Volvo CE introduces EWR150 & EWR170 short swing excavators

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has elevated its class-leading EWR170 and EWR150 short swing wheeled excavators with a new generation launch that includes an industry-first retractable ladder for safer-than-ever access.

The latest generation, which is currently available in Region Europe, builds on its predecessors’ leading heritage with a number of enhancements such as improved reach, increased lifting capacity, a more than 0.5m reduction in front swing radius, and a 10 percent boost in engine power for the EWR150. A Volvo-patented electronically retractable ladder, a first in the industry, will be added to the vehicles in 2026, along with updated four-wheel steering.

The EWR170 and EWR150 are ideal machines for working in urban situations and on confined project sites, since they have the shortest rear swing radius in their class and a reduced front swing radius. Their optimised design allows for great manoeuvrability when operating in limited locations.

Global Product Manager Wheeled Excavators at Volvo Construction Equipment, Marc Engels, commented: “It was 2016 that we first brought the EWR150 to the market, followed by the EWR170 in 2018, and since then they have firmly established themselves as leaders in their class. Simply put, the best 17-ton and 15-ton short swing radius wheel excavators in the industry just got better with the arrival of the new generation.”

Lift more, reach further

The already well-known performance of the EWR150 and EWR170 is elevated to new heights thanks to greater lifting capacity over the front of the machine, made possible by the bigger diameter of the lift cylinders. When combined with a newly designed, extended two-piece boom that provides enhanced reach, these small swing radius wheeled excavators are ready to produce excellent results.

Customers benefit from over 10 percent greater engine power in the EWR150 compared to the previous generation, thanks to the new 115kW engine, which equips the EWR150 to take on challenging work in heavy-duty applications while matching the EWR170’s existing 115kW engine.

Both machines’ powerful engines contribute to faster cycle times, improved digging force, and simplicity of use with larger attachments. Swing torque has also been raised by 10 percent over the previous generation, allowing for more effortless and controlled machine movements, which contributes to improved operational efficiency and precision.

Swing into action with customisable options

The EWR150 and EWR170 are extremely versatile machines that may be customised in a variety of ways to fit the specific needs of individual clients. Customers can choose between 2m, 2.4m, and 2.6m arm lengths in the EWR150 and 2m, 2.5m, and 3.1m arms in the EWR170.

The undercarriage is likewise customisable, with options for outriggers, blades, or no equipment on both the front and back of the machine. An optional 2.75m wide axle, which was also available on the previous generation EWR170 but is unique to the EWR150, adds flexibility and improves stability while lifting over the side.

Away from the machine, a diverse variety of Volvo Attachments, such as buckets and breakers, are engineered to work seamlessly with the flexible EWR150 and EWR170, delivering optimal performance across a wide range of tasks and applications.

When working with hydraulic attachments, the X1 and X3 auxiliary lines have been expanded in size to reduce pressure losses; the X3 flow has also been raised from 70 to 120 litres per minute, providing the pressure required to operate a Steelwrist® tiltrotor.  An additional auxiliary line (X4) is offered as an option.

A profitability partner for optimum efficiency

The Volvo EWR150 and EWR170 wheeled excavators are designed for efficiency, with innovative engine technology and clever hydraulics that save fuel while maintaining peak performance. The innovative electro-hydraulic load-sensing technology guarantees that hydraulic power is provided only when necessary, resulting in precise control, smooth operation, and increased productivity regardless of the task at hand.  The end effect is greater machine responsiveness and maximum efficiency.

Additional features, such as auto-idle and automatic engine shutdown, improve efficiency, and an optional auxiliary fuel tank in the undercarriage allows for a longer working range between refills, resulting in increased uptime.

When it comes to profitability, a machine that is not operational is not profitable, and the EWR150 and EWR170 are built for uptime. Every feature, from the sturdy frame to the high-quality components, has been designed for long-term use and little downtime.

Daily maintenance duties are also quick and easy, thanks to grouped greasing stations, ground-level access to critical service areas, and an optional hydraulic oil rapid fill, which reduces downtime and increases overall productivity.

Customers may ensure safety and compliance during servicing by using the Lockout/Tagout feature.  The approach allows the technician to isolate the machine while working on it, preventing accidental restarts during maintenance procedures.

The ultimate operator environment

One of the most noticeable changes to the EWR150 and EWR170 is the in-cab environment, which has been overhauled for operator comfort and convenience. Superior visibility, low noise levels, and ergonomic controls ensure that operators are comfortable and focused throughout the day. This is complemented with simple joystick controls, excellent storage possibilities, wireless phone charging, USB connections, automatic in-cab lights, and a variety of accessories such as a cleaning air compressor and a right-hand sunshade.

A novel operator interface displays all necessary information on a single 12.8″ touchscreen built into the right-hand console, which is constantly visible and accessible as the operator travels.  The interactive, integrated display provides fast access to critical features such as media, camera settings, climate control, and machine status.

While at work, operators may stay comfortable and productive on the new and enhanced seat, which has four settings and features air suspension, cooling/heating, and a 2- or 3-point seat belt.  A range of newly designed armrests, with fewer switches and controls and no longer touching the tilting console, improve in-cab ergonomics and increase operator comfort.

Every operator has their distinct way of working, and with various factory-fit alternatives, such as A9, L8, and simple L8 joysticks, the EWR150 and EWR170 may be tailored to the exact preferences and specifications of the operators. Once inside the cab, the operator can customise the machine’s settings, such as electronically adjustable heated side mirrors on both sides, to ensure maximum safety and performance ahead of their shift.

Customers can increase the manoeuvrability and versatility of their EWR150 and EWR170 with the new optional four-wheel steering.  Four-wheel steering, an industry first for this type of machine, significantly minimises turning radius, making it ideal for manoeuvring in small locations.

Safety as standard

Impressive levels of operator comfort are matched by a suite of technologies that provide all of the safety you’d expect from a Volvo machine. The new Comfort Cabin Stairs are an excellent example of this. This Volvo-patented electronically retractable ladder swings down from a recess in the machine’s side, allowing for safe and simple access to and from the cab. To ensure safety, the machine cannot swing or move while the ladder is in the down position.

Once inside the cab, the optimised cab design provides industry-leading all-around visibility, decreasing blind spots and improving job site safety. An integrated rear-view camera and right-hand side camera enhance visibility. The optional Volvo Smart View, with its updated and upgraded High-Definition view, gives operators a 360-degree real-time perspective of the machine’s surroundings.

A variety of powerful machine lights boost visibility for workers operating in low-light circumstances, including new LED lights that are perfectly integrated into the counterweight for optimal illumination and safety. There are a variety of extra lighting options and beacons available to allow the machine to be adjusted to match the individual lighting needs of clients’ applications.

When transferring the machine, four new conveniently situated anchor points – two in the front and two in the back – allow the machine to be quickly and firmly secured, allowing for safe and easy transportation on the back of a low loader or similar vehicle.

For more information, visit: https://www.volvoce.com/europe/en/