Swedish manufacturer brings big wrecker to Europe

With a maximum pen height of no less than 36 meters, Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) is definitely getting serious about large demolition machines. In late October, Belgian contractor Princen NV had the first EC750E HR (high reach) on European soil. Meanwhile, one is already running in Oslo as well. Volvo already had an EC380E HR and an EC480E HR, but they don't measure up to the newcomer with their respective pen heights of 23 and 28 meters.

After a long trip overseas from South Korea, the EC750E HR was made ready for delivery at the large Volvo CE depot in Groot Ammers (in the hinterland of world port Rotterdam). A great opportunity for dealers, customers and the trade press to see all three demolition machines up close, including the various associated booms. Most impressive is the picture of the HR boom in front of the excavator resting on the ground. Only then does one realize how long and how heavy such a 36-meter high demolition boom is. This is understandable, since a demolition tool weighing up to 3,600 kg can be attached to it to dismantle concrete buildings at a height of almost 40 meters.

An imposing sight when standing in front of the long demolition boom. Pen height 36 meters.

In 2019 Stage V

The EC750E HR has been entered by Volvo CE for the 2019 Bauma Innovation Awards. The machine currently has a Stage IV engine, but this will become the mandatory Stage V version next year. It is a water-cooled six-cylinder turbo diesel from our own factory. It delivers a maximum net power of 393 kW (534 hp) at 1,800 rpm. Maximum torque is 2,570 Nm at 1,350 rpm. The hydraulic system has positive control with Eco-mode, a pump output of 2 x 450 l/min and an operating pressure of 338 bar. Up to 18 pieces of equipment can be pre-programmed in the on-board computer.

It has a Volvo CareCab that tilts up to 30 degrees with a one-piece front window and a large skylight with windshield wiper. The rugged cab guard is mounted to the chassis and features a swing-away grille for safe windshield cleaning.

Extra heavy

The EC750E HR is based on the EC750E 75-ton excavator, which has been in operation for several years. The reinforced and 0.5-meter-long undercarriage, additional counterweight, special booms and various safety features add about 25 tons for the demolition version. In order to be able to transport these more than 100 tons on the road, the counterweight is detachable and the tracks are not only retractable, but if necessary completely detachable to be transported separately.

Impressive is the width hydraulically adjustable undercarriage with its 750 mm wide tracks. It is now the largest and heaviest undercarriage in Volvo CE's extensive program. The maximum working width is a stable 4,300 mm, the minimum transport width 3,050 mm.

Overview of the four boom configurations the EC750HR can handle.

Four booms

Four booms are available for different work areas. For demolition of (residential) buildings, offices, etc., the HR boom with its 36-meter pin height is the appropriate configuration. For heavier industrial demolition work, there is a 26-meter, extra-reinforced boom for a demolition tool of up to 5,000 kg. Especially for demolition in depth, a short (8,190 mm) boom is available, whose shape allows it to work quite vertically. It is used, for example, for demolition - under water - of harbor quays etc. Finally, there is a two-part excavator boom of 8.3 meters (with extension 12.7 meters) for clearing all that debris. The maximum tool weight including quick coupler can reach 6.5 tons here.

Safety first

Safety is a high priority for Volvo. That's why the EC750E HR is equipped with a "total moment indicator. This provides real-time information on the in-cab display about working height, flight and position in lift table and warns the operator when he reaches a dangerous overrun. Impressive is the demonstration of Volvo's boom quick-change system with extendable pins operated hydraulically from the cab. Both lights and cameras are mounted on the long boom for a clear view of the high-level work area. A dust control system with multiple nozzles is also provided. The operator can even pull out a high-pressure spray lance to clean his machine before it hits the road.