New Volvo's for the SRC Aggregates fleet

by Nick Drew | Mon 01 Dec 2014

New Volvo's for the SRC Aggregates fleet

Following its purchase of a new Volvo EC220D crawler excavator just twelve months ago, SRC Aggregates has added more Volvo construction equipment products for its extraction activities at two sites in Essex.

The latest deal includes two new 30 tonne A30G articulated haulers, an L120H and L150H loading shovels, another EC220D and the slightly larger twenty five tonne EC250E crawler excavators. The machines have gone to work at SRC Aggregates Crown Quarry sand and gravel extraction facility based near Colchester and at Highwood Quarry near Great Dunmow and are incremental to the SRC fleet of equipment. The main driving factors for choosing Volvo once again were down to the performance and reliability of the one year old EC220D together with the overall package on offer and anticipated residual values according to director David Hunter.

Besides machine reliability and performance, Mr Hunter has the expectation for significant fuel savings with these latest products. The EC220D for instance, benefits from the use of Volvo’s Stage IIIB D6 engine, delivering 175hp (129kW) of power and 849Nm of torque, coupled to an improved hydraulic system with larger pumps which in turn significantly improves hourly fuel consumption with shorter cycle times. The larger EC250E excavator is equipped with a Stage IV final Volvo eight litre engine developing 215hp. Operators can select the best work mode for the task at hand, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Modes include: I-idle, F-fine, G-general, H-heavy or P-power, with the machine automatically setting the appropriate engine speed for the work mode and ECO mode is a new feature that works in G to H (or P) mode. Pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, while maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque. Eco mode provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions. Similarly the new Volvo L120H and L150H wheeled loaders are exceptionally productive and fuel efficient. The shovels feature Volvo Stage IV 8 and13 litre engines respectively which are subsequently enhanced by the perfectly-matched Volvo powertrain and intelligent hydraulics, which supply power only on demand. The load-sensing hydraulics ensure a fast response for outstanding control over the load, as well as shorter cycle times.

To further reduce fuel consumption and cycle times on the new H series loading shovels, the Automatic Power Shift (APS) and Fully Automatic Power Shift (FAPS) functions automatically adjust the machine gears in line with engine speed and travel speed. Another intelligent feature, the Reverse-By-Braking (RBB) function, automatically reduces the engine rpm and applies the service brakes when the operator changes the direction of the machine. This not only conserves fuel but also reduces stress on the drivetrain, thereby extending component life. The new Volvo A30G articulated haulers again feature a Volvo Stage IV engine – this time in the guise of the 11 litre version developing 357 nett hp. The trucks have a load carrying capacity of 28000 kg and a heaped body volume of 17.5m³. In similar vein to the loading shovels Volvo’s range of articulated haulers feature Volvo designed and manufactured powertrain components ideally matched to each other for optimum performance, rimpull and superb fuel consumption. SRC is a well-known Essex firm specialising in the construction of agricultural reservoirs and supplying aggregates to the construction industry. As a family run business with many ties in the Essex area, SRC prides itself on providing a reliable service and quality materials to all its customers. Crown Quarry at Ardleigh (north of Colchester) and Highwood Quarry located near Great Dunmow produce high quality sand, gravel and other aggregates for the Essex area.

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