Spec Checked by Declan O’Connell
Looking to add a new excavator to his plant fleet, Declan O’Connell, proprietor of O’Connell Building Contractors, took a detailed look at the specification and key performance indicators of the Volvo ECR145E and concluded this was the right machine for the company’s groundworks and demolition projects.
The new ECR145E is O’Connell’s first Volvo excavator and is a break with the traditional make of machine the company has run since its inception in October 2013. “I scrutinised the specification of this reduced swing machine in terms of its power-to-weight ratio, the geometry of the equipment along with other key performance indicators,” says Declan O’Connell. “This coupled to some sound third party endorsements for the Volvo excavator and the fact that SMT had one readily available, prompted me to place an order. So far, I’m extremely pleased with my decision.”
The mainstay of O’Connell’s typical contracts lie in general groundworks, demolition, site clearance and preparation for new builds. With its base located in Stanmore, Middlesex, a good deal of the sites dictate the use of a compact machine to get the work done. “A lot of our work takes place in tight and confined spaces, so the need for a reduced-swing excavator that has sufficient power, reach and optimum performance is critical,” explains Declan. “We also opted to add a Steelwrist tiltrotator to the machine, so the overall flexibility is proving to be highly effective and, so far, fuel efficiency has been impressive as well,” he says.
The 15.4-tonne ECR145E is equipped with a Stage-IV 4-litre Volvo engine producing 121 hp which 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. Equipped with a 4.6m monobloc boom and 3m dipper arm, the maximum reach is a generous 8.85m, dig depth measures 6.03m and practical load over height is 7.31m. The lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is an impressive 1.6 tonnes and the maximum breakout force measures a massive 85.4kN.
Besides the standard features which include a hammer/shear circuit, quick-fit hydraulics and hose rupture valves fitted to both boom and dipper cylinders, O’Connell’s ECR145E has additional X3 hydraulics to power the Steelwrist tilt rotator and a heavy-duty screen guard fitted to the operator’s cab. The excavator has also been supplied with a Volvo Blue service agreement ensuring it will be serviced at the correct intervals by Volvo trained service engineers using genuine Volvo parts.