New generation upgrades to the 35-tonne Volvo ECR355 short swing excavator, now available through CJD Equipment, bring faster cycle times, fuel savings and smoother precision
CJD Equipment, the Australian distributor of Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) will be launching the latest next gen excavator in Volvo CE’s short swing range – the ECR355 – at the beginning of this year.
Addressing key productivity challenges such as tight-space operation and demanding lifting needs, the ECR355 delivers greater fuel efficiency, increased lifting performance and enhanced operator comfort. Purpose-built for the building and utilities sectors, it helps customers achieve more with less.
“For general earthmoving and heavy construction, the ECR355 is a good size,” CJD Equipment national product manager Volvo Construction Equipment Hayden Grant says.
“However, this will stand out particularly for urban infrastructure projects where a larger digger is needed, but with that reduced tail swing for tight environments.
“It’s a great-looking machine with a modern cab and the side entry makes it a lot safer.”
Energy efficiency
The ECR355 comes with a Volvo D8M 189kW engine and delivers up to seven per cent greater fuel efficiency than the previous generation, thanks to a new electro-hydraulic control system and redesigned main control valve.
The system uses electronic sensors and the machine’s onboard computer to optimise flow and pressure, ensuring smooth and precise control of the boom, arm and bucket movements.
Electric cooling fans operate only when needed, minimising engine load, noise and fuel consumption. Operators also benefit from a host of additional efficiency-enhancing technologies, including new engine work modes, with hydraulic priority setting and optional Comfort Driving Control and automatic engine shutdown, which all contribute to lower running costs and higher uptime.
“The Comfort Driving Control feature means that, instead of using the pedals, the operator can move the machine back and forth, left and right with the ease of buttons on the joystick,” Hayden says.
Performance boost
Built for versatility, the ECR355 offers a seven per cent increase in lifting capacity at 12,080kg and four per cent more tractive force, unlocking new possibilities for heavy lifting, grading and loading in confined environments.
Maximum digging reach is 10,635mm and maximum depth is 6,940mm, with a bucket capacity of 0.6–2.5 cubic metres.
The optional Volvo Active Control system automates boom and bucket movements for up to 45 per cent faster grading with less rework and fatigue.
Integrated boundary limits and Dig Assist apps support 2D machine control and in-field design, helping operators work faster, safer, and more accurately. Features such as boom/swing priority functions and a floating dozer blade ensure precision, speed and safety on every task.
“The optional Active Control system means an operator can set the depth that they want to get to, pull the lever, and the machine will cut to that point,” Hayden says.
“It’ll never cut deeper than the preset value, so it can save time by preventing over digging and is really handy for new operators.”
Built for uptime
Volvo excavators boast some of the longest service intervals in the industry, including 1,000-hour engine oil changes and 3,000-hour hydraulic oil changes. These synchronised intervals, aligned in 1,000-hour increments, simplify servicing and help reduce costs.
On the ECR355 key components are grouped for easy reach, with ground-level refilling and quick-drain ports to minimise downtime.
Volvo’s Smart View with optional People and Obstacle Detection uses 360-degree cameras and intelligent radar to enhance site safety. Meanwhile, CareTrack telematics and ActiveCare 24/7 provide real-time machine health data and predictive maintenance alerts, which keeps fleets productive and protected.
Operator comfort
The next generation of Volvo CE short swing excavators raise the bar with a full-size conventional cab, resulting in 20 per cent more space compared to other short swing models.
“When designing any new product, we wanted to keep the interest of our operators at heart,” Volvo CE global product manager Jaesu Kim says.
“The improved productivity within the ECR355 creates an unrivalled comfortable working environment across long shifts.
“Inside the cab, operators will also find 50 per cent better in-cab cooling performance, reduced noise levels due to new electric fans, and a host of modern conveniences, including Bluetooth connectivity, wireless phone charging, extensive storage solutions, and a two-stage filtration system for cleaner air.”
Control is smoother and more intuitive with the precision joystick system and ergonomic switch layout, allowing operators to customise settings to suit their preferences. New electric travel pedals ensure lightning-fast response, while features such as a tiltable left console and ergonomic handrails make cab entry and exit easy and safe.
For more info, visit: www.cjd.com.au
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