Volvo EC300E Hybrid excavator surfaces

As part of its commitment to a greener future, Volvo Construction Equipment has released its EC300E Hybrid excavator which it said uses a simple, innovative and effective concept.

The machine made its international debut earlier this year and has been brought into Australia by local distributor, CJD Equipment.

Unlike other systems that capture the swing energy of an excavator’s superstructure to electrically assist the engine, Volvo’s hydraulic hybrid takes ‘free’ energy generated by the boom down motion and uses it to reduce fuel consumption.

The powerful and regular boom-down motion charges 20-litre hydraulic accumulators, which then deliver energy to drive hydraulic assist motors that help power the hydraulic pump.

There are the same levels of control and performance as the standard EC300E, including the ability to work in ECO Mode and Hybrid Mode simultaneously.

According to Volvo CE, the simple but effective capability takes load off the engine and in the process delivers up to 15 per cent lower fuel consumption and 12 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional machine.

When used in high production ‘dig and dump’ applications - especially those within a 90 degree swing - the fuel saving payback is approximately two years without loss of performance, Volvo CE said.

For waste operators, who often work in harsh, stop-start environments, the EC300E’s approach to fuel efficiency and sustainable energy consumption is particularly beneficial, said CJD Equipment National Product Engineering & Training Manager, Lindsay Daniels.

“Volvo’s unique ECO mode optimises the hydraulic system to reduce flow and pressure losses, resulting in improved fuel efficiency without any loss of performance in most operating conditions,” he said.

The excavator also features an eco-gauge which is an added gauge bar that indicates momentary fuel consumption, tracking it under different applications. The benefit there, Daniels said, is knowledge of how certain tasks correlate with fuel consumption, giving operators the ability to adjust processes in service of energy efficiency.

“The excavator also has an automatic engine shutdown feature, which turns the engine off when the unit has been motionless for an allotted amount of time. This facilitates significant environmental and economic benefit for our clients,” he said.

In addition to the “eco” benefits, the unit integrates all standard features of a Volvo excavator, as well as a class-leading human interface design.

“The E-Series range is powerful and efficient, like all Volvo excavators, but its human machine interface design, which streamlines all in-cab features ergonomically to produce increased operator productivity, really sets it apart,” Daniels said.

“The body centric design is integrated into everything from joysticks and LCD screens to keypads and hot keys.”

Through the cab, operators can control pressure and flow within the auxiliary function, with 20 separate pre-set functions. Operators also have a clear view around the machine via rear and side-view cameras.

As an optional extra, clients can request a Volvo smart view system, which gives operators a 360-degree view of the machine.

Positive control hydraulics and pump input torque also work to produce productivity through a high-pump flow, Daniels added. When combined with an electro-hydraulic control system, high-pump flow creates faster response and cycle times.

“The unit also features the combination of a durable D8 Volvo stage five engine and intelligent hydraulic system, which boosts power while reducing both fuel consumption and emissions, resulting in quicker cycle times and greater productivity,” he said.

“The beauty of Volvo engines is they produce a high amount of torque at very low revolutions per minute, so you don’t have to rev the engine, therefore saving fuel and keeping noise pollution down.”

The introduction of the EC300E Hybrid excavator machine aligns with CJD’s commitment to undertake environmental risk assessment on all business activities.

Over the years, CJD has been involved with several sustainability and recycling projects such as installing solar panels at their five largest energy-consuming branches and running recycling programs at all business units.

While sustainability is one of CJD’s core commitments, Daniels said that customer service remains at the core of the company’s operations.

“Our support team is always on call to help with equipment upgrades or breakdowns, plus, we’re committed to working with customers to ensure all attachments are fitted within the supplier’s recommendation,” he said.

“We also aim to prevent environmental damage, minimise pollution, energy and resource usage and ensure the principles of sustainable development are operated throughout all of CJD Equipment’s operations, as well as our technology and vehicle offerings.”