Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1504191
I DA U N I V E R S A L Au g u s t - S e p te m b e r 2 0 2 3 34 Several new excavator models are being ushered into the market in 2023 by manufacturers, many of whom launched their new machines at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March in Las Vegas. This new league of excavators feature more power and torque with improved fuel effi ciency and attachment performance, better cab comfort and longer maintenance intervals. There are new technological bells and whistles, too, such as improved grade control and obstacle detection. At CONEXPO, Volvo Construction Equip- ment (Volvo CE) unveiled its most recent crawler excavator, the EC500. A 50-ton crawler excavator and a successor to the EC480E, the EC500 will be produced later this year. Built for even the toughest applications, including aggre- gates, demolition and quarrying, the excavator, when compared to the EC480E, offers construction professionals an upgraded cabin design. Due to the upgrades, the cabin features a high-defi nition Co-Pilot screen, a keyless engine start, a tiltable console box, wired and wireless smartphone charging, and a new work mode switch. Alongside the EC500, profes- sionals will be able to utilize Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, too. Deliv- ering a 360-degree view as a result of its enhanced camera system, the radar detection offering provides operators automatic alerts whenever the EC500 approaches obstacles. While doing so, it will identify and classify each obstacle either as an object or a human, enabling operators to adjust accord- ingly. Aside from these alerts, the excavator has two other signifi cant safety features: a top handrail, which is foldable for transportation, and three-point access guard rails. "The EC500 is also set up with a range of machine options to help operators complete their tasks faster, easier and more safely, while boosting their perfor- mance and productivity, too," said Sejong Ko, product manager, large-size excavators, Volvo CE. "These include the Operator Coaching app and the Dig Assist and Lift Assist machine control systems. Volvo Active Control, a semi-automated grading system and part of the Dig Assist suite of tools, will be available for the fi rst PARDON OUR REACH: THE FUTURE OF EXCAVATION IS HERE Four excavator manufacturers are preparing for tomorrow–today– by releasing several new models. JCB North America increased its lineup with two new offerings last year: the 50Z-1 Compact Excavator and the 245XR.