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Earthmoving portfolio promises productivity, profitability

While reliability and productivity are the principle requirements of all modern quarry  equipment, Volvo Construction Equipment’s (Volvo CE) machine range promises owners a competitive advantage and popularity with operators on-site.

AM Muralidharan, vice president of sales support and dealer development for Volvo CE in the Asia-Pacific region, said the company’s approach to manufacturing put it at an advantage.

“Volvo designs are better than others because we manufacture more of the components ourselves,” Muralidharan said. “For example, we know our drivelines are matched to our engines because we build them both. We also make our own dropbox, axles and more.”

Another feature on which Volvo CE prides itself is the emphasis on the operator. It considers operators to be crucial in delivering optimum productivity. In quarries, where operations are structured on the highest levels of output, a more conducive environment for the operator can mean an improved bottom line for a company. 

“Quarries can run up to 24 hours a day, so machines need to be comfortable, as well as reliable,” Muralidharan said. “The cabs of Volvo machines include ergonomic controls, all-around visibility and vibration protection, which allow the operator to feel at ease and perform at their best.”

Volvo excavators are renowned for their fuel efficiency and productivity. Their benefits include the Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the cab, which is ergonomically positioned to deliver optimum control and efficiency. A reinforced undercarriage ensures a longer machine life, especially in punishing applications such as quarries. The EC480D, EC750D and the EC950E are the most popular models, while smaller sites can utilise more versatile options such as the EC350D.

The flagship of the Volvo CE range, the EC950E, was unveiled in 2016 and has an operating weight of 89 to 91 tonnes. The top of the line unit is the largest excavator ever built by Volvo. Its durable, wear-resistant components guarantee maximum uptime and profitability, while its power promises unprecedented productivity.

For moving materials around the job site, Volvo CE’s articulated haulers offer first-rate performance. From the A35G to the A45G, a host of options are available to operators.

All offer class-leading capabilities, including the company’s award-winning on-board weighing system, which uses real-time data to help quarry operators get even better productivity from their haulers.

The latest introduction in this category is also the largest ever built – the 60-tonne A60H. With a thumping 16-litre Volvo engine driving operations, the A60H can haul up to 40 per cent more than its closest alternative, the A45G. Volvo created the first articulated hauler more than 50 years ago and has since remained a market leader in the field.

Working in harmony with Volvo’s excavators and haulers are the company’s large wheel loaders, which can often be found providing essential lift and shift duties. The L150, L180, L220, L250 and L350 models are all popular choices with their strength, power and reliable performance meeting the requirements of even the harshest quarry environment.

For quarries, there are many advantages to purchasing Volvo CE machines, and one of the biggest is customer support. With the company’s unique CareTrack telematics system, owners get up to the minute data on a whole host of performance-related features for their fleet. Volvo’s skilled team is also on-hand to provide advice and guidance on the technology, helping owners achieve real savings in both time and money. Volvo has one of the largest and most experienced dealer networks in the world, able to provide expert advice and support whenever it’s needed, and there are a range of customer service agreements available.

The most comprehensive is the Gold Customer Support Agreement, which is very popular with quarry operators. It offers preventative maintenance, inspections and repairs, carried out at the earliest opportunity by trained Volvo service technicians. It gives companies the best possible peace of mind. 

As the quarry industry moves through the 21st century, operations are in the spotlight like never before. Fine margins mean securing a small advantage in something as routine as excavator choice can translate into a big difference in profitability. Armed with the best information available, producers know they can take advantage of equipment with best in class productivity and world-class support.

The dealer for Volvo CE in Australia is CJD Equipment.

Source: Volvo CE/CJD Equipment

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