Wembley based O'Hara Bros Aggregates Ltd has selected two Volvo EC220D crawler excavators to take over its crushing and recycling activities and is already reaping the benefits of significant fuel consumption reductions over the machines they replace.
"We took on board Volvo CE's claim of a 12% improvement in fuel consumption with the new D series models when considering which machines to purchase," says contracts manager Jason O'Hara. "Since the machines have arrived and gone to work loading our primary crushers, we've been staggered at the actual fuel savings we are making. Both machines are returning between 10 to 12 litres an hour as opposed to our previous machines using up to 18 litres and are more than productive utilising the eco mode feature. We've calculated our weekly fuel consumption has dropped by 500 litres," he continues.
The EC220D benefits from the use of Volvo's Stage IIIB D6 engine, delivering 175hp (129kW) of power and 849Nm of torque, coupled to an improved hydraulic system with larger pumps which in turn significantly improves hourly fuel consumption with shorter cycle times. Operators can select the best work mode for the task at hand, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Modes include: I-idle, F-fine, G-general, H-heavy or P-power, with the machine automatically setting the appropriate engine speed for the work mode and ECO mode is a new feature that works in G to H (or P) mode. Pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, while maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque. Eco mode provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.
The new 'smart' hydraulics system is designed for high productivity, high digging capacity, easy manoeuvrability and class leading fuel economy. It features improvements that increase total flow and cycle times. Independent and simultaneous movements of the digging equipment are controlled by an 'automatic sensing work mode'. It can also prioritize flow according to the work being done - e.g. to the boom for faster raising when loading or in deep excavations; to the arm during levelling or swing during large slewing angles.
"We are the largest recyclers of Type 1 planings in North London and operating equipment that is eco-friendly in terms of fuel consumption and reduced emissions enhances the image O'Hara Bros wants to present in the market place," continues Jason O'Hara. "We are equally confident with Volvo's reputation for quality and reliability which again helped us select the EC220D's."
O'Hara Bros Ltd was established 35 years ago and is a family run business. Based just off the North Circular Road at Wembley, the company receives, recycles and crushes all types of clean hard-core along with its core product of Type 1 road planings from all over London, supported by a fleet of 20 road going tippers.
Volvo Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in the U.K. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.