Swing into action - Volvo Construction Equipment unveil their new generation EWR150 and EWR170 short swing wheeled excavators

The new generation is available now in Region Europe and sees the leading pedigree of their predecessors enhanced through a range of improvements including increased reach, increased lifting capacity, reduction in front swing radius by more than 0.5m and a 10% increase in engine power in the EWR150. A Volvo-patented electronically retractable ladder – a first for the industry – will also be introduced to the models from 2026, alongside new 4-wheel steering.

Featuring the shortest rear swing radius in its class, combined with the reduction in front swing radius, the EWR170 and EWR150 are the perfect machines for working in urban environments and tight job sites. Their optimized design offers exceptional maneuverability when working in confined spaces.

Global Product Manager Wheeled Excavators at Volvo Construction Equipment, Marc Engels, commented: “It was 2016 that we first brought the EWR150 to the market, followed by the EWR170 in 2018, and since then they have firmly established themselves as leaders in their class. Simply put, the best 17-ton and 15-ton short swing radius wheel excavators in the industry just got better with the arrival of the new generation.”

Lift more, reach further

The already renowned performance of the EWR150 and EWR170 is taken to a new level thanks to an increased lifting capacity over the front of the machine, made possible by the larger diameter of the lift cylinders. Combine this with a newly designed longer two-piece boom which delivers an increased reach, and these short swing radius wheeled excavators are ready to deliver top results.

In the EWR150, customers benefit from nearly 10% more engine power compared to the previous generation thanks to the new 115kW engine, equipping the EWR150 to take on tough tasks in heavy-duty applications and matching the existing 115kW engine power of the EWR170.

The powerful engine of both machines contributes to faster cycle times, increased digging force and the ability to handle larger attachments with ease. Swing torque is also increased by 10%, compared to the previous generation, enabling effortless and more controlled machine movements, helping to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of operations.

Swing into action with customizable options

A hugely versatile machine, the EWR150 and EWR170 can be customized in a number of ways to meet the requirements of individual customers. One example is the work equipment, with customers able to choose between 2m, 2.4m and 2.6m arm lengths in the EWR150 and 2m, 2.5m and 3.1m arm in the EWR170.

The undercarriage is also customizable with a choice of outrigger, blade or no equipment – on both the front and rear of the machine. An optional 2.75m wide axle – already an option on the previous generation EWR170 but new to the EWR150 – provides further flexibility, enabling enhanced stability when lifting over the side.

Away from the machine, a wide range of Volvo Attachments – including buckets and breakers – are designed to work in perfect harmony with the versatile EWR150 and EWR170, to deliver maximum performance across a wide range of tasks and applications.

When working with hydraulic attachments, the X1 and X3 auxiliary lines have been increased in size for less pressure losses; X3 flow has also been increased from 70 to 120 liters/minute, providing the necessary pressure to operate a Steelwrist® tiltrotator. A third auxiliary line (X4) is available as an option.

A profitability partner for optimum efficiency

The Volvo EWR150 and EWR170 wheeled excavators are built for efficiency, featuring advanced engine technology and intelligent hydraulics that reduce fuel consumption while maintaining top performance. The advanced electro-hydraulic load sensing system ensures hydraulic power is delivered only when needed, providing precise control, smooth operation and enhanced productivity whatever the task at hand. The result is superior machine responsiveness and optimum efficiency.

Additional features, including auto-idle and automatic engine shutdown, further enhance efficiency, while an optional extra fuel tank in the undercarriage supports a longer working range between refills for increased uptime.

When it comes to profitability, a machine which is not working is not earning and the EWR150 and EWR170 are designed for uptime. From their robust frame to high quality components, every element has been engineered for durability, ensuring longevity and minimal downtime.

Daily maintenance tasks are also quick and hassle-free, with grouped greasing points, ground-level access to essential service areas and optional hydraulic oil quick fill, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity.

While servicing, customers can ensure safety and compliance with the Lockout/Tagout feature. The solution enables the technician to isolate the machine while working on it, preventing accidental start-up during maintenance operations.

The ultimate operator environment

One of the most striking updates in the EWR150 and EWR170 is the in-cab environment, redesigned for operator comfort and convenience. Stand-out features include superior visibility, low noise levels and ergonomic controls ensuring operators stay comfortable and focused throughout the workday. This is combined with easy-to-use joystick controls, outstanding storage options, wireless phone charging, USB connections, automatic in-cab lights and a range of options such as an air compressor for cleaning, and right-hand sunshade.

A new operator interface presents all essential information on a single 12.8” touchscreen, integrated into the right-hand console, always clearly in view and accessible as the operator moves. The interactive, integrated display offers easy control over essential functions such as media, camera settings, climate control and machine status.

While at work, operators stay comfortably productive in the new and improved seat with a choice of four levels, featuring air suspension, cooling/heating, and 2 or 3-point seatbelt. A variety of newly designed armrests, which contain fewer switches and controls and no longer touch the tilting console, further improve in-cab ergonomics and boost operator comfort.

Every operator has their own unique way of working and with a choice of factory-fit options, for example A9, L8, simple L8 joysticks, the EWR150 and EWR170 can be customized to the exact preference and specification of operators. Once in the cab, customizable settings, such as electronically adjustable heated side mirrors on both sides, allow the operator to set the machine up for optimum safety and performance ahead of their working shift.

Customers can take the maneuverability and versatility of their EWR150 and EWR170 even further with the new optional four-wheel steering. An industry first for this class of machine, four-wheel steering dramatically reduces the turning radius, perfect for navigating tight spaces.

Safety as standard

Impressive levels of operator comfort are complemented by a range of features which deliver all the safety you would expect from a Volvo machine. The new Comfort Cabin Stairs are the perfect example of this. This Volvo-patented electronically retractable ladder swings down from a recess in the side of the machine to provide safe and easy access to and from the cab. For additional safety, the machine cannot swing or move while the ladder is in the down position.

Once inside the cab, with an optimized cab design, operators benefit from industry-leading all-round visibility, reducing blind spots and enhancing job site safety. An integrated rear-view camera and right-hand side camera further improves visibility. The optional Volvo Smart View with new and improved High-Definition view provides operators with a 360-degree real-time view of the machine's surroundings.

A choice of powerful machine lights improve visibility for those in the machine and on-site when working in low light conditions, including new LED lights seamlessly integrated into the counterweight for optimal illumination and safety. A range of additional lighting options and beacons exist to enable the machine to be configured to meet the specific lighting requirements of customers’ applications.

When transporting the machine, four new conveniently located anchor points on the machine – two at the front and two at the back – allow the machine to be easily and securely restrained, facilitating safe and easy transportation on the back of a low loader or similar transport.

To find out more about the Volvo EWR150 and EWR170 short swing wheeled excavators, available for Region Europe, contact your local Volvo dealer.