Heddle Construction’s first Volvo / Steelwrist combo

Orkney based Heddle Construction has opted for a Volvo reduced swing radius ECR145E complete with a Steelwrist tiltrotator for its fleet of equipment...

Heddle Construction is no stranger to owning and operating Volvo construction equipment products having previously operated a series of the BL71 back hoe loaders in its mixed fleet.

“Volvo makes reliable, quality equipment which is essential for our operations here on Orkney,” comments Managing Director, Derek Heddle. “The combination of the Volvo ECR145E reduced swing excavator and Steelwrist tiltrotator is ideal for many of the civil engineering projects we undertake on the islands where space is always at a premium and, so far, we’ve been very pleased with our purchasing decision,” he continues.

The new ECR145E has been specified with 750mm track pads, heavy-duty dozer blade, monobloc boom and a 2.5m dipper arm to facilitate the fitting of the Steelwrist tiltrotator. Besides the hammer shear hydraulics which come fitted as standard the machine also sports the X3 rotation circuit and elsewhere on the machine, Heddle called for a boom height proximity switch, additional LED worklights, all round vision thanks to the side and rear mounted cameras and a travel alarm. The machine has been finished off in striking blue and white microprismatic chevrons on the counterweight.

The 15.4 tonne ECR145E is equipped with a Stage-IV 4-litre Volvo engine producing 121 hp which operates in conjunction with an advanced mode control system ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. Equipped with a 4.6m monobloc boom and 2.5m dipper arm, the maximum reach is a generous 8.85 metres, dig depth measures 6.03 metres and practical load over height equals 7.31 metres. The lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is an impressive 1.6 tonnes and the maximum breakout force measures a massive 85.4kN.