Volvo Construction Equipment has launched the EC480E HR high reach demolition machine; a specially configured excavator that it says delivers a complete demolition solution in a single unit.
The business of knocking down buildings is booming in Australia of late. Factory shutdowns are an almost weekly occurrence and the real estate boom has led to more development, meaning lots of sites that need to be knocked down and rebuilt.
The demolition trend has created demand for a new type of machine, one that has both high reach and digging capabilities combined in the one machine.
Previously excavators could be fitted with a standard boom for digging, and a high-reach boom for demolition work. It could take up to a full day to change between the booms, bringing the job to a halt. This is where the new Volvo machine comes in.
The key feature of the EC480E HR is its modular boom system. Volvo says changeover between the high-reach boom and digging boom can now be completed in under an hour.
“The EC480E HR is Volvo CE’s most advanced demolition machine yet,” Volvo CE product marketing manager Anthony Farmer says.
“The new E-series machine offers better visibility, comfort and reach than its D-series predecessors. For example, maximum reach is now 28m compared to 27m previously. Maximum tool weight has been increased too, from 3 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes, as well.
“The highlight of the machine is our patented modular boom system. Instead of taking a full day to fit a digging boom in place of a high reach boom, operators can now make the switch in under an hour,” Farmer says.
The demolition machine is powered by a 278 kW Volvo D13J engine configured to meet US Tier 4 Final emissions requirements, a requirement for all government contracts by 2018.
The EC480E HR has a high-visibility cab, specifically designed for high-reach applications, with a one-piece laminated front window, right-hand window and a roof window made from high-strength LEXAN resin.
A full FOPS system protects operator and machine from falling objects and double-thickness machine side doors protect coolers and pumps in the event of a side impact.