A Kirkcaldy-based plant hire firm has “reacquainted” itself with Volvo after snapping up a new ECR235E reduced swing radius excavator.
James Penman Plant Hire is a family-run business which has been in operation since the mid-1970s. The firm was on the lookout for a larger machine after being impressed with the 14 tonne EC140B
Managing Director James Penman, whose late father, James senior, founded the business explained, “As we were in the market for a larger machine around the 20 tonne size class featuring a reduced swing radius we were quite taken with the look of the Volvo ECR235E.
“We’re really impressed with the smooth control of the machine, the build quality and by no means least its excellent stability across carriage when lifting three tonne trench boxes.
“The short swing characteristic is a must for a good proportion of work we undertake which involves maintaining roadside drainage working on busy carriageways. Having this weight of machine and a good lifting capacity across carriage with plenty of reach gives us a distinct advantage.”
Volvo said the ECR235E forms part of the investment made by James Penman Plant Hire when the company acquired Meiklem Drainage last year.
The ECR235E features a Stage IV 6 litre Volvo engine producing 174 hp. Volvo said, “Equipped with a 5.7m monobloc boom and 2.9m dipper arm, the maximum reach is a generous 9.5 metres, dig depth meaures 6.75 metres and practical load over height equals 7.87 metres. The lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is an impressive 3.1 tonnes and the all up operating weight is 25 tonnes.”
