Volvo Construction Equipment recently provided a glimpse of its upcoming excavator line by unveiling a prototype of the 50-ton EC500 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. While the cab design is the most noticeable change from the EC480E, the highlight of the new excavator is the cutting-edge safety technologies integrated into it.
The Future of Safety, Operability, and Productivity
The president of Volvo CE North America, Stephen Roy, states that the EC500 is a pre-production model, and there will be some modifications to its appearance before it becomes available to customers. However, the excavator provides a glimpse into the future of construction equipment, delivering better safety, operability, and productivity.
Volvo CE’s Vision for Zero Accidents
Volvo CE is committed to developing proactive and intelligent solutions to improve safety and prevent accidents on job sites. The company’s newest addition, the Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, is a critical step towards achieving its vision for zero accidents.
Advanced Technologies for Safety and Productivity
The EC500 excavator features a range of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and operator convenience. Some of the notable features include:
Volvo Smart Vision with Obstacle Detection
The new radar detection system automatically notifies the operator when the excavator approaches any obstacle and classifies them as an object or human. This feature provides operators with enough time to react and avoid potential accidents. The enhanced camera technology offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Volvo Dig Assist
The suite of tools assists in digging precisely without physically marking the site, monitoring depths and slopes, and Volvo Lift Assist helps improve productivity and safety.
Volvo Active Control
For the first time on an excavator of this scale, Volvo Active Control, an automated grading system that is a component of the Dig Assist suite, will be accessible.
Co-Pilot Screen
A high-definition co-pilot screen provides access to all the tools and technologies integrated into the EC500. The operator teaching app is also accessible through this screen.
Keyless Engine Start
Operators can conveniently start the excavator without using a key.
Comfort Driver Control
The driver can use the electric joysticks to steer and move the machine forward and backward. Operators can personalize the hydraulic reactions of the machine to control inputs and store them in Co-Pilot for quick and easy access in the future.
Improved Hydraulic System
The excavator’s hydraulic pumps can operate simultaneously or virtually decoupled to deploy the boom without compromising track speed. This feature reduces cycle times and increases fuel efficiency.
Enhanced Cooling Capacity
The EC500 features an improved cooling capacity, and the hydraulic oil and filter service intervals have been raised from 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
Availability and Future Plans
Production of the EC500 will commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 at Volvo’s excavator facility in Changwon, Korea. The excavator will be available in markets such as North America, Europe, and Korea. There will be several models of the next-generation excavator.