Incorporating a Volvo Tier 4 Final D4 engine, Volvo Construction Equipment's new EC160E crawler excavator offers an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency, and 5% improvements in tractive force and engine power compared to previous-generation models.

Further efficiencies come courtesy a variety of ways, including an hydraulic system that was optimized to operate with the D4 engine, working alongside a fully electronic control system. Volvo's ECO mode reduces power loss and improves controllability and response time. ECO mode works in tandem with the main control valve and machine software to ensure efficient electronic pump control. To reduce cycle time, a boom float function allows pump power from boom lowering to be transferred to other functions. An optional Automatic Engine Shutoff feature can intuitively power off the engine when the machine is inactive for a pre-set amount of time.

Its undercarriage was designed to withstand a variety of elements and terrain and features an X-shape lower frame that distributes even weight at all times. The boom and arm design includes internal plates positioned to support pressure points during a range of applications, dispersing stress from high-pressure areas.

The reinforced steel roll-over protection structure (ROPS) equipped cab provides the operator with a productive work environment and easy serviceability. All machine interfaces, including joysticks, keypad and large LCD monitor, are ergonomically designed for ease of use and optimum efficiency. The number of switches has been reduced and climate control has been integrated into the keypad for easy adjustments. A short-cut key has been added to the joystick to allow the operator to select functions such as windshield wipers, cameras and auto-mute during the operation for minimum disruption.

A Volvo-integrated work mode system allows operators to simply choose the optimal mode for the task at hand, optimizing fuel efficiency and machine performance. The emergency engine stop is located at the base of the seat, so the operator can reach the switch from both the seat and the ground in the event of an emergency.

For enhanced safety, an optional side-view camera can be installed to cover the operator blind spot. The side-view camera can work in conjunction with the standard rear-view camera so that both views are simultaneously displayed on the color monitor.

In terms of servicing, access to the hydraulic and fuel tanks is convenient, and filters are grouped together and accessible from ground level. Well-positioned punched anti-slip plates provide grip for easier, safer access when cleaning. The radiator, charged air cooler, and hydraulic oil cooler are easily accessed from ground level by simply opening the side door. Real-time service alerts are displayed on the color monitor. With Volvo CareTrack telematics, which comes standard, the owner and fleet manager can remotely monitor a wide range of machine diagnostics, as well as machine location in real time.

The EC160E can accommodate a multitude of hydraulic attachments, as Volvo excavators are factory fitted with a breaker, sheer piping, as well as rotator piping. The password-protected management system stores information for up to 20 different attachments. The pressures and hydraulic flows can be adjusted within the cab, which enables the use of various attachments for increased versatility. A proportional electric pedal offers precise control and the attachment response sensitivity can be adjusted using the keypad for maximum impact in different environments.

Attachments have been purpose-built to work in harmony with these machines, including the Volvo GP, HD, and XD buckets and the HB-18 hydraulic breaker, optimized to the specific weight of the machines and tailored to Volvo’s quick couplers for quick attachment changes. Volvo offers a full range of quick couplers featuring Front Pin Lock technology, compliant with ISO 13031 and EN474-1 safety regulations.