“THE SUPPORT WE HAVE FROM SMT GB AND STEELWRIST IS FANTASTIC”
Supplied by SMT GB, the 35 tonne ‘Swede Army Knife’ wide tracked excavator has been fitted with a Steelwrist X32 tiltrotator designed for heavy-duty tasks and also features the latest Leica 3D Machine Control system from distributors One Point Survey Equipment.
Awesome Earthmovers caught up with the machine and its operator working on a large housing development at Tiverton in Devon. The Volvo EC260 FL5 excavator had earlier made its public debut at the prestigious Royal Cornwall Show where, with its eye-catching black and green livery, it became an instant centre of attraction with the annual event’s thousands of visitors.
“It was delivered, together with the attachments, as an ‘all in one’ package from SMT GB who have taken on the warranties which makes our life a lot easier with a lot less downtime on site,” says the family run groundworks company’s Scott Porteous who also operates the excavator. “The support we have from SMT GB and Steelwrist is fantastic.”
The EC260 FL5 provides Scott with an excellent working environment. A wide door opening offers him easy access to the cab which is supported on hydraulic dampening mounts to reduce shock and vibration levels. It has great all-round visibility. The front windshield can easily slide up into the ceiling, and the lower front glass can be removed and stored in the side door.
Industry-leading Comfort & Safety
Visibility – and safety – is further enhanced thanks to Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection which gives the operator a clear real-time 360° view of his surroundings; the radar detection system provides automatic alerts on the cab’s high resolution monitor if obstacles, including workers on site, are detected, allowing the operator to take appropriate action.
Designed with the operator in mind, Volvo optimises the workspace for total comfort and control while undertaking long shifts. Both the adjustable seat and the joystick console move independently to accommodate the operator. The joystick controls offer smoother, easier operation and because the controls are more precise it is easier for you to achieve what you are trying to do.
The pressurised and filtered cab air is supplied by an automatically controlled fan, with the air being distributed throughout the cab from 14 vents, making life more comfortable for the operator, especially given the regular heatwaves now being experienced across the UK.
It is powered by the latest generation, Volvo Stage V emissions compliant diesel engine which delivers excellent performance and great fuel efficiency. Its Automatic Idling System reduces engine speed to idle when the levers and pedals are not activated resulting in less fuel consumption and low cab noise level.
Performance & Versatility
To say Scott is very pleased with the machine’s performance would be an understatement, and he tells us that the Steelwrist tiltrotator adds to the versatility of the EC260 FL5. “The Steelwrist X32 may be the biggest in the range, but it is very easy to use, surprisingly easy,” he says. “Being an older operator, if you like, I thought I might have struggled with the controls, but that hasn’t been the case.”
As Scott mentioned, the X32 tiltrotator enhances the efficiency of the excavator as it enables him to rotate the bucket 360 degrees and tilt it 45 degrees in each direction, with precision and controllability. “I have used other tiltrotators in the past, but this Steelwrist is the only one that will rotate with a full bucket. It is so smooth and very powerful.”
Like all Steelwrist quick couplers and tiltrotators, the X32 follows the symmetrical standard (S-standard), the fastest growing coupler type internationally. The attachment coupler on the tiltrotator has Front Pin Lock, a mechanical system that locks the front shaft of the bucket – or other work tool - as the locking mechanism is engaged.
This means the front pin is secured even if the rear pin isn't fully engaged, preventing the tool from accidentally falling. It acts as both a ‘warning’ and an ‘airbag’ by preventing the tool from dropping and alerting the operator if the rear pin isn't properly locked. Steelwrist was the first in the industry in 2012 to offer a solution like this on tiltrotators and quick couplers.
“I HAVE USED OTHER TILTROTATORS IN THE PAST, BUT THIS STEELWRIST IS THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL ROTATE WITH A FULL BUCKET. IT IS SO SMOOTH AND VERY POWERFUL.”
Scott Porteous Operator Porteous Groundworks Ltd.
Changing and connecting hydraulic attachments have also been made easy by Steelwrist’s high performing automatic oil connection technology.”It means I don’t have to leave the cab to deal with hydraulic pipes anymore, saving me a lot of time and effort. Switching from one attachment to another is so easy.”
The Steelwrist X32 tiltrotator also came with a handy gripper cassette. “It is great for safely moving material or other objects out of the way, without having to get out of the cab, and again saves me time and energy,” adds Scott. Described as ‘an extra hand’, the integrated gripper opens widely, closes almost entirely, and has robust cylinder covers.
SMT Service & Support
Scott was also full of praise for the service and support he gets from SMT. Established in 1967 with a reputation for market leading quality equipment and unrivalled customer support, SMT GB operates from eight Customer Support Centres throughout Great Britain.
To ensure high-quality customer support is maintained across the country, SMT’s highly skilled and trained engineers and Product Specialists are equipped to diagnose and resolve technical issues swiftly to reduce machine downtime.
“Communication between us and SMT GB is absolutely brilliant,” says Scott. “I have used other service providers in the past, but SMT are always on the ball and respond promptly to any issues. If any fault codes come up on their diagnostic system they know exactly what part the machine needs before arriving on site which eliminates any unnecessary time for the excavator to be out of action.”