Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has unveiled the latest extension to its short-swing excavator range, the ECR305CL, following the recent introduction of the first two models of the range – ECR145CL and ECR235CL.

The product is the result of extensive customer consultation, highlighting the need for short swing machines that offer productivity, ease of operation and safety equal to their “conventional” counterparts.
“Whether operating in cities, laying utilities, mining duties and highway work, in addition to a multitude of other, diverse applications, the increased safety and manoeuvrability offered by short-swing excavators on congested worksites has seen the rapid growth of this important segment in the market,” says a spokesman for the Sweden-based manufacturer.
“The 34.8-tonne Volvo ECR305CL overcomes the dynamic challenges of producing excavators that can work in confined areas and still perform well and sets a new standard in the industry not just for lifting capacity but also stability – especially important in loading applications. With better weight distribution and increased swing torque, the Volvo ECR305CL also offers superior swing performance when working on slopes,” he says.
Like the smaller machines in the range, the compact body on the Volvo ECR305CL swings only fractionally outside its own track width – less than 80 mm (with 800 mm shoe)  – enabling it to work extremely close to objects (including walls and road barriers) without the risk of collision with the rear of the machine as it swings, he says.
“Safety on a job site can never be underestimated and it is particularly important to Volvo,” the spokesman points out.
Even when not working close to obstructions, the short front/rear radius has other uses – highway work being a prime example, where the machine can safely swing within a typical single-road-lane width, minimising disruption with traffic flow.
The all-new, rounded cab on Volvo’s short swing models is also designed to stay within the rear swing radius. “Despite this design consideration, it remains the roomiest and most comfortable cab in the market – as befits Volvo’s reputation for providing superior operator environments. The sliding door provides the operator with the ability to access and exit the cab even when it is positioned close to an obstruction, such as close to a wall. Whilst at work, the industry-leading heating and ventilation system ensures the perfect working environment, irrespective of weather conditions,” he points out.
The new cab features – as on all other C-Series excavator models – a larger, brighter, colour LCD monitor, providing both a built-in service display and selectable hydraulic control options. This monitor can also be used with an optional, rear view camera, further increasing machine operating safety.
Despite its compact design, the Volvo ECR305CL is both easy to service and maintain. All check and cleaning points are readily accessible. The optional CareTrack GPS system conducts a self-diagnostic routine, alerting the operator – or the fleet manager back at the office – should a fault be detected. Enabling preventive maintenance operations to be carried out, CareTrack helps to optimise machine uptime and, consequently, return on the customer’s investment, the spokesman adds.
“With its latest generation, Tier III, fuel-efficient, Volvo engine with V-ACT (Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology) developing 107 hp (143 kW), the Volvo ECR305CL has the power to perform any task thrown at it, with plenty in reserve. The bucket range on the Volvo ECR305CL is from 1.0 to 2.1 cu m and a wide range of genuine Volvo attachments is also available, as are quick fit options to ensure speedy attachment changes, for maximum machine versatility. Fitted with a heavier counterweight, the Volvo EC305CL offers excellent stability, providing it with its heavy lift capability,” he concludes.