Following its launch at this year’s Plantworx exhibition in June, the first fourteen tonne Volvo EC140 E series machine has been delivered to Stafford based LRD Plant Hire Ltd.
LRD Plant Hire Ltd specialises in the construction of concrete flooring for large industrial and agricultural buildings along with the associated works for ground preparation. Looking to add another machine to his fleet, proprietor Lindsey Dickin had the opportunity to operate the larger EC220E at a Volvo open day event earlier in the year. “I was particularly impressed with the controllability and gradeability of the machine,” says Mr Dickin. “These features are very important for the work we undertake in getting the groundwork absolutely correct and level prior to laying concrete. Since it was time to add another machine to my fleet and having run Volvo excavators for the last eight years I was happy to stick with what I know best so opted for the new EC140E,” he continues.
The EC140E completes the line-up of Tier IV final E series excavators from Volvo Construction Equipment. The Tier IV final 4 litre Volvo engine in the latest fourteen tonne model develops 121 nett horsepower. Operators can select the best work mode for the task at hand, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Modes include: I-idle, F-fine, G-general, H-heavy or P-power, with the machine automatically setting the appropriate engine speed for the work mode and ECO mode is a new feature that works in G to H or P mode. 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. Eco mode 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. The excellent all round visibility is enhanced by pressurised andfiltered cab air supplied by a 14 vent, climate control system. An adjustable easy to read LCD colour monitor provides real time information of the machine functions, important diagnostic information and a wide variety of work tool settings. The monitor also doubles as a monitor for the rear view camera.
Hammer / shear hydraulics are offered as standard on the EC140E as are hose rupture valves on the boom and dipper cylinders. To aid the gradeability and control of the machine yet further, LRD Plant Hire utilises a Spectra Laser device which is simply mounted on a bracket attached to the bucket linkage. With the combination of machine and laser Mr Dickin is able to prepare large surface areas prior to concreting to within tolerances of 10 – 15mm.
LRD provides the construction of long life commercial/industrial concrete floors for a degree of applications. This can be either joint free suspended slabs or conventional construction for warehousing, distribution depots, industrial/commercial units, external yards and storage areas and all other major structures for production and application, which can be tailored to end user needs. Based near Stafford the company offers a nationwide service.
