The quarrying and construction equipment manufacturer says that two of the biggest challenges in modern construction are delivering projects more sustainably and at lower cost. While it might seem like a daunting prospect, the good news is that addressing one of these concerns will often lead to vast improvements in the other. As Volvo CE continues its push towards its goal of reaching net-zero by 2040, the company’s equipment and service solutions can help owners slash their own emissions and cut operational expenditure. Here are five keyways Volvo CE can support:
1. The electric avenue
Perhaps the most obvious way to reduce a fleet’s carbon emissions is to switch to a cleaner source of power. Offering the dual bonus of zero exhaust emissions and significantly reduced energy costs, Volvo CE’s compact electric machines are now available in Japan, Singapore and South Korea and will soon be available in other Region Asia markets, positively impacting air quality on busy city construction sites. The mid-size EC230 Electric excavator, recently launched in Japan and the soon to be available L120 Electric Wheel Loader, is a sign of even bigger things to come.
2. Focus on fuel efficiency
The diesel engines in Volvo CE’s machines are already among the most fuel-efficient around and are further enhanced with the Engine Auto Shut Down feature. Automatically switching off the engine of an inactive machine can greatly benefit maintenance schedules as well as delivering huge savings in fuel and emissions. Additionally, the lower hours on the machine enhance resale value for the equipment.
Other Fuel Efficiency Services include a suite of Operator Training courses that help operators unlock the full capability of their machines. One of these – EcoOperator Training – is designed to assist already-experienced operators in reducing fuel consumption, wear and tear, and unplanned downtime to promote profitable and environmentally friendly operations. Meanwhile, Simulator Operator Training allows for instruction with none of the running costs or disruption associated with learning on real machines.
3. Reduce downtime through closer monitoring
Adding telematics to your fleet for 24/7 health monitoring and having the resulting data analysed via ActiveCare will quickly identify small issues before they turn into big ones. The system links to your local dealer so they can contact you to recommend immediate action on a fault you might not be aware of or advise that the repair can safely be scheduled into the next planned service to avoid unnecessary downtime. Easy-to-use reports are provided, highlighting areas where uptime could be improved or instances when machines have not been used appropriately – adding yet more ways to keep costs under control.
4. Boost your productivity
Even the best operator can benefit from a little help, whether that’s through maximising payloads using On Board Weighing and Load Assist, or ensuring precise first-time excavation with Dig Assist. Other Volvo CE Productivity Services, such as its Carbon Dioxide Reduction Program, help customers streamline their operations for maximum sustainability, while CareTrack and Productivity Report work seamlessly together to analyse productivity and fuel consumption data before providing actionable insights into lowering costs per tonne. Suitable for electric and diesel machines both old and new, CareTrack Start and Care Track Advance can be seamlessly integrated into machines regardless of age or composition.
5. Live long and prosper
The epitome of the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos, Volvo CE’s New Life Services offer a hugely rewarding way to protect your finances and the environment. You can refurbish an entire machine through the Volvo Certified Rebuild Program to meet the latest regulations and deliver like-new performance at a fraction of the price of a new model, or you can extend the working life of your machine by swapping out worn-out components with rebuilt standard-warranty replacements from Volvo Reman, and again the reduction in environmental impact is huge.
