SMT GB has supplied Collins Demolition with the first Volvo EC500HR high-reach excavator in the UK.
The model – a replacement for an EC380HR – extends the contractor’s demolition reach up to 32m (with interchangeable arms) while enabling the use of heavier attachments for complex structural dismantling.
The machine was immediately put to work to dismantle a former council building on a project in Reading.
SMT GB will provide aftersales support for the first three years or 5,000 hours of the excavator’s lifecycle as part of an extended driveline warranty. This includes the first 2,000 hours servicing including oils and filters. SMT GB also supplied Collins with operator familiarisation for quick onboarding, plus the APIs (application programming interfaces) for all its current machines to be integrated into existing telematics systems.
“Our relationship with Collins goes back a long way and it’s one I’m incredibly proud of,” said Jay Fisher, area sales manager at SMT GB. “They’ve always been forward thinking and their acquisition of the EC500HR epitomises that. Watching it go straight to work on the Reading project is really exciting. 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.”
Scott Craddock, director of Collins Demolition, added, “We first invested in an EC380HR in 2014 to support our demolition work. 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 for demanding demolition environments. Its structure and hydraulic system are optimised to handle heavy attachments while maintaining stability at height.
“Our operators value the ergonomic cab, intuitive controls, and excellent visibility, particularly the outstanding night lighting when working at height,” Scott added. “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 2.8t 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 information on working range and stability. Additional technologies such as Smart View with obstacle detection aim to improve site awareness.
The EC500HR features engine pump optimisation, which SMT explained enables up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous generation models, and upgraded hydraulic lines.
