Volvo GB and Kocurek convert zero tail swing into a high reach

An initiative from the UK division of Volvo Construction Equipment, working with Kocurek, the Ipswich based excavator modifier, has resulted in a true conversion special in the shape of a high reach, zero tail swing design.

Based on Volvo's ECR305CL tracked excavator, it offers a 21 m (69 ft) pin height and can carry a 2.5 tonne tool.

Volvo GB believes it is an ideal design for the demolition of three to five storey buildings on confined sites and urban environments

The base ECR305CL is built in Korea and was initially intended for the US market. A few units have made it into Europe, but the modified demolition version is the first in the UK.

With an initial weight of 37 tonnes, Kocurek has added an additional 10 tonnes of counterweight (built into the sides of the undercarriage, under the front of the upper structure and on top of the standard counterweight) to result in an all up weight of just under 50 tonnes, and an tilting cab (to 30 degrees).

The machine was supplied to Kocurek by Volvo with a dozer blade, which will come as standard on the conversion, to add further additional weight, as well as to provide even more on-site flexibility.

The modified machine features a Kocurek modular joint, which allows the boom to be changed over into standard digging configuration - with a straight dig boom, the EC305CLD offers a working height of 14.5 m (47.5 ft), again with a 2.5 tonne tool. All additional counterweighting is 'bolt on' and can be removed in a matter of a few hours.

Currently, there are no plans for an extending undercarriage, but Volvo GB says that one could be fitted if required.

The tilting cab is special, and in fact was the most challenging part of the conversion. Instead of pivoting up from the bottom, with the top of the cab moving backwards, it pivots from the top, with the bottom of the cab moving forwards.

The cab hydraulics are fully protected and covered to ensure safety. It also features full FOPs protection and bulletproof glass on the top and front.

Volvo GB is confident about the prospects for the conversion and, working with Kocurek, hopes to produce four or five machines in 2011