The new EC160E crawler excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment is designed with a range of new features that boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. Incorporating a Volvo Tier 4 Final D4 engine, the EC160E boasts an 8 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, and 5 percent improvements in tractive force and engine power compared to previous-generation models.

For further efficiency, the hydraulic system is optimized to operate in harmony with the engine, working alongside a fully electronic control system. The E-series crawler excavators come equipped with the Volvo advanced ECO mode, reducing power loss and improving controllability and response time. ECO mode works in tandem with the main control valve and machine software to ensure efficient electronic pump control.

To reduce cycle time, a boom float function allows pump power from boom lowering to be transferred to other functions. The EC160E further improves efficient operations by reducing the amount of time the machine is idling. The optional Automatic Engine Shutoff feature can intuitively power off the engine when the machine is inactive for a pre-set amount of time.

“Improvements to cab design, fuel efficiency and power on the EC160E all contribute toward achieving a lower operating cost for the owner and higher productivity and comfort for the operator,” says Matt McLean, product manager – excavators, with Volvo Construction Equipment.

Tough and ready

A reinforced steel rollover protection structure offers maximum protection for the operator, and the durable undercarriage is built to withstand all elements and terrain. An intelligently designed X-shape lower frame enables even weight distribution at all times.

The robust boom and arm design includes internal plates positioned to support pressure points during a range of applications, dispersing stress from high-pressure areas to ensure maximum productivity during the most demanding of applications.

An easy ride

The EC160E offers a comfortable, productive working environment and easy serviceability. All machine interfaces, including joysticks, keypad and large LCD monitor, are ergonomically designed for ease of use and optimum efficiency. The number of switches has been reduced and climate control has been integrated into the keypad for easy adjustments. A short-cut key has been added to the joystick to allow the operator to select functions such as windshield wipers, cameras and auto-mute during the operation for minimum disruption.

The Volvo-integrated work mode system allows operators to simply choose the optimal mode for the task at hand, optimizing fuel efficiency and machine performance. The emergency engine stop is located at the base of the seat, so the operator can reach the switch from both the seat and the ground in the event of an emergency. These features provide the operator with more control over the machine, allowing easy adaptation to the job site environment.

For enhanced safety, an optional side-view camera can be installed on these machines to cover the operator blind spot. The side-view camera can work in conjunction with the standard rear-view camera so that both views are simultaneously displayed on the color monitor, creating enhanced visibility and a safer working environment.

The EC160E is also designed for hassle-free servicing. Access to the hydraulic and fuel tanks is convenient, and filters are grouped together and accessible from ground level. Punched anti-slip plates provide superior grip and durability for easier, safer access when cleaning. The radiator, charged air cooler and hydraulic oil cooler are accessed from ground level by simply opening the side door. Real-time service alerts are displayed on the color monitor to enable speedy diagnostics. With Volvo CareTrack telematics, which comes standard, the owner and fleet manager can remotely monitor a wide range of machine diagnostics, as well as machine location in real time.

Switch it up

The EC160E has been built to maximize productivity and profitability by adapting to a wide range of tasks. The machine can accommodate a multitude of hydraulic attachments, as Volvo excavators are factory fitted with a breaker, sheer piping, as well as rotator piping.

The password-protected management system stores information for up to 20 different attachments. The pressures and hydraulic flows can be adjusted within the cab, which enables the use of various attachments for increased versatility. A proportional electric pedal offers precise control and the attachment response sensitivity can be adjusted using the keypad for maximum impact in different environments.

Durable Volvo attachments have been purpose-built to work in perfect harmony with these machines. These attachments include Volvo GP, HD and XD buckets and the HB-18 hydraulic breaker, optimized to the specific weight of the machines and tailored to Volvo’s quick couplers for swift and easy attachment changes. Volvo offers a full range of quick couplers featuring Front Pin Lock technology, compliant with the latest safety regulations of ISO 13031 and EN474-1 and designed to fit perfectly with Volvo equipment.