SMT Take Collins Demolition Higher.
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SMT has supplied Collins Demolition with the first Volvo EC500HR high-reach excavator in the UK, extending the contractor’s demolition reach up to 32 m.
The UK demolition sector is facing increasing demands for higher reach, improved safety, and greater operational efficiency as contractors tackle taller structures and more complex urban demolition projects.
The new Volvo EC500HR replaced Collins’ EC380HR after three years of service and has delivering the needed reach, in addition we understand to a higher tool capacity and improved hydraulic efficiency.
With up to a 32 m (105 ft) reach, the machine is one of the highest‑reach demolition excavators operating in the UK. Collins tell us they have put this machine straight to work to dismantle a former council building on a major project in Reading.
“Our relationship with Collins goes back a long way and it’s one I’m incredibly proud of,” says Jay Fisher, area sales manager at SMT GB. “They’ve always been forward thinking and their acquisition of the EC500HR epitomises that. It’s great to see the machine doing exactly what it was built for in the hands of people who know how to get the very best out of it.”
“We first invested in an EC380HR in 2014 to support our demolition work,” explains Scott Craddock, director of Collins Demolition. “It performed exceptionally well, so in 2019 we replaced it with a new EC380HR, which again did not disappoint. This year, the new EC500HR was the obvious choice to meet increasing project demands and the need for greater reach and flexibility.”
The EC500HR has been designed specifically for demanding demolition environments. Its structure and hydraulic system are optimised to handle heavy attachments while maintaining stability at height, enabling contractors to operate larger crushers or shears with confidence.
“Our operators value the ergonomic cab, intuitive controls, and excellent visibility, particularly the outstanding night lighting when working at height,” adds Scott. “The stability of the machine at height is one of its greatest advantages. It gives operators the confidence to work safely within the machine’s operating envelope and, when paired with a 2.8 t tool, achieves the ideal balance of speed and pressure, delivering plenty of power at the tool tip to meet the demands of the job.”
The Volvo Demolition Assist system provides real-time information on working range and machine stability, helping operators maintain safe operating conditions. Additional technologies such as Smart View with obstacle detection improve site awareness and help reduce the risk of incidents on demolition sites.
The EC500HR benefits from engine pump optimisation, enabling up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous generation models, and upgraded hydraulic lines for operational efficiency. The longer service intervals and durable component design aims to reduce whole-life environmental impact.
The move toward more sustainable demolition requires equipment that minimises emissions, reduces downtime, and maximises precision, and the Volvo EC500HR does just that; responding with optimised engine control. With its interchangeable arm and extensive reach, it is ideal for high reach demolition while maintaining impressive stability and power.
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