Over the years, the company has steadily built its fleet of mobile plant, with a mix of thirteen tonners and mini excavators.

It’s the first time the guys have gone with Volvo. The firm had a fairly strict replacement policy, so the pressure was on. Director Jay Martin made the change after good third party references and a site demonstration.

The new Volvo EC140D is powered by a four cylinder D4H Stage IIIB engine developing 114hp. The machine’s ‘Integrated work mode control’ provides, rapid dig cycles and low fuel consumption. This advanced mode control system ensures the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions.

The brochure says the cab offers a large “roomy” interior with plenty of leg room and foot space. All round visibility, plus pressurized and filtered cab air, supplied by a 14 vent, climate control system. An adjustable easy to read LCD colour monitor provides real time information of the machine functions, important diagnostic information and a wide variety of work tool settings. The monitor also doubles as a monitor for the rear view camera. Ford's model has had an optional heavy-duty guard added to the front windscreen and top of the cabin to prevent damage from brash, branches and other site debris. By all accounts, the new EC140Ds have found favour with the Ford operators.

The Volvo ECR48C’s are powered by a 2.2 litre low emission engine producing 35 hp the two speed travel on the machine is fully automatic.  The machine offers a horizontal reach of 6.1 metres, a dig depth of 3.8 metres and a lift capacity of 412kg at full reach across the carriage.