In the world of mining machinery, Volvo Construction Equipment stands at the forefront, helping to revolutionise the industry with its focus on operator comfort in excavators.
As mines, construction sites and quarries demand increasingly efficient and reliable machinery, the emphasis on creating a comfortable work environment for operators has become paramount.
Volvo excavators are setting new standards in the Australian market, fusing cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design to boost productivity and reduce operator fatigue.
Volvo’s emphasis on operator comfort sets a high standard for ergonomic design and technological integration in construction machinery.
By prioritising operator comfort, Volvo distinguishes itself from the crowd, offering unique features such as spacious cab interiors, low-effort controls, and customisable settings.
The ergonomic design and advanced technology incorporated into Volvo’s excavators lead to more efficient operations. Features like automated boom movements and intelligent work modes allow for quicker project completions and reduced rework, giving Volvo a competitive edge in terms of operational efficiency.
Volvo’s approach to safety and sustainability includes advanced safety features and environmentally friendly technologies such as hybrid systems and telematics for remote monitoring.
Take Volvo’s excavator cab, for example. It is designed with the operator’s comfort in mind, offering a spacious and safe environment that contributes to increased productivity.
The cab’s modern styling features slim pillars and large expanses of glass, creating an open and airy feel. The Volvo E series – including the ECR145, ECR235E, and ECR355E – are designed with the operator in mind, along with the Volvo EW160E wheeled excavator.
Image: CJD Equipment
Volvo excavator cabs feature all-around visibility. The design incorporates large glass areas, including a transparent roof hatch and a two-piece sliding door window.
The front windshield can be easily secured at the ceiling, while the removable lower front glass can be stored inside the cab. This visibility enhances the operator’s comfort and improves safety on the job site.
These comfort features work together to create a premium working environment that has a significant impact on productivity. Volvo excavators allow operators to work more efficiently throughout their shifts by reducing whole-body vibration and providing comfortable seating.
Volvo also recognises the importance of workplace comfort and productivity. To this end, it offers a range of customisation options that allow operators to tailor their work environment to their individual preferences.
The excavator cab features a multi-adjustable seat with ergonomic armrests, including a height alteration function. This seat and the joystick console are mounted on the same suspension, moving together to provide shock and vibration absorption.
Operators can choose from various seat options, including vinyl or fabric seats with mechanical suspension and two-inch retractable seat belts. The seat offers up to 12 adjustments, ensuring optimal comfort and safety for all operators.
The cab also has an integrated air-conditioning and heating system, ensuring a comfortable working environment regardless of external conditions.
Volvo has mastered balancing user comfort with machine performance in excavators through intelligent work modes, smooth hydraulic control, and power modes that optimise fuel efficiency without compromising productivity.
And Volvo’s customers are clearly seeing the benefits.
“The improved availability and productivity were immediately apparent, and our staff could work more effectively due to the improved comfort and reduced fatigue during each shift,” Wanless Waste Management project manager Peter Toole said.
Volvo excavators boast highly responsive hydraulics that allow operators to feel changing soil conditions or obstacles, enabling precise and safe digging.
Low-effort wrist-control joysticks provide smooth hydraulic control, making working inside a trench box easier, while the advanced work mode control system detects the need for additional power in tough conditions, ensuring optimal performance.
Volvo’s intelligent ECO mode improves fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
The new G4 work mode, part of the EC140D model, offers fast cycle times and optimum fuel consumption, with operators able to choose the best mode for each task. This versatility allows for increased performance and adaptability to various working conditions.
“We had several staff inspect a variety of brands of equipment, and Volvo stood out for its operator-friendly features, which is incredibly important given the time spent in the machines each day,” Toole said.
Volvo Construction Equipment continues to be a leader in transforming the construction machinery landscape.
The company’s innovative approach enhances operator experience and sets new benchmarks for safety and efficiency in the industry.
By integrating advanced technologies and ergonomic designs, Volvo redefines what it means to operate heavy machinery.
This feature appeared in the November 2024 issue of Australian Mining.