Modern Mining May 2023

Operators will appreciate the excavator’s ergonomic and comfortable cab.

technology,” Vaughan says. “This is a real plus and, of course, makes maintenance that much easier.” Another feature of the machine that has impressed Vaughan is the optional Volvo Smart View system, which uses front, rear and side cameras to provide a real-time, overhead view of the machine, which is especially helpful when working in confined spaces. “The system is really impressive and defi nitely enhances safety and operator productivity,” he says. The five units sold so far are going to three sepa rate customers, two of whom are repeat buyers. “They’ve added to their initial orders and are each taking two machines,” says Mannix. “This speaks vol umes about the product and the impression it makes once it is operating in the field.” The EC550E forms part of a comprehensive 12-model line-up of Volvo crawler excavators rang ing from a compact 4-tonne machine through to the 95-tonne EC950E, the flagship of the range. The most popular machine locally is the EC750 model, with total sales now numbering around 200 units. The EC950E has also done extremely well with nearly 50 machines purchased since its launch in South Africa in 2017, an impressive figure given the limited market for heavy excavators in this class. On the subject of business generally, Vaughan says that Babcock’s equipment business has just completed a year in which sales have been at record levels. “Units are being sold the moment we receive

a maximum power of 320 kW at 1 600 rpm and a robust undercarriage of 60/65-tonne calibre, which provides superior levels of stability and durability. The transport dimensions, however, are roughly equivalent to the EC480D. Breakout force is an impressive 251 kN and tear-out force 220 kN. The EC550E is available with a range of heavy duty rock buckets – from 2.5 to 3.5 m 3 – designed for use in abrasive conditions, with the Volvo Tooth System making easy work of teeth replacements thanks to its place, push and click functionality. Customers can take further control of their pro ductivity with On-Board Weighing, helping to ensure the optimum amount of material is loaded. This optional system provides real-time information to eliminate under and over-loading of haul trucks and also records total tonnage for complete production management. A major contributor to the EC550E’s fuel efficiency is the next-generation electro-hydraulic system with Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT), which replaces the conventional spool-type main control valve. It is the latest pioneering innovation from Volvo and is said to be the most high-per forming hydraulic system in the industry. It provides significantly more precise control than conventional systems. “The new electro-hydraulic system has resulted in a very clean design with far fewer hydraulic hoses than you would find in machines using conventional

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