Volvo Construction Equipment unveiled its latest addition to the demolition excavator lineup, showcasing the EC500 Straight Boom model at the recent National Demolition Association Show. Building upon the foundation of the standard EC500 model introduced at ConExpo 2023, this new offering features a 25.5-foot-long straight boom, delivering a substantial 30% increase in pin height compared to its standard boom counterpart.

Designed for tackling larger demolition projects, the EC500 Straight Boom is a 50-ton crawler excavator equipped with specialized features tailored to the demands of demolition work. Notably, it boasts a purpose-built arm and a 6,610-pound heavier counterweight for enhanced stability during operation. Volvo CE emphasizes the machine's convenience for site-to-site mobility, highlighting a hydraulic feature enabling easy removal of the counterweight.

Tony den Hoed, director of demolition strategic accounts for Volvo CE, underlined the significance of the EC500 Straight Boom as a new option for customers engaging in sizable projects. He noted its compatibility with Volvo's existing high-reach models and standard excavators ranging from 14 tons to 95 tons, all equipped with demolition-specific guarding and hydraulic options.

To withstand the rigors of demolition environments, the EC500 Straight Boom is fortified with heavy-duty features including boom/bucket cylinder protection, full track guard, heavy-duty undercover and belly cover, and a robust side-impact-protection structure. The updated demolition-specific cab ensures operator safety with a rollover protection system, frame-mounted falling-object guards, and half-inch thick, high-impact resistant single-piece glass on both the roof and front windows.

The cab is equipped with modern amenities such as a high-definition Co-Pilot screen, keyless start, wired and wireless smartphone charging, and a new work mode switch for enhanced operational efficiency. Operators benefit from electric joysticks allowing independent control of hydraulic pumps, facilitating smoother operation and improved safety. Comfort Drive Control enables intuitive joystick-based maneuvering, with customizable hydraulic settings stored in the Co-Pilot system.

Volvo integrates a suite of machine control tools including the coaching app, Volvo Dig Assist, and Lift Assist, accessible through the Co-Pilot screen. Notably, the EC500 introduces Volvo Active Control, offering automated grade control for more efficient excavation with reduced operator effort. Smart View with Obstacle Detection provides operators with a comprehensive 360-degree camera view, supplemented by a radar system for proximity alerts.

Standard features include a larger auxiliary return line for quicker attachment movements, alongside innovative hydraulic design improvements. Volvo's industry-first direct plumbing of the case drain line to the tank reduces back pressure on the rotation circuit, enhancing performance and efficiency. Maintenance intervals are extended with hydraulic filter changes now recommended at 1,000 hours, minimizing downtime for upkeep.

Like its predecessors, the EC500 Straight Boom comes with Volvo's lifetime frame and structure warranty, covering the frame, boom, and arm throughout the initial ownership period. With its robust construction, advanced features, and enhanced capabilities, the EC500 Straight Boom reinforces Volvo's commitment to delivering reliable solutions tailored to the demands of the demolition industry.