Midlothian-based Basic Tool Hire Ltd purchased three Volvo EC18Ds this year, following an enquiry on Volvo Construction Equipment’s website.
The enquiry was dealt with by Rockbreakers (UK) Ltd, Volvo’s utility dealer for central and southern Scotland, who arranged a demonstration of the unit.
“We were pleasantly surprised with the machine especially in terms of its ease of serviceability, simplicity of design yet robust build qualities and the routing of the equipment’s hydraulic hoses,” said Basic Tool Hire general manager, Shaun Cassidy.
“As we were in the market to replace a couple of our existing machines, and following a positive encounter with the EC18D we placed an order for two machines.”
Basic Tool Hire took delivery of two units in February. Shaun added, “The minute they arrived, the machines were out on non-operated hires and have proved that popular with our regular customers that we’ve just ordered a third unit.”
The EC18D features a “D0.9A Volvo diesel engine that meets the latest EPA Tier 4 emission regulations. Emissions are further kept to a minimum thanks to the optional automatic idling system, which reduces engine speed to idle if the controls are inactive for more than five seconds. If the machine is left idling for longer, the engine can be automatically shut down,” according to a spokesperson.
The unit features a rear counterweight, which provides impact resistance and protects all vital components. It also features a lift cylinder located on top of the boom and a dozer blade “equipped with a welded-on cutting edge for superior wear resistance and a durable upper lip provides added protection against damage in tough applications and excellent stiffness when using the blade as a stabiliser”.
