Volvo takes EC550E excavator global with fitment of Tier 3 engine

Staff Report,

2 Feb 2022

Popular 55t-class digger suitable for mining, mass excavation and large infrastructure projects now available in the worldwide market, offering 35% rise in productivity and 22% more fuel efficiency

Volvo Construction Equipment has made its EC550E crawler excavator available to the global market by offering it with a Tier 3 engine to increase its appeal and practicality for lesser regulated markets.

A statement from the Swedish giant said it had expanded the distribution of the 55-tonne operating weight class excavator, now offering it with a Tier 3 engine for customers throughout the world to “benefit from its industry leading performance, productivity and efficiency”.

Kwangsuk Jee, global product manager, Volvo CE, said: “Delivering the type of durability and performance more commonly expected from a 60/65-tonne machine, the EC550E is a crawler excavator which truly punches above its weight. Customers in Tier 3 markets can get ready for up to 35% more productivity and 22% more fuel efficiency, combined with superb operator comfort and outstanding levels of uptime.”

According to Volvo, the EC550E has high levels of power and productivity, and is very suitable for mining, mass excavation and large infrastructure projects. With the ability to fill a 35-40 tonne hauler or highway truck in just four to six buckets, the result is optimum pass-matching and high-levels of production at a low cost per tonne, said the manufacturer.

Short cycle times further boost productivity, made possible by digging forces and lifting capacity more commonly found in a 60/65-tonne excavator, added Volvo. This is complemented by a powerful engine, reinforced boom and arm, as well as boom/swing and boom/travel priority settings. The long and wide undercarriage is also of 60/65t calibre, providing high levels of stability and durability.

The EC550E is available with a range of optimum-sized heavy-duty rock buckets designed for use in abrasive conditions, with the Volvo Tooth System making it easy to do teeth replacements thanks to its place, push and click functionality. Customers can further take control of their productivity with On-Board Weighing, helping to ensure the optimum amount of material is loaded. The optional system provides real-time information to eliminate under and overloading of haul trucks and also records total tonnage for complete production management.

Fuel efficiency is further improved in the EC550E with its “next generation” electro-hydraulic system with Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT) and engine/pump optimisation, which lowers engine rpm while optimising power. The main control valve uses Independent Metering Valve Technology, Volvo’s latest innovation. The manufacturer further explained that it provides more precise control compared to a conventional system and contributes towards up to a 22% improvement in fuel efficiency.

Volvo added that it also offers a range of services to help customers reduce the fuel expenditure and carbon emissions of their operations further, including Fuel Efficiency Reports and operator training initiatives. Using Volvo Site Simulation, Volvo dealers can also help customers to optimise site productivity and lower their total cost of ownership, by providing recommendations on the best fleet configuration and site set-up to maximise profitability.

When it comes to the operator environment, the EC550E has a ROPS cab that exceeds industry standards for this class of machine, and with low noise and low vibration, operators experience a high level of comfort, said Volvo. Boom and arm bouncing reduction technology also reduces machine shock, resulting in a more comfortable and productive operator performance.

Visibility is further enhanced by the optional high visibility cab, one-piece front window, and rear and side-view cameras. Taking this further, the optional Volvo Smart View uses front, rear and side cameras to provide a real-time, overhead view of the machine, especially helpful when working in confined spaces.

Behind the controls operators can easily select and adjust a number of functions depending on their personal preferences and the task at hand, including boom down speed, ideal for precision tasks which require optimum control.

According to Volvo, customers can count on the EC550E to deliver maximum machine availability with several uptime-boosting machine features in combination with the support of the Volvo dealer. With the optional delayed engine shutdown, the machine can keep its turbocharger working in top condition for longer. To avoid overheating, the intelligent function turns the machine off when the turbocharger has cooled down to the appropriate temperature. The EC550E can also be fitted with a high-performance fuel filtration system which delivers 99.7% water separation efficiency consistently over the full-service life of the filter.

Volvo added that CareTrack, the company’s telematics system, also helps customers maximise machine uptime and reduce repair costs. Customers can choose to keep track of their machines themselves, or let Volvo take care of it with ActiveCare. The Volvo Uptime Centre provides 24/7 machine monitoring, supplying weekly reports and notifying customers should preventive maintenance action be required.

When maintenance actions are required, grouped filters accessible from the ground level make servicing quick and easy, while the three-point right-hand access ensures the upper structure can be accessed with confidence when needed. Industry renowned features such as bolted anti-slip plates, high visibility guardrails and handrails, as well as large walkways ensure further convenience when servicing the machine.

Volvo EC550E Technical Specifications:-

Operating weight: 5,450-5,620kg
Gross power: 430hp at 1600rpm
Bucket capacity: 2.4-4.2 m3
Max. digging reach: 11,450mm
Max. digging depth: 6,870m
Breakout force: 251kN
Tear out force: 258kN