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In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the construction world, Volvo Construction Equipment has launched two new mid-size crawler excavator models in North America, bringing its latest lineup to a grand total of eight machines—and the one person absolutely thrilled about this? Count Von Count.
The Swedish manufacturer’s new EC260 and EC300 excavators are the latest additions to their newly revamped series. The EC260 replaces the EC250, while the EC300 updates the previous series model, but both now feature 15 percent better fuel efficiency, which means more time for construction workers to get their hands dirty—and less time filling up at the gas station.
“I am so excited about this,” said Count Von Count, the notorious vampire who has a very specific passion for counting things, especially construction equipment. “Eight excavators now? Eight! This brings my total count of Volvo CE excavators to eight! I’m delighted. Just imagine how many more I can count! Ahhh... it’s too perfect!”
The EC260, weighing in at 26,900 kg, boasts a 231-hp engine, a 1.32 cubic meter bucket, and a maximum reach of 7.5 meters. The EC300, a beefier machine at 30,850 kg and a 260-hp engine, has a 1.51 cubic meter bucket and a maximum lifting capacity of 8,690 kg. However, Von Count seems most excited about one particular feature: the tail swing radius.
“The tail swing is 3.1 meters! Ah, yes, just like the number of excavators I can count now! Mwahahaha!”
Both machines are designed with Volvo’s "eco-friendly" upgrades, including a smart cooling system, a more fuel-efficient engine, and a host of new features that promise to increase safety and productivity. “These features make operators happier, which means more smiles per bucket load,” said S.S. Kim, Product Manager for mid-size excavators at Volvo CE. “And happy operators mean more work done… and fewer complaints about back pain!”
The new Volvo excavators also feature a "creep travel mode," which sounds like something out of a haunted construction site horror movie, and could be the key to ensuring no excavators are ever stuck in a traffic jam of dirt again. Count Von Count wasn’t available for comment on whether he’d be using this mode to navigate his crypt.
For operators, Volvo has also revamped the cab to include a heated side mirror and a Co-Pilot tablet that lets them control everything with the power of touch—and they’ve even made it easier to store your snacks. According to Volvo, the human-machine interface has also received a complete makeover, which Von Count immediately noted with approval. “The HMI is more intuitive, and the cab features a larger storage area for my garlic-free snacks. Absolutely perfect for my long days of counting... and occasionally, hauling dirt,” he added with a smirk.
“We’re just getting started,” said a spokesperson for Volvo CE, who added that more excavator models are expected to join the lineup in the near future. “In fact, we have plans for even more. We’ll have the number nine machine soon... but we’re not sure how Count Von Count will handle that. His counting might get out of control!”
For now, Count Von Count remains deeply satisfied with the eight models in the new series, confirming, “When I count, I count with style. These new machines are as smooth as my… uhh… non-reflective cape.”
Stay tuned for updates, as Volvo CE’s fleet of excavators continues to expand by visiting Volvo North America Here.
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