The “Diggers of quality holes” choose a quality digger
Bonthrone Building & Groundworks Contractors of Bankfoot near Perth has purchased its first Volvo compact excavator following a successful demonstration and competitive evaluation. The new 2.5 tonne EC27C has been supplied by Volvo’s utility dealer for the north of Scotland CSM Sales Ltd.
The new EC27C is the latest machine to join Bonthrone Building and Groundworks Contractors, replacing a similar sized competitive model following a successful demonstration and evaluation of the machine. “Straight away we were extremely impressed with the Volvo EC27C,” comments proprietor Ian Bonthrone. “Everything was just right – from the smoothness of the controls, the machine’s stability and the quality of build. We felt there was no real comparison and so had no second thoughts about placing the order,” he continues.
Joining a mixed fleet of equipment which includes a twelve tonne excavator, three and six tonne site dumpers and a backhoe loader, the EC27C is powered by a Volvo 1.6 litre low emission Stage III engine coupled to a load sensing hydraulic system for optimum performance and fuel saving. Simultaneous control of slew and offset movements provides faster, more precise performance due to the right joystick control lever that features an electronically proportional roller. This allows the operator to accurately adjust hydraulic flow as needed. All hydraulic functions are performed in total independence for more control and less delay when handling multiple tasks. An automatic two-speed travel system engages when operating in high speed mode,
automatically shifting gear from high to low according to the travel load. Another feature for increased efficiency is the standard auto-idling system that lowers engine speed to idle if a control is not used for five seconds. The engine reverts to the pre-selected speed almost instantly when any control is moved. This system delivers lower fuel consumption, longer engine life and less environmental noise.
The EC27C features Volvo’s industry-leading comfortable cab for less fatigue and more production. The ergonomically-designed cab offers greater leg and foot room, making it one of the most spacious in its category and the machine supplied to Bonthrone features the optional high back seat which includes the servo hydraulics levers integral to the seat unit for maximum operator comfort.
Adding to the flexibility of the new 2.5 tonne machine, Ian Bonthrone has added an Engcon Tiltrotator to the machine. “We were already acquainted with the benefits of having a tiltrotator with one fitted to our twelve tonne excavator, so we decided to enhance the flexibility of the smaller machine as well,” says Ian. “Already it’s paying dividends for us, particularly when working in confined spaces on small sites.”