Volvo CE launches EC350E crawler excavator with updated controls, more fuel-efficient D13 engine

Updated Aug 25, 2014

Volvo CE EC350E crawler excavator

Following the launch of the new EC480E earlier this week, Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced another Tier 4 Final crawler excavator powered by its D13 engine, the EC350E.

While the EC480E is designed for quarry and mass excavation jobs, the EC350E is intended for the transportation and earthmoving industries. However, like the EC480E, the EC350E features Volvo’s electro-hydraulics system which provides on-demand flow while reducing power loss.

The excavator features Volvo’s ECO mode, which automatically reduces fuel consumption without reducing performance. The machine’s work mode system offers the operator a choice of Idle, Fine, General and Heavy modes, and the excavator can be programmed to automatically reduce engine speed or shut down when the controls are inactive for a predetermined time.

Volvo says the EC350E features up to a 9-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over previous models.

The EC350E also features Volvo’s ergonomically-designed controls. Volvo calls this the HMI, or Human Machine Interface, and it refers to the way the joysticks, keypad and the machine’s 8-inch LCD monitor are positioned for optimum control, comfort and efficiency. Operators will notice Volvo has reduced the number of switches on the interfaces from previous designs as well.

As far as durability goes, the EC350E features a high tensile steel X-shaped frame. Meanwhile, superstructure cover plates beneath the machine protect it from damage from rock and debris. A hydraulically-driven electrically controlled cooling fan prevents the machine from overheating while minimizing fuel consumption and noise. Reverse functionality, which blows air in the opposite direction for self-cleaning, is available as an option.

Daily preventive maintenance is simplified via the placement of grouped service points and large, easily accessible doors. The excavator’s radiator, charged air cooler and hydraulic air cooler are located side by side to make cleaning easy and reduce blockage.

EC350E_specsheet