Capital Equipment News June 2019

COVER STORY

To meet the needs of the local 20-t excavator market – which is currently driven by ‘budget’ oriented offerings – Babcock has launched the new, simplified Volvo EC200D crawler excavator. A competitive price and up to 12% reduction in fuel consumption makes the EC200D a cost-effective solution for general-purpose applications, writes Munesu Shoko . NEW VOLVO EC200D – DO MORE WITH LESS FUEL

Babcock has launched the new 20-t EC200D excavator in southern Africa.

T he market for 20-t excavators constitutes the bulk of the overall excavator market in South Africa. The outgoing premium Volvo EC210C has been a major force for Babcock in this market segment for many years. However, in recent years, the general-purpose excavator market has evolved, with ‘budget’ type offerings gaining favour. The trend comes on the back of tough trading conditions in the general construction and rental markets. In response to this need, Babcock has introduced the new Volvo EC200D, a perfect tool for general-purpose applications – from road construction and building projects to agriculture, landscaping and utility work. The EC200D delivers optimum swing speed, excellent combined operation, powerful digging forces and fast cycle times. The latest addition to the D-Series line-up also offers better fuel economy, helping customers improve their total cost of ownership and maximise the profitability of their business. “Following the arrival of the EC200D, we are phasing out the EC210C, which has served the market well for many years,” explains David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s equipment division. “The 20-t excavator

“The 20-t excavator market is currently driven by simplistic entry level models. We identified the need in the marketplace, and with the EC200D, we are offering our customers a cost- effective solution with which to execute their general-purpose applications, complemented by the premium aftermarket support Babcock is renowned for.”

David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s equipment division

“The Volvo D5 engine, delivering high torque at low rpm, works in harmony with the optimised hydraulic system and the auto-idle function for the ultimate combination of performance and fuel efficiency.”

Lance Mannix, GM Sales – Babcock’s equipment division

TALKING POINTS

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2019 4