To meet the needs of the local 20-tonne excavator market in southern Africa – which is currently driven by ‘budget’ oriented offerings –
The market for 20-tonne excavators constitutes the bulk of the overall excavator market in South Africa. The outgoing premium Volvo EC210C has been a major force for Babcock in this market segment for many years. However, in recent years, the general-purpose excavator market has evolved, with ‘budget’ type offerings gaining favour. The trend comes on the back of tough trading conditions in the general construction and rental markets.
In response to this need, Babcock has introduced the new Volvo EC200D, a perfect tool for general-purpose applications – from road construction and building projects to agriculture, landscaping and utility work. The latest addition to the D-Series line-up offers better fuel economy, helping customers improve their total cost of ownership and maximise the profitability of their business.
“Following the arrival of the EC200D, we are phasing out the EC210C, which has served the market well for many years,” explains David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s equipment division. “The 20-t excavator market is currently driven by simplistic entry level models. We identified the need in the marketplace, and with the EC200D, we are offering our customers a cost-effective solution with which to execute their general-purpose applications, complemented by the premium aftermarket support Babcock is renowned for.”
Volvo simplified the design of the machine, with some of the sophisticated features found on the previous model now available as optional extras. This has significantly driven down the upfront cost of the machine. “We are looking at a substantial price difference compared with the EC210C,” says Vaughan.
A key talking point on the new machine is the improved fuel efficiency – delivering up to 12% reduction in fuel consumption when compared with its predecessor. The intelligent ECO Mode optimises the hydraulic system to reduce loss of flow and pressure, without compromising digging power or swing torque.
“The Volvo D5 engine, delivering high torque at low rpm, works in harmony with the optimised hydraulic system and the auto-idle function for the ultimate combination of performance and fuel efficiency,” explains Lance Mannix, GM Sales – Babcock’s equipment division.
The operator has the ability to manually control flow to the hydraulics using the integrated work mode system. The operator can choose from a selection of work modes – I (Idle), F (Fine), G (General), H (Heavy) and P (Power max) mode – according to the demands of the task at hand. “With Volvo’s integrated work mode system, operators are able to choose the best mode to suit their working conditions for increased versatility,” says Mannix.
To reduce waste through idling, the EC200D includes the automatic idling feature. When the machine’s controls are inactive for a preset amount of time, engine speed is reduced to idle, helping to reduce fuel consumption – and therefore running costs.
Greater control over the machine not only improves fuel efficiency but also cycle times for a more productive and profitable work shift. Most notably, the increased hydraulic flow makes it easier for the operator to improve the machine’s controllability, achieving accurate control in grading and combined operations. The operator can also expect smoother and easier movement when travelling and lifting simultaneously, as well as better grading quality from the harmonised boom and arm movement.
