by Richard Cosgrove | Wed 20 May 2026
SMT delivers UK's first Volvo EC500HR to Collins Demolition
SMT has supplied Collins Demolition with the first Volvo EC500HR high-reach excavator in the UK, extending the contractor’s demolition reach up to 32 m while enabling the use of heavier attachments for complex structural dismantling.
The UK demolition sector is facing increasing demands for higher reach, improved safety, and greater operational efficiency as contractors tackle taller structures and more complex urban demolition projects. In response, SMT GB and Collins Demolition have taken a significant step forward with the introduction of the first Volvo EC500HR high-reach excavator in the UK, a machine engineered to extend reach while maintaining the stability and hydraulic performance required for heavy demolition tools.
The new Volvo EC500HR replaced Collins’ EC380HR after three years of dependable service and has delivered increased reach, higher tool capacity, improved hydraulic efficiency, and an enhanced operator environment. With a 28 m (92 ft) reach without extensions, increasing to 32 m (105 ft) with interchangeable arms, it is one of the most advanced high‑reach demolition excavators currently operating in the UK. Collins Demolition became the first company in the country to take delivery of this model, promptly deploying it to dismantle a former council building on a major project in Reading.
SMT GB will provide aftersales support for the first three years or 5,000 hours of the machine’s lifecycle as part of an extended driveline warranty. This includes the first 2,000 hours servicing including oils and filters. SMT GB also supplied Collins with operator familiarisation for quick onboarding, plus the APIs (application programming interfaces) for all their current machines to be integrated into their existing telematics systems.
“Our relationship with Collins goes back a long way and it’s one I’m incredibly proud of,” says Jay Fisher, area sales manager at SMT GB. “They’ve always been forward thinking and their acquisition of the EC500HR epitomises that. Watching it go straight to work on the Reading project is really exciting. It’s great to see the machine doing exactly what it was built for in the hands of people who know how to get the very best out of it.”
“We first invested in an EC380HR in 2014 to support our demolition work,” explains Scott Craddock, director of Collins Demolition. “It performed exceptionally well, so in 2019 we replaced it with a new EC380HR, which again did not disappoint. This year, the new EC500HR was the obvious choice to meet increasing project demands and the need for greater reach and flexibility.”
The EC500HR has been designed specifically for demanding demolition environments. Its structure and hydraulic system are optimised to handle heavy attachments while maintaining stability at height, enabling contractors to operate larger crushers or shears with confidence.
“Our operators value the ergonomic cab, intuitive controls, and excellent visibility, particularly the outstanding night lighting when working at height,” adds Scott. “The stability of the machine at height is one of its greatest advantages. It gives operators the confidence to work safely within the machine’s operating envelope and, when paired with a 2.8t tool, achieves the ideal balance of speed and pressure, delivering plenty of power at the tool tip to meet the demands of the job.”
The Volvo Demolition Assist system provides real-time information on working range and machine stability, helping operators maintain safe operating conditions. Additional technologies such as Smart View with obstacle detection improve site awareness and help reduce the risk of incidents on demolition sites.
The EC500HR benefits from engine pump optimisation, enabling up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous generation models, and upgraded hydraulic lines for operational efficiency. The longer service intervals and durable component design aims to reduce whole-life environmental impact.
The move toward more sustainable demolition requires equipment that minimises emissions, reduces downtime, and maximises precision, and the Volvo EC500HR does just that; responding with optimised engine control. With its interchangeable arm and extensive reach, it is ideal for high reach demolition while maintaining impressive stability and power.
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