Cloete's Sand and Stone first in Southern Africa to operate new-generation Volvo EC300 Excavator

Cloete's Sand and Stone have become the first company in Southern Africa to operate the new Volvo EC300 excavator, marking a significant milestone for Volvo Construction Equipment in the region. Delivered by Babcock, the latest-generation excavator brings advanced fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and precision technology to one of Gauteng's trusted aggregates suppliers.

The delivery forms part of a five-year partnership between Cloete's Sand and Stone and Babcock as the authorized Volvo Construction Equipment dealer, with the customer currently operating a fleet of six Volvo wheel loaders and five Volvo excavators.

Building on a solid foundation of trust

For Cloete's Sand and Stone-operating across Gauteng as a construction aggregates supplier-the decision to acquire the first EC300 in the region was rooted in proven performance.

"We've had a solid track record with Volvo in general-so stepping into the latest model made perfect sense," said Wesley Cloete, Managing Director. "Moving dirt is in my blood, and to be honored with the first EC300 in Africa is a proud moment. It's a privilege I'll value for a long time."

Performance that moves the bottom line

The EC300 represents a significant technological advancement, offering up to 15% improved fuel efficiency compared to previous generation-a feature that resonates strongly with operators focused on productivity and profitability.

"We are constantly monitoring fuel consumption across the business. Not doing so would be detrimental to our bottom line, so it's safe to say fuel efficiency is critical," explained Wesley Cloete. "I was really impressed with how quick the machine was-it moves like a smaller machine but has the capability of a bigger one."

The excavator's completely redesigned cab improves operator comfort and control, leading to measurable productivity gains.

"If your staff are more comfortable at work, you will get better productivity-and I can confirm productivity has gone up," Cloete noted.

The EC300 is compatible with Volvo's Dig Assist technology, offering precision tools including real-time weighing, automated digging, and 360° Smart View monitoring-features designed for high-production environments where accuracy and efficiency are paramount.

Partnership that delivers value

From the moment Cloete's reached out to explore the new-generation machines, the Babcock team moved quickly to provide technical insights, competitive pricing, and tailored maintenance options.

"All the relevant information I needed was provided with a quote and options within hours of my request," said Wesley Cloete. "It's still early days with the EC300, but I have trust in the brand and I'm happy with Babcock's backup service."

For Babcock, this milestone underscores the strength of long-term partnerships built on responsive service and technical expertise in delivering innovative construction equipment solutions across the South African market.

"This delivery represents more than just a machine handover-it demonstrates our commitment to bringing Volvo CE's latest innovations," said Per Lorentzon, Commercial manager at Volvo CE. "The Cloete's and Babcock teams exemplify the customer-focused approach that drives everything we do, and we're proud to support their continued growth with technology that delivers measurable value."

The EC300 is part of a broader portfolio of next-generation excavators now available across Africa and the Middle East, including six models designed for demands ranging from general construction to quarrying.

"Supplying the EC300 to Cloete's Sand and Stone reflects Babcock's focus on matching customers with the right equipment and backing it with dependable support," said Lance Mannix, Head of Equipment Sales at Babcock. "Their investment is based on proven performance and trust in a partnership that supports their operation throughout the machine's lifecycle."