Keeping an eye on the running costs…
…is a key driver for Dermot Conlon, Managing Director of Conlon Ltd as he renews an acquaintance with a batch of new Volvo reduced swing excavators...
In the market to replace part of their existing fleet of excavators, the Wiltshire based ground working, civil engineering and demolition contracting company opted for six new Volvo reduced swing excavators, following a visit to SMT GB’s Live It Dig It event held in May at nearby Reading. “We sent our key operators along to make an objective evaluation of the latest range of Volvo excavators, and they were significantly impressed with the general performance and operator comfort,” comments Dermot Conlon. “As a result, we decided to renew our acquaintance with Volvo machines and ordered four ECR145E, and two larger ECR355E reduced swing excavators. Keeping the fleet young and fresh is a key driver for reducing the overall running costs of equipment, and we are confident that the latest models from Volvo will help in this endeavour,” he continues. “Opting for reduced swing models instead of conventional machines means safer working on sites, especially when space becomes a premium. There’s certainly no issue with machine stability, and the ECR355E in particular is already demonstrating impressive digging and lifting performance.”
The 15.4 tonne ECR145E is equipped with a Stage V 4-litre Volvo engine producing 121 hp whilst its larger brother, the ECR335E weighing in at 35.5 tonnes, benefits from a 6-litre unit developing 243 hp. These operate 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. Both machines have ample dig reach and depth, as well as impressive lifting capacities across carriage for their respective size classes. Both machines also feature hammer/shear circuits, quick fit hydraulics and hose rupture valves fitted to both boom and dipper cylinders as standard.
As with the rest of Conlon’s fleet of equipment, the new recruits will all be equipped with Leica Geosystems 3D machine control technology, negating the need for pegging out on sites. “Having this GPS technology on board our equipment is a huge saving on labour and, again, helps to keep our overall running costs at a minimum,” explains Dermot. “We are currently operational on around 39 sites at present, and up to 20 of those will still be in a state of major excavation work. But I only need three civil engineers to manage all of this, thanks to having this technology installed on the machines.”
All six machines have been supplied with an SMT GB Level 2 ENHANCE support agreement, meaning that Volvo trained engineers will carry out scheduled servicing using genuine Volvo parts, oils and lubricants at the correct service intervals. “Our intention is to keep machines for approximately four to five years. Having SMT GB take care of the general maintenance, and using CareTrack to monitor the general performance of the machines, will help us keep an eye on those all-important running costs and help to keep residual values high when it becomes time to change,” says Dermot.
With their Level 2 support agreement, Conlon have access to the Advanced CareTrack subscription allowing them to view critical operational data such as fuel consumption, machine utilisation and idling data. SMT GB will supply Conlon with bespoke Volvo insight reports to help drive down their total running costs.