Digger’s Conexpo Highlights: Volvo Construction Equipment

Just days before the Conexpo show was due to open Volvo Construction Equipment took the bold step of deciding not to send its staff to the event due to the Corona virus threat, despite most of the machines being in place and the stand virtually ready to go, fortunately for fans of the Swedish brand the kit remained in place for us all to see.

With no product specialists in attendance Volvo took a further decision to deploy locally sourced staff to “man” the stand, effectively this meant it looked like they had staff at the booth but in reality, none of them could actually offer any advice on the machines on display. However, the machines were in place and for most people that was all that mattered.

Dominating the stand sat high on a plinth with a curved walkway up to the cab, Volvo showcased the latest model of its 90-tonne crawler excavator offering the EC950F.

Replacing the outgoing E model, the new EC950F is equipped with a 603 hp (450kW) Volvo D16 Tier 4 Final engine that delivers high torque at low rpm. According to Volvo this machine is designed for fast and efficient on-site production. Pairing the EC950F with the Volvo A60H articulated hauler is where customers can realize extreme productivity potential. The EC950F fills the 60-ton, 33.6 m³ (43.9 yd³) haul truck in just four bucket passes, with an impressive average cycle time of 20-25 seconds.

The EC950F was displayed loading Volvo’s largest rigid dumptruck the R100E which is powered by a premium 783 kW (1050 hp) Tier 4 Final engine, with a combined drivetrain to provide high torque capabilities, and according to Volvo, unparalleled pulling performance and class-leading rimpull for optimum travel times.

Volvo also presented its new EC750E HR (High Reach) demolition excavator this machine features a heavier and wider undercarriage and factory-fitted guarding, and it can be easily reconfigured using extensions and different boom sets to become a multi-use demolition tool. The new machine can reach up to 36m (118ft) above ground and 9.5m (31ft 2in) below ground,

Also, on stand was the stunning Gold Rush special edition excavator. Volvo designed the special edition EC200E excavator, which was sold at Ritchie Bros.' premier global auction in Orlando, FL to an online buyer from Belgium for US$290,000. All proceeds were donated to Habitat for Humanity and Building Homes for Heroes.

Check out our walkaround video from the stand.