Ideal for mining, quarrying and large infrastructure projects, the new 55-t class machine delivers up to 35% more productivity and a 22% improvement in fuel efficiency.
“Babcock, the authorised Volvo CE dealer in southern Africa, has brought in its first unit, which has already been delivered to a customer,” says Lance Mannix, GM Sales and Equipment at Babcock’s Equipment division.
The new model, according to Mannix, slots in between the existing Volvo EC480D and the EC750D. While the EC480D model is aimed at customers looking for an efficient and reliable 50-t class excavator, the EC550E offers 35% greater production than the EC480D in typical dig and dump applications, meaning it is closer to the EC750D and so challenges the 60-65 t excavator class.
“The EC550E can fill a Volvo A35G or A40G articulated hauler with four to six buckets, which is considered a well-balanced match in the industry. It also means that Babcock now offers two perfect match excavators for A35G or A40G haulers in southern Africa – the EC750D and the EC550E,” says Mannix.
Traditionally, an excavator’s production has a direct link to its operating weight. With the EC550E, Volvo CE managed to break the norm by introducing the Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT) hydraulic setup, in conjunction with a totally new engine trim on the D13 engine block and electrohydraulic command for the joysticks. As a result, the machine punches well above its weight, offering production more in line with bigger class machines in the 60 - 65 t range, despite the decals stating 55 t.
During the design of the machine, Volvo CE was able to accommodate a larger bucket (2,4 - 4,2 m³ capacity) by increasing the size and weight of the undercarriage, which gives greater stability. By load distribution surface/footprint of the undercarriage, the EC550E has almost an identical size to some competitor 70-t machines.
The 2 071 Nm (320 kW) engine, with rated power @1 600 rpm, is also well in line with certain competitor 70-t machines. This, coupled with the large displacement pumps (832 litres per minute), results in faster cycle times.
