The 22tonne Volvo models join an increasing fleet of Volvo branded excavators and dump trucks, and Philip Coplestone, managing director, says the main reasons for choosing Volvo is reliability, performance and robustness of the product as well as first-class after-market support.
“Ever since we purchased our original second-hand EC700C and subsequent EC480, EC380s and EC220s, we have found Volvo’s support to be solid and most importantly, consistent,” he says.
Earthline has opted to take out Volvo’s Blue Service Agreements on the new models.
Powered by a six-cylinder Volvo engine, the EC220E is said to offer the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication.
For example, 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.
When Eco-mode is selected, the machine provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.
The Volvo Care Cab offers a large roomy interior with plenty of leg room and foot space, and “excellent all round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air supplied by a 14-vent, climate control system.”
An adjustable LCD colour monitor provides real-time data on machine functions, important diagnostic
information and a wide variety of work tool settings, and doubles as a rear-view camera.
The new machines have been deployed across the company’s quarries, recycling sites, and inert landfill sites, and they join a mixed fleet of excavators, dozers, loading shovels and an articulated hauler.
However, it is Earthline’s haulage and road transport business that is at the heart of the 23-year-old family run company, which is in the hands of the second generation with brothers Philip and Matt Coplestone.
Earthline, the largest haulage company covering an area from Banbury in county Oxfordshire to Farnham in county Surrey, currently operates 80 tippers of its own with another 20 on permanent hire besides articulated rigs, sweepers and other miscellaneous transport.
“In essence the equipment, quarries, and recycling sites are there to feed our haulage fleet delivering virgin and recycled product across the region,” says Philip Coplestone.
