“This Volvo digger would make a cracking central defender, it looks like it could easily destroy the others on the pitch.”
Trevor Francis now at home in rigger (as opposed to football) boots with the company’s new ECR50D “I did look at an eight-tonner, but settled on a five-
tonne machine simply due to its dimensions,” he says. “Its compact size means it will be easier to move between sites than a larger machine, and it has enough power to pull footings and carry out other odd jobs on site.” The ECR50D is Volvo’s first true five-tonne excavator,
replacing the ECR48C. Compared to its predecessor, the ECR50D packs extra weight and brings a longer undercarriage, offering better stability which means a 1.8m ‘long’ dipper-arm becomes standard fitment. A new hydraulic valve block offers improved feel and
precision, and a fuel-efficient Volvo D2.6A four-cylinder engine brings a useful power increase too, with 41.8hp. Eco-plus preset engine rpm-modes and an auto-idle function let the operator make the most of the machine’s power and economy. The short radius machine will make it easy for the
business to work in confined spaces, while its powerful blade will be useful for tidying up on site. With load sensing, variable displacement hydraulics,
plus flow-sharing and proportional controls, the ECR50D also brings big machine capability to a compact package.
With auxiliary lines and 75-litres/min oil flow, it offers much more than just the ability to dig holes. Matthew says, “I’m very pleased with our equipment
choice – the new Volvo excavator will be an essential part of our expanding house-building activities. We’re taking a long-term view and our current development projects will certainly keep us busy for the next two years.” “We do see Volvo as a premium brand and its values fit
with our company ethos which includes using the best to deliver the best.” Supplied with four buckets and equipped with a
hydraulic quick-coupler, Francis Homes’ ECR50D will be used for footings, grading, landscaping and general duties on site. “While we’ll continue to hire-in much larger machines
for short-term heavy work and site clearance, having our own excavator gives us a little more on-site capability and much greater operational flexibility,” says Matthew. “We’ll probably add a breaker in the near future and perhaps an auger, to go with the selection of buckets that came with our ECR50D.” ■
THE VOICE MAGAZINE No29 2017 15
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
