VIDEO: Plumbing contractor digs new Volvo ECR35D excavator

Mt Evelyn-based contractor, M Tucker & Sons, specialises in civil and trenchless plumbing solutions and utilises a fleet of small excavators to dig up pits and drains around Victoria.

The latest addition to its fleet is Volvo's ECR35D mini excavator from the brand's newest D series.

Since receiving stock of the ECR35D in February 2017, the company has put 82 hours on the odometer.

According to M Tucker & Sons plumber and excavator operator, Kieran Towan, the excavator has certainly lived up to his and the company's expectations.

"I've operated a lot of other machines, from a lot of different brands, and I definitely find this the smoothest machine I've ever driven and operated," he says.

"It's got a lot of power and the Eco mode gives you better fuel consumption. If you do need that little bit of extra power for digging, you can put the machine on to full revs and dig that bit harder and quicker."

Distributed by CJD Equipment, the Volvo D series comes in four models with power ranging from 16.3hp to 41.8hp. The line-up features Volvo engines and matching hydraulic systems to provide maximum efficiency in narrow job sites.

According to Towan, some standout features of the ECR35D excavator include ease of maintenance with all servicing points situated at ground level, comfort in the cab, ease of operation and the attachment quick hitch design. Switching attachments on the excavator is as easy as pressing a hydraulic quick coupler switch in the cab, without having to hop out of the machine.

"The slew is operated off the computer (in the cab) and you can adjust your slew speeds accordingly," Towan explains.

"So if you're digging against a wall, you can slew full speed one way and when you slew back towards the wall you can slow it right down so you're not going to swing too hard and hit the wall. It's very handy for digging drains alongside walls, so that's a very handy feature."

While the features and design of the excavator have served Towan and the owners of M Tucker & Sons very well, Towan says it was the service received from CJD Equipment that has truly impressed them.

"They've actually rung me a couple of times to see how well we're liking the machine and see if everything is going well," Towan says.

"It's very good service from them, and it has been easy to get parts from them as well. They have been very helpful."

For more information on Volvo's D series excavator, visit cjd.com.au.

Volvo ECR35D specifications

Engine:  Volvo D1.8A

Rated output at 2,200rpm

Gross Power: 31hp

Max. torque at 1 600 rpm: 112Nm

Breakout Force: 30.7kN

Boom Length: 2.3m

Arm Length: 1.25m

Max Dig Depth: 3,093mm

Max Reach at Ground Level: 5,131mm

Bucket Capacities: 0.052 m³ / 0.091 m³ / 0.150 m³

Operating Weight: 3,520 kg