The Hull-based Ashcourt Group has added more Volvo excavators and loading shovels to its plant fleet, together with a P6870C wheeled paver that will go to work for the Group’s civils and highways divisions.
The excavators in question will go to work on a range of activities undertaken by the Group’s civil engineering division. These include a sixteen tonne ECR145E and the larger forty tonne ECR355E, both of which are reduced swing machines. Additionally, four Volvo compact excavators have joined the fleet in the guise of an EC15E, an ECR25D, ECR58D and an ECR88D, following on from SMT GB’s Live It Dig It event that took place at Ashcourt’s Partridge Hall Quarry back in May.
Two new loading shovels have also been included in this recent package of machines. A Volvo L120H has replaced an older variant at the company’s Foster street recycling facility, and the larger twenty five tonne L150H has been purchased for a new contract on Hull docks.
Commenting on the recent arrivals, Ashcourt’s Plant Manager, Adam Donkin, said: “These latest machines carry on a tradition for purchasing Volvo Construction Equipment products, which started six years ago. This is down to the consistent high quality of the products, their reliability and fuel efficiency. Our operators certainly appreciate the cab comfort and the way the machines perform. We also value the opinions of our operators when it comes to machine choice and selection and certainly, the excavators and shovels from Volvo are widely respected for their performance, as well as their high residual values. Not only that, we have developed a strong relationship with SMT GB, who provide us with excellent aftersales support; all positive points for continuing to favour the Volvo product.”
The 16.7 tonne ECR145E is equipped with a Stage V four litre Volvo engine, producing 122hp. It’s bigger brother, the ECR355E, sports a six litre power unit rated at 243hp. In both instances, the engine 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.
Whilst Ashcourt already has experience operating the reduced swing sixteen tonne unit, this is their first investment in a larger reduced swing forty tonne machine. Supplied with the standard 6.2 metre boom and 3.05 metre dipper arm, together with the optional dozer blade, the ECR355E demonstrates a high level of stability. For instance, the lifting capacity at maximum reach across carriage is a generous 4.69 tonnes; which is ideal for lifting large trench boxes on sewer and utilities installations. Thus equipped, the ECR355E offers a wide digging geometry with a maximum reach of 10.6 metres, a dig depth of 7 metres and a practical dump height of 7.8 metres; which makes the machine highly versatile on major groundbreaking projects. The machine has been enhanced, with the addition of a Topcon X53i base install kit plug and play system, that tracks the bucket movement in real time, directing the operator to centre lines and keeping the bucket on grade.
Joining the Ashcourt stable for the first time comes a Volvo P6870C paver. Replacing two competitor models, the new Volvo P6870C will be deployed in the Group’s Highways division.
Commenting on the new addition, Ashcourt’s Highways Operations Manager Steve Hughes stated: “Having taken into consideration third party references, we chose the Volvo because of previous experience operating the ABG pavers. But, most importantly, was the fact that we can rely fully on SMT GB for full support when it’s required.”
Steve Hughes went on to state: “The arrival of the new paver heralds a change in our strategy for providing a service throughout Yorkshire, whereby we are now concentrating on the pure paving aspect of road surfacing, with contracts ranging from; site work, car parks, driveways and public road resurfacing.”
The P6870C is powered by a Volvo D6 Stage IV compliant 175hp engine which, at its heart, features the EPM II – an electronic paver management system, which incorporates a ‘Settings Management’ system. This allows the operator to store up to twelve parameter settings for the major functions, such as; screed temperature, tamping & vibrating, conveyor, auger & paving speeds. The machine has other unique features, such as the ‘Smart Power’, which offers optimum power for the job-in-hand. The new Volvo P6870C is also equipped with 6×6 ‘Smart Drive’ technology, for unparalleled continuous independent traction control over all six wheels. Even on the most difficult bases, tractive forces are automatically adjusted according to the weight of material in the machine’s 12 tonne capacity hopper.
Screed performance is a distinct feature on Volvo pavers, and the P6870C has a variable screed width of between 2.5 and 5 metres in standard configuration. But can be fitted with optional extensions, to provide a generous width of 9 metres. The machine has a theoretical output of up to 700 tonnes per hour at varying screed widths and depths.
The paver supplied to Ashcourt sports the company’s striking Union Jack motif on the sides of the hopper, additional LED lighting –essential for night working, a convex mirror fitted above the hopper and a Moba Matic II twin grade system kit.
The Ashcourt Group has a range of operating divisions, that include: civil engineering, house building, purpose-built luxury student accommodation, aggregates and recycling, highway construction and maintenance and, more recently, suppliers of bulk fuels.
