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Volvo Construction Equipment’s range of demolition machines just got even more impressive with the introduction of new high reach and straight boom excavators, machines that raise the bar on strength and operator comfort in the tough and demanding demolition industry.

“RAISING THE BAR ON STRENGTH AND OPERATOR COMFORT IN THE TOUGH AND DEMANDING DEMOLITION INDUSTRY”

Awesome Earthmovers recently travelled to Volvo’s customer centre at Eskilstuna in Sweden to see in action the latest all new EC500 High Reach excavator and EC400 High Reach, which replaces the previous generation EC480E and EC380E models, and the new EC400 Straight Boom excavator, which replaces the EC380E.

With a fresh design and equipped with the latest innovations, these new models have certainly got a lot going for them as we quickly discovered at the demonstration site after which we were able to find out more from Martijn Donkersloot, Product Manager for Demolition Equipment at Volvo CE.

First up, he took us through the improved benefits of the new heavy duty high reach EC500, describing it as the product of extensive research into what were the pressing needs of operators in the demolition sector. “After talking to many customers and operators all over the world, every detail has been carefully considered and improved to ensure the best possible performance.”

He told us this new generation high reach machine, which has been purpose-built from start to finish in Volvo’s own manufacturing facilities, benefits from hydraulic lines that have been specially optimised for demolition, through the increase in size of the X1 return line, which reduces the back pressure of the attachment, and a dedicated drain line for the attachment to improve oil leak rates from the rotating motor-attachment.

With its extension concept, the high reach boom on the EC500 can be increased from around 28.5m to 32m to tackle those extra high tasks and adds Martijn: “We have also beefed up the undercarriage, which is now longer, and nine boom configurations are available, giving the operator added flexibility.”

Better fuel efficiency

The EC500 is equipped with a smart cooling system that consists of electric and hydraulic fans. It automatically adjusts fan speed according to engine coolant temperature and hydraulic workload to minimize unnecessary energy consumption and due to engine pump optimization, better ground level access and longer service intervals, more precise controls and a quieter working environment, fuel efficiency is improved – by up to 15%, say Volvo.

The purpose-built cab, too, has been significantly improved in terms of comfort and safety. “The cab essentially represents the operator’s office and the operator is the most important part of the machine, so we have taken that into account in the design,” said Martijn Donkersloot.

The cab, which can be tilted to 30%, features a heated seat, ergonomically placed joystick controls that offer smoother, easier operation, a 12” display monitor, front and rear cameras, built-in sunscreen and improved HVAC. Thanks to great sealing the operator will also experience less dust and ambient temperature, which means good air circulation and higher level air vents. There’s also a handy storage space to accommodate the operator’s bits and pieces. It is also possible to charge a mobile phone wirelessly or plugged in and there’s the option to use USB connections to access music playlists or podcasts.

The cab features a scratch-resistant, one-piece, P5A classified, front window and reinforced roof window to keep the operator safe and protected; both windows are easily kept clean thanks to an optimized wiper system. The machine is also ergonomically improved thanks to increased functionality in the control levers, while a tailor-made Demolition Assist tool provides the operator with both visual and audible alerts on working range and stability information for demolition configurations.

Versatility is also assured due to the machine’s compatibility with the wide range of Volvo and external supplier attachments. A clever attachment management system stores the settings for up to 20 different hydraulic attachments. Furthermore, it is also easy to change from an ultra high reach boom to a standard digging configuration, so the excavator can remain busy even outside of high-reach tasks.

Best in class straight boom

Similar features can also be found in the new and improved 40-ton EC400 Straight Boom crawler excavator which is replacing the EC380E Straight Boom, and an enhanced 30 ton EC300 Straight Boom.

“These mighty machines embody the very best in demolition strength. Starting with a solid foundation of a new modern design that provides operators with best-in-class comfort and visibility, we have also packed in a number of outstanding features to ensure the toughest of demolition jobs can be carried out with greater ease, safety and performance,” says Martijn Donkersloot.

“The advantage of a straight boom over standard digging-based models is that you get an increase in reach of around 30% which in practice means you can reach one storey extra – and with a heavier counterweight, which can be easily detached using a hydraulic removal feature when moving from site to site, outstanding stability is also ensured during tall tasks.”

Thanks to the new generation machine base, they also enjoy a 14% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10% increase in engine power for the EC400 Straight Boom over the machine it replaces. The new state-of-the-art cab environment is more spacious and packed with new features, ensuring optimum comfort and visibility, while improved controls, an electric joystick and travel pedal allow precise controllability for the operator.

As with the new EC500, the significantly updated EC400 cab is not just a comfortable and productive place to be, it’s also a safe one, offering protection against falling debris with its robust roll over protection system and frame-mounted Falling Object Guards, which can also be swung out to help clean the front window. And with 12 mm thick single-piece high-impact resistant glass, the windows not only provide a clear view but will also give the operator the best possible protection.

Industry first feature

New must-have features also come as standard including a bigger auxiliary return line for faster attachment movements and, in an industry first, the case drain line feeds returning oil back into the tank and not to a case drain circuit.

Also included in the upgrade are impressive technological advantages such as the Auto Power Boost, boom-and-arm bounce reduction and the ability to adjust boom-down speed, and boom-swing and boom-travel priority.

A reversible cooling fan helps to protect vital machine components from damage through overheating in dusty demolition environments. In addition, as with the EC500, there is a unique factory-fit dust suppression system which removes the need for a separate truck for pumping water, with its optimized positioning of water spraying nozzles helping to capture dust at the earliest opportunity.

Available Spring 2025

The EC400 High Reach and EC500 High Reach crawler excavators will be available for customers in Europe and North America to order from April 2025, while the all new EC400 Straight Boom model and the upgraded EC300 will be ready for delivery to customers in March 2025.

“RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER AND OPERATOR FEEDBACK ALL OVER THE WORLD, EVERY DETAIL HAS BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND IMPROVED TO ENSURE THE BEST POSSIBLE PERFORMANCE…”