The new ECR145D and ECR235D short-swing-radius excavators from Volvo Construction Equipment both feature new Volvo engines compliant with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations. The ECR145D gets a 114-hp four-cylinder and the ECR235D a 173-hp six, both with high-pressure fuel injectors, turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler, as well as electronic engine controls to optimize machine performance and improve fuel efficiency. Counterweights on these machines swing only fractionally outside the machines' own track width, so they can work positioned very close to job-site obstacles or within a typical single road lane.
Fuel-saving features made possible by electronic engine and hydraulic controls include auto-idling to drop engine speed to idle after a period of stick inactivity, and Fine, Heavy and Power modes to match power train effort to the job at hand. A three-setting General mode balances performance and fuel efficiency to typical tasks such as loading, ditching and slope leveling. A new ECO mode boosts fuel efficiency and, Volvo says, results in no loss of performance "in the majority of conditions."
A new main control valve increases boom-down speed, and attachment speed is also improved thanks to an increase in hydraulic flow.
- Better simultaneous operation of more than one hydraulic function
- Improved lifting capacity and digging power
- Automatic boom, arm and slew priority system
