Volvo EC18C continues a tradition at...
W Cropper & Son
The Volvo EC18C supplied to W Cropper & Son continues a tradition of owning and operating Volvo compact excavators
the additional features on the machine is well worth it,” he continued. Mr Cropper considers the automatic two speed tracking and repositioned boom and arm cylinders as a significant improvement over the machine’s predecessor and in his opinion, the changes to the position of controls, switches and levers makes the cab one of the best on the market.
Having owned and operated Volvo compact excavators since 1995, Southport based construction and groundwork contractors W Cropper & Son continues the tradition by purchasing one of the first Volvo EC18C’s to be sold in Great Britain from Volvo’s utility dealer Howard Plant Sales Ltd.
Originally founded in 1927 by the current propri- etor’s grandfather as a local building company, John Cropper has, since 2000, changed the nature of his business and is now a fully fledged groundwork contracting company specializing in foundations, drainage and enabling works. Mr Cropper has owned a succession of Volvo compact excavators including 1.5 and 3 tonne machines and a zero swing Volvo ECR38 purchased in 2007. “I rate the Volvo product very highly in terms of build quality and reliability,” said Mr Cropper. “Needing to replace my 1.5 tonne machine I was keen to see what the new offering from Volvo was like and unable to get to Bauma in April, I paid a visit to Hillhead and was impressed with what I saw.”
The new Volvo EC18C was supplied to W Cropper & Son in August 2010 by Howard Plant Sales Ltd – Volvo’s utility dealer covering the north west. “So far I’ve been very impressed with my new purchase and as an owner operator I feel the additional cost for
The new Volvo EC18C is one of four machines ranging between 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes that was launched earlier in the year at Bauma 2010 and is a direct replacement for the EC15B XTV model. Powered by a 12.3 Kw (16.8hp) engine, the machine features automatic two speed travel and extendable undercarriage as standard. One significant change on the new models is that hydraulic hoses for the digging equipment are now routed through the boom and cylinders are top mounted to minimize on site damage. The 1.8 tonne compact excavator also benefits from load-sensing hydraulic system for fast cycle times, even when carrying out multiple functions. Maximum dig depth is a generous 2.3 metres.
A single piece engine hood provides unobstructed access to all the engine components whilst the instrument panel provides at-a-glance monitoring of all key functions. The cab’s easy to clean flat floor panel lifts for access to hydraulics and main control valve – all of which are further plus points for John Cropper for carrying out general service and maintenance work on the machine.
Howard Plant Sales Ltd is Volvo Construction Equipment’s utility dealer in the north west of England covering Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Stephen Howard, MD of Howard Plant Sales (left) hands over the new Volvo EC18C to John Cropper
THE VOICE PAGE 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56