“It’s a strong well built machine…”

So says Liskeard based owner operator Tony Wagner as he takes delivery of his second Volvo BL71 Plus backhoe loader.

Starting out on his own just three years ago with a second hand BL71, owner operator Tony Wagner has built up a sound reputation for supplying his services to local contractors, ground workers, camp sites and the local authorities in Devon and Cornwall. "I've been really impressed with the build quality, strength and most importantly for me the reliability of the BL71," he said. "With 3000 hours on the clock it was time to trade up to my first new machine and had no hesitation in choosing the Volvo brand again for these reasons."

The BL71 Plus equipped with servo controls and powershift transmission supplied to Tony Wagner is powered by a Volvo 4 cylinder low emission engine developing 100hp. The carefully matched drive train provides high fuel efficiency and in addition, a fuel tank of 120 litres capacity keeps the BL71 working longer between top ups. The powershift transmission aids productivity with four forward and reverse speeds with automatic mode engaged when 4th speed is selected. Maximum speed is 37.6 km/h and a maximum torque of 390Nm is achieved at just 1500rpm which is a positive feature tackling the steep inclines of many of the roads in the Devon / Cornwall vicinity.

The box-welded front loading arms are shaped to follow the line of the engine cover for good visibility, while its self levelling system (with ‘float' and ‘return to dig' modes) allows the operator to concentrate on machine positioning. The centre mounted bucket cylinder also affords the operator a high degree of visibility at the bucket end due to how it is mounted, provides optimum digging power.

The loader arm has a lift capacity of 3154kg while offering a generous bucket breakout force of 53.8kN. At the rear of the machine, the side shifting backacter with extendible dipper gives a maximum reach and dig depth of 6.78 metres and 5.34 metres respectively and a practical load over height of 3.9 metres,. The backhoe cylinders are cushioned to eliminate jolting and the rigid hydraulic lines are cleanly routed inside the boom.

Volvo Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road machinery products in the U.K. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of compact equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.

www.volvoce.com