Volvo CE debuts new demolition excavator and industry-first lifting mode

Volvo CE's latest demolition excavator
Volvo CE’s new EC300E Straight Boom is a purpose-built demolition excavator with a max reach of more than 10 metres.

Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced its new EC300E straight boom demolition excavator.

The new 30-ton machine, with a max reach of more than 10 metres, made its debut at the NDA Show held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Alongside the demolition excavator, Volvo CE also introduced an industry-first feature called Lifting Mode for Multi Demolition Boom. The new feature allows a high-reach demolition excavator to serve as a safe carrier for the lifting of machine components from a trailer to the ground, adding versatility to these specialized machines.

“Being able to offer customers another size of straight boom excavator is exciting, and launching at the NDA show felt ideal,” said Tony den Hoed, key account director, demolition equipment at Volvo CE.

“The demolition segment is ever-changing, and we are proud to keep up with it by offering products and solutions that will keep operators safe and productive.”

EC300E Straight Boom demolition excavator

The EC300E Straight Boom joins the EC380E Straight Boom model in the Volvo CE demolition lineup. Rather than the traditional boom-and-stick approach of digging-biased excavators, the crawler is equipped with a 7-metre-long straight boom and purpose-built arm.

The extra-long straight boom on the EC300E delivers height and reach advantages compared to the standard machine it is based on. As well, the cab is protected against falling debris with a frame mounted Falling Objects Guard that allows for clear views of the worksite. The roof window and front one-piece glass are made from P5A, which is resistant to high impact.

EC300E Straight Boom Specs

  • Operating Weight: 34,409 – 35,583 kg
  • Gross Power: 253 hp
  • Lifting Capacity: 14,256 kg
  • Overall Width: 3.2 metres
  • Tail Swing Radius: 3.1 metres

The EC300E Straight Boom has a reinforced frame made of heavy-duty plate steel with bolt-head protection. There is also heavy-duty undercover protection, a belly guard and a full track guard. A slew ring cover and heavy-duty side doors with screens and shutters offer added protection. Volvo CE has also added protection on the bucket and boom cylinders.

The EC300E demolition excavator includes several standard features that are valuable in demolition applications. These include X1 and X3 auxiliary piping, a quick fit and oil drain line, and water lines connected to a dust suppression system that can work in either automatic or manual mode. A heavy counterweight provides balance and is easily removable for transportation.

Lifting Mode

The new Lifting Mode for Multi Demolition Boom is specifically designed for Volvo CE’s high-reach excavators. The new mode provides improved flexibility, reduced emissions and lower total cost of ownership. It can be factory-fitted to any of the company’s three high-reach excavators: the EC380E HR, the EC480E HR and the EC750E HR, each of which is already compatible with various extensions and booms to carry out a wide range of applications.

Lifting mode can simplify transporting equipment to jobsites as it allows the excavator to safely lift components such as cradles and digging or high reach booms from the trailer to the ground, at which point they can be safely installed on the machine.

“Total cost of ownership is reduced by eliminating the need for a mobile crane or second excavator, and flexibility is increased thanks to the time savings,” den Hoed said. “Emissions are also reduced due to fewer vehicles being on site.”

The solution consists of machine software specifically designed for the controlled lifting of equipment, as well as visual warnings outside the cab to warn bystanders that a lifting process is underway. The software also controls hydraulic pressure and engine speed, ensuring optimum safety throughout.

This lifting mode includes a certified lifting accessory, designed to fit the patented modular joint design from the multi demolition boom and can easily be connected to the lower pin of the boom. When all components are safely unloaded, switching to the high reach or digging boom is easy, thanks to that modular hydraulic joint.

This video explains Lifting Mode’s new abilities: