The manufacturer says the EC550E T3 excavator breaks the link between operating weight and productivity, offering tonnes per hour production close to a 70-tonne class machine but with lower fuel consumption.
Thanks to its buckets and fast cycle times, the EC550E is said to deliver 35% greater production than the 50-tonne class EC480D in typical dig and dump applications, and its production levels approach those of a 70-tonne class machine.
The larger bucket is enabled through the increased undercarriage dimensions (for greater stability), as well as upgrades to the frame, boom and arm. The fast cycle times result from the engine’s high torque at a remarkably low rpm combined with the large displacement pumps.
Volvo CE says the EC550E excavator’s dimensions, lifting capacity and engine are well in line with some competitor 70-tonne models, but it consumes considerably less fuel.
Besides the efficient engine and electrohydraulic joystick commands, the manufacturer adds that the EC550E has the industry’s most high-performing hydraulics.
The EC550E is the first excavator to use Volvo’s independent metering valve technology (IMVT). Instead of a conventional spool-type main control valve (MCV), the EC550E uses dedicated valves – for feed and return for each actuator.
Oil is pumped exactly according to demand at any given moment to eliminate hydraulic losses and deliver an extreme level of fuel efficiency with astonishing controllability.
Volvo CE says that matching the size and capacity of your loading machine to your hauler also impacts productivity and efficiency.
The EC550E can fill an A35G or A40G hauler with four to six buckets meaning that Volvo now offers two perfect match excavators for A35G or A40G haulers in Asia – the EC750D and the EC550E according to the operator's productivity and efficiency needs.
