C A Blackwell invests in more medium sized excavators from Volvo
Created 10/21/2009, 11:04:15 pm
This
package of eleven machines coincided with the company’s four year change out
policy and the start of a major road construction project taking place on the
A1M in North Yorkshire. “We settled on our choice of product quite simply
because of our long standing relationship and the overall package offered to us
by Volvo,” commented managing director Steve Clarke. “Furthermore our own
experiences of running Volvo equipment, specifically their excavator models for
the last 10 years in terms of productivity and reliability and the after sales
support when needed, were strong influencing factors in our purchasing
decision.”
Opting for
twenty one and twenty nine tonne excavators to strengthen Blackwell’s medium
sized excavator fleet is also a strategic move besides satisfying the immediate
need for machines on the A1M job. “We are seeing a shift in the type of
contracts and work being let with a growing demand for more remediation,
landfill and smaller volumes of material to be moved as opposed to the large
muck shifting projects which have become few and far between,” continued Steve
Clarke. “And whilst we still operate 46 tonne plus machines there is an
increasing demand for more medium sized excavators offering greater flexibility
for us and our clients.”
Volvo
EC210C and EC290C excavators are powered by a Volvo low emission Tier III
compliant engines which are precisely matched to the hydraulic system’s
components and design. Developing 150 and 195 net hp respectively, an advanced
mode control system ensures the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available
is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. In
addition, boom and arm geometry provide highly competitive digging forces and
lifting capacities, which makes for faster work cycles. Hose rupture valves are
fitted as standard to the boom and dipper cylinders as are quick fit hydraulics
and a hammer/shear service.
As with all Volvo excavators, the hydraulic
system is designed to function with low operator effort and high precision. To
achieve maximum efficiency on a full range of job applications, the system is
designed with four power modes that respond automatically to the operator’s
joystick movements. The boom, arm and slew priority system, boom and arm flow
regeneration, and two variable displacement piston pumps enhance the system’s
performance, giving high slew torque, powerful digging forces, and fast digging
and slew speeds. These features translate into faster cycle times and more
efficient operation.
The
specification of the new Volvo excavators delivered to Blackwell has further
been enhanced with the addition of Groeneveld automatic greasing systems; Geith
twin lock quick fits and Banlaw fast fuel filling systems. “In specifying these
enhanced features we are one of the leaders in the field when it comes to
satisfying site safety compliance,” said Mr Clarke. “These safety aids dramatically
reduce the risk of potential accidents and especially reduce the impact on the
environment when it comes to fuel replenishment on site.” All eleven machines
have been equipped with Volvo’s ‘Caretrack Advanced’ telemetric monitoring
system. CareTrack provides operational data remotely via the internet,
including fuel consumption and idle time, all helping to reduce cost of
ownership and maximise utilisation.
C A
Blackwell (Contracts) Ltd is a civil engineering, remediation, geotechnical,
earthmoving and engineering contractor. The company operates nationally with
its headquarters in Earls Colne, near Colchester and regional offices at
Wakefield, Swansea, Bromsgrove, Exeter and Minety near Swindon. The company was
established in 1956 and has grown in a sustained and profitable manner within
core business areas.
Volvo
Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers,
hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo Compact Equipment and Volvo road machinery
products in the U.K. There are eight strategically placed customer support
centres and a network of compact equipment dealers to ensure high quality
customer support is maintained throughout Great Britain.
Source: Volvo.com
