Volvo’s dedicated machine solutions win Innovation prize at Demolition Awards
Created 11/24/2009, 11:42:58 am
“It’s
always nice to have one’s efforts recognized, but to be awarded this prize by
the industry itself is really encouraging,” said Volvo’s Derrick Butterfield,
Global Manager, Marketing Design. “We recognize that the demolition sector has
specific needs, not least in increased operator safety, but also in performance
and durability. Our Standard Demolition Package addresses all of these criteria
in a tailor made, easy-to-specify way for customers.”
Anything
but standard
Addressing
the needs of recycling applications, Volvo Construction Equipment’s range of
excavators is adapted to cope with the rigours of demolition duties. The six
models in the Standard Demolition Excavator series are the EC210CLD, EC240CLD,
EC290CLD, EC360CLD, EC460CLD and EC700CLD excavators. The machines keep all the
attributes of the base excavator but offer increased protection for the machine
and its operator – while at the same time offering hydraulic upgrades that
allow the machine to act as a multi-function tool carrier.
Stripping,
cutting, pulverizing, crushing, separating, and finishing: demolition
excavators are called upon to conduct a variety of diverse operations. Attachments
such as concrete pulverisers, scrap grapples, hammers, shears and
multi-processors all require different hydraulic set ups: extra lines or
different hydraulic flows. Consequently, the new range of standard demolition
excavators allows the versatility to change attachments easily (via a quick
coupler) and auxiliary hydraulic piping is pre-fitted.
Body armour
In addition
to a wide undercarriage and long tracks for stability over uneven ground, the
new demolition range features extensive protection upgrades. Full length track
guards protect against derailing and track links and bottom rollers defend
against undue wear when working on uneven ground. Heavy duty plating fitted to
the track frame and on the underside of the superstructure protects against
sharp debris. For easier maintenance, service access plates are hinged and the
bolt holes recessed. The swing ring bearing has an additional steel jacket to
prevent wire, rebar, and cable etc. getting wound up and damaging the bearing
seal, grease pipe etc.
The
superstructure of Volvo CE’s demolition excavators also features extensive
upgrades. The side impact protection system protects against collision damage
during swing manoeuvres. Reinforced, double thickness door panels are fitted to
both sides to protect key components and micro mesh is fitted to the inside of
the cooler door and engine cowl to prevent fine particles getting through to
the radiators.
Boom and
bucket cylinders plus hoses are protected by guards that ward off crush, tear
or puncture damage when working in close proximity to demolition debris. The
cab-mounted Falling Object Guard (FOG) protects the operator while not
obscuring the view of the work area. The FOG can be tilted up to allow easy
cleaning of the windscreen – and the tinted glass is also shatter resistant. Operator
fatigue is reduced via shock damping and a multi-adjustable seat. Finally, air
conditioning and a pressurised cab keep the operator comfortable and the dust
and fumes outside, in what are often aggressive environments.
Source: Volvo.com
