and impressive 3.16 tonnes.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 as already experienced by Brian Ward.The new ‘smart’ hydraulics system is designed for high productivity, high digging capacity, easy maneuverability and class leading fuel economy. It features improvements that increase total flow and allow cycle times to improve by up to 2.5%.

Independent and simultaneous movements of the digging equipment are controlled by an ‘automatic sensing work mode’. It can also prioritize flow according to the work being done – e.g. to the boom for faster raising when loading or in deep excavations; to the arm during leveling or swing during large slewing angles. An Attachment Management system can store up to 18 pre-sets and enables hydraulic flow to be adjusted as per the requirements of the attachment in use.

 Covering the whole of Scotland Jim Jamieson specialises in quarrying, contract crushing and screening and general contracting. The family run business is head-quatered at Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Sister company James Jamieson Construction has also recently taken delivery of two Volvo A25F articulated haulers.