EC500 | Excavators | Overview | Volvo Construction Equipment

Operating weight	48,130 - 52,800 kg
Gross power	312 kW
...at engine speed	1,600 rpm
Bucket capacity	1.54 - 3.31 m³
Lifting capacity, along undercarriage	22,510 kg
...at reach / height	4.5 / 3 m
Max. digging reach	10,935 mm
Max. digging depth	6,585 mm
Breakout force, SAE J1179 (Normal)	249 kN
Breakout force, SAE J1179 (Boost)	272 kN
Tear out force, SAE J1179 (Normal)	224 kN
Tear out force, SAE J1179 (Boost)	232 kN
Overall width	2,990 mm
Tail swing radius	3,880 mm

Features & Benefits

What makes our excavator so special when it comes to fuel efficiency? Read here to find out.

How fuel efficient is it?

In the Volvo excavators an electro-hydraulic system reduces your fuel consumption dramatically. It is done by regulating engine speed and hydraulic flow rate based on the task at hand. This ensures that only the necessary amount of energy is used, leading to improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

New electro-hydraulic system

At the heart of the fuel efficiency improvements is the electro-hydraulic system with enhanced main control valve (MCV). This intelligent technology uses electronic sensors to monitor the operator's movements and send signals to the machine’s on-board computer (ECU) which processes the information and sends commands to the main control valve. The result is smooth and precise movement of the excavator's boom, bucket, and other hydraulic components, allowing for more accurate digging and loading. Fuel consumption is dramatically reduced by regulating engine speed and hydraulic flow rate based on the task at hand. This ensures that only the necessary amount of energy is used, leading to improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

Outstanding cooling performance

The EC500 is equipped with a smart cooling system that consists of electric and hydraulic fans. It automatically adjusts fan speed according to engine coolant temperature and hydraulic workload. This minimizes unnecessary energy consumption and improves overall fuel efficiency. By reducing engine load and preventing overheating, the system ensures optimum excavator performance, extends component life and lowers operating costs.

Engine pump optimisation

Engine speed is reduced to as low as 1600rpm thanks to engine-pump optimization, lowering fuel consumption while maintaining excellent machine performance. The system controls the hydraulic pump flow rate and pressure based on the load and speed requirements. The result is improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and lower operating costs.

Auto power boost

Auto-boost works in such way that the hydraulic system automatically increases the working pressure to the boost pressure when the pre-defined conditions are met. The machine will get additional power for 9 seconds before reverting to normal pressure. If the pre-defined conditions for activating the Auto-boost occur again, the cycle is repeated. The ‘Auto power boost’ indicator is shown as a tell-tale of the Instrument Cluster whenever it is activated.

How can our excavator help you push your boundaries of performance?

Push your productivity

The Volvo excavator helps you get more done for less. It’s a simple equation but one that delivers big results on the jobsite, and to your bottom line. The advanced technology reduces operator fatigue and increases efficiency by automating boom and bucket movements, enabling precise digging with minimal input. The result is faster and smoother work with more accuracy and shorter cycle times.

Volvo Active Control

Work with more precision and speed than ever before thanks to the electro-hydraulic system. The intelligent systems help operators to work faster and more accurately, with precise control and improved response time. Cycle times during truck loading application are further shortened, letting you dig and load material quicker. With Volvo Active Control fast mood you can speed up your grading operation.

Boom/Swing priority functions

Advanced electric control joystick and full electric travel pedals provide lightning-fast response times. Boom/Swing priority functions help operators work with speed and ease by prioritizing one function over another. When completing precision tasks or working with heavy tools, the speed of the boom down function can be changed thanks to the boom down speed control.

Dig Assist

A must-have on the modern construction site, Dig Assist provides unrivalled machine guidance and control technology, enabling operators to work with the highest levels of precision and accuracy. The addition of On-Board Weighing provides real-time insights into the bucket's load, helping to eliminate over-loading, underloading, reweighing and waiting times.

Boundary

Four top boundary features 1. Depth limit prevents bucket tip from going below pre-set depths to avoid underground hazards like pipes and cables. 2. Height limit prevents boom and bucket from exceeding pre-set elevation to avoid overhead obstacles like power lines. 3. Swing fence prevents swing from exceeding pre-set limits to avoid contact with side obstacles Reach out-limit prevents the attachment from hitting the front of the wall. 4. Cab avoidance prevents the bucket from crossing a set imaginary line at the front and top of the cab.

Volvo standards in serviceability reconducted and improved with your new Volvo Excavator.

Even better serviceability

Nothing is better for reducing downtime than no downtime at all. Volvo excavators boast some of the longest service intervals in the industry, with 1000-hour engine oil, and fuel filter changes to mention a few. More synchronized service intervals (all 1000-hour multiples) further increase uptime and reduce costs. Here are four more service highlights:

Grouped filters

Grouped filters can be accessed with easy access via the machine platform, not to mention the ground level DEF/UREA filling on the EC230. HVAC filters can also be replaced from inside the cab for a much easier and straightforward process.

Easier inspections

The swing out condenser makes the radiator and oil cooler easier to inspect, as well as easier refill of the air-con system when needed. For simple and environmentally friendly fluid draining, engine oil and hydraulic oil can be drained from the quick drain port using a common hose connection. Optional fast filling systems are available for hydraulic oil and engine oil (market dependent).

Shut-off valve

A convenient shut-off valve when changing fuel filters prevents oil leakage, helping to keep technicians and the environment cleaner. An optional ground-level quick oil change access port further supports cleaner and safer oil changes.

Fluid Analysis

Fluid Analysis can be an important contributor to monitoring the health and performance of your machines and this optional feature provides an environmentally safe method to collect small oil samples via a vacuum pump.

We have always made sure the operator is as comfortable as possible. But with this excavator, we are introducing more features than ever.

At the edge of your seat

The cab’s ambition is to be comfortable and make your work easier. A handy storage space allows you to store your coolbox or shoes while you work. You will enjoy reduced noise levels, built-in sunscreen and improved HVAC. Thanks to great sealing you will experience less dust and ambient temperature, which means good air circulation and higher level air vents. Altogether it should make operators feel less fatigued after a productive day’s work.

Connecting people

In the comfort of the cab you can charge your mobile phone wirelessly or plugged in. You also have the option to use USB connections to access your music playlists or podcasts. The Bluetooth speaker enables you to have clear communication with your colleagues or family while you work.

Modern style HMI

The cab may have lots of modern technology but it is there to make your life easier. The modern HMI allows you to easily access the menu and simply change the settings with a few clicks, to suit your preferences. A keyless engine start and an always-on camera for better visibility is more technology to improve your working day.

ROPS cab

A ROPS cab comes as standard för this Volvo. The tiltable left console gives you more space to enter the cab and offers more operator comfort. Large mirrors with electric heating as option help you operate safely even in wintery conditions. The one-piece high visibility windshield is optional as well as a three-point seatbelt.

Smooth operator

You will find that the joystick controls offer smoother, easier operation. Because the controls are more precise it is easier for you to achieve what you are trying to do, leading to better machine performance. We think the right-hand switch layout lends itself to a more ergonomic experience. If there is more than one person operating the machine, you can set the controls up however fits you the best, and they will follow the autonomy of the operator.