Construction Equipment Europe

Volvo's short-swing compact excavator excels in a tight spot

With powerful, fuel-efficient Volvo engine, a perfectly matched hydraulic system and a robust body, the upgraded Volvo ECR88D short swing radius excavator offers remarkable productivity, stability, ease-of-use and safety when working in confined or restricted conditions.

volvo mini excavator ecr88d t4f

When space is in short supply, the upgraded ECR88D short swing compact excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment is in its element in small, enclosed areas. The already excellent fuel consumption is further improved, thanks to two new features. The first is an engine auto shut-down mode, which can be set to trigger after a period of inactivity between two and 60 minutes. There is also a fuel saving 'eco mode' that optimizes the needs of the hydraulic and engine systems.

Compact in size it might be, but the upgraded ECR88D boasts digging performance, breakout and tear out forces, and lifting capabilities, to rival those of its larger counterparts. 

Getting around site on this compact machine has never been easier, thanks to automatic two-speed travel for optimized traction, as well as hydraulic travel pedals for easy and accurate track control. 

Super superstructures


Featuring a narrow body design and centrally positioned boom, the superstructure on the upgraded ECR88D is so compact that its rear swings within its track shoe. This means that the excavator can get extremely close to objects without risk of collision with the rear of the machine as it swings. But the short front/rear radius is also well suited to working within a single highway lane, minimizing disruption to the flow of traffic. (This feature can sometimes be a prequalification condition on contracts.) 

The upgradedECR88Dis available with a mono-boom (or an optional two-piece boom) several arm configurations and blade for greater flexibility. There is also a wider dozer blade, which features a 600mm steel shoe. Thanks to its reinforced, three-piece, high-tensile steel X-shaped frame undercarriage, the ECR88D is durable and reliable, able to withstand the rigors of demanding work environments. The D-Series offers a variety of optional quick couplers and a new and extensive range of genuine Volvo attachments. ECR excavators also offer class-leading digging depths. 
Quickly positioning the machine is easy, with slew and offset movements controlled simultaneously with a joystick that's precise and effortless to use. Superior hydraulics and pump flow also help provide faster cycle times and better digging performance. 

Powerful efficiency

A new engine delivers lower emissions, along with superior performance and fuel efficiency. This equates to higher productivity and lower operating costs. The upgraded ECR88D comes with a four-cylinder, 43 kW output engine. Tier 4f/ Stage V compliant, it features an exhaust-after-treatment system (EATS) for lower emissions and seamless operation, performance and productivity – even during regeneration. Increased DPF cleaning interval up to 6000hrs will help customers reduce the cost of ownership.An auto-idling system reduces engine speed when the controls are inactive for a specified time (operator pre-set via the display between three and 20 seconds), reducing running costs and fuel consumption.

Small but spacious

Though small, the D-Series ECR excavators provide a superior operator experience — and a comfortable operator environment naturally delivers higher productivity. The cab is ROPS-certified and features modern styling with all-around visibility, provided by large expanses of flat glass. Comfort is delivered by an adjustable seat, superior vibration and noise insulation, ergonomic armrests, ideally placed controls and a large floor area for increased foot space. An optional boom offset pedal allows the operation of the boom offset and attachment simultaneously. More options include LED lights and a rain visor that shields operators from getting wet with the front window in the open position– allowing work to continue whatever the weather.

Uptime UP


For extended uptime, the upgraded ECR88D compact excavator is easy to service and maintain. All check and cleaning points are readily accessible at ground level and grouped together under a wide-opening lockable hood. Boom and arm greasing points are also easily accessible, and in most applications greasing need only be carried out every 10-50 hours. Finally, among its many useful features, Volvo's optional CareTrack remote telematics system conducts a self-diagnostic routine, alerting the operator – or the fleet manager back at the office – if a fault is detected, in addition to monitoring fuel consumption and when the next service is due. 

Key specifications:

Engine D2.6H
Max. power, gross 43 kW
Breakout force, ISO

57.2 kN (short arm)

56.8 kN (long arm) 
Tear out force, ISO 39.8 kN (short arm)
34.4 kN (long arm)
Max. digging reach 6.97 m (short arm)
7.35 m (long arm)
Max. digging depth 4.13 m (short arm)
4.53 m (long arm)
Operating weight 8.6 - 9.5 t

* The ECR88D is available in Asia, Europe, and North America.