The new D-Series excavators from Volvo Construction Equipment have the strength and durability to take on a range of challenging work site tasks. With faster cycle times, excellent digging and lifting capabilities, and a capacity for greater productivity, the EC220D and EC300D have what it takes to get the job done in a low-stress, high-performance way every time.

Increased power and digging force as well as faster cycle times offer operators the prospect of greater productivity. Compared to the previous models, hydraulic pump flow has improved by up to 5 per cent while digging force, swing torque and tractive force have increased by as much as six percent. In the EC300D, engine power has increased by an even healthier 11 per cent.

Each excavator is equipped with a powerful six-cylinder diesel engine, which complies with regional emissions regulations. Maximum power is 123 kW (167 hp) for the EC220D and 170 kW (231 hp) for the EC300D.

Volvo?s unique integrated work mode system now includes G4 mode for optimum fuel efficiency and machine performance. Operators can choose from a selection of five work modes - idle, fine, general, heavy and power max mode - to suit the task at hand.

The ability to adapt to the worksite allows for more precise performance, but also promotes a more efficient use of fuel. Volvo?s unique Eco mode contributes to up to five percent of the machine?s total improved fuel efficiency without any loss of performance in most operating conditions. The design features electronic pump control technology which reduces flow and pressure losses while maintaining digging power and maximising swing torque. The machines? optimised hydraulic piping further improves fuel efficiency. A new gauge bar on the I-ECU measures instantaneous fuel consumption while average fuel consumption is displayed numerically per hour. This allows operators to monitor fuel use on different job sites and applications.

Performance can be further matched to the task by an attachment management system, which stores up to 20 different attachment presets. This allows hydraulic flow and pressure adjustments to be accurately set, according to the needs of the tool being used, at just the touch of a button.

Sensing squared
A new electro-hydraulic system and main control valve use intelligent technology to control on-demand flow and reduce internal losses in the hydraulic circuit. This provides increased controllability, shorter cycle times and improved fuel efficiency. Thanks to the smart hydraulic system?s greater controllability, both grading and combined operations have been improved. Operators benefit from smoother and easier movement when traveling and lifting simultaneously, as well as better grading quality from the harmonized boom and arm movement.

The boom float frees up hydraulic flow by lowering using gravity only, and a boomdown/ arm-in/bucket-in regeneration system diverts oil from the cylinder piston side to the cylinder rod side resulting in faster, more efficient digging.

For greater productivity, D-Series excavators come equipped with the latest generation cab, which offers users excellent visibility, ideally placed controls, and a quieter, spacious, safer and more comfortable place to work. The new color LCD I-ECU monitor displays the machine?s status, informing operators of fuel consumption and alerting them to upcoming maintenance tasks. It also controls the attachment management system. The D-Series excavators come as standard with climate control systems with 14 vents, so operators can customize the cab?s interior temperature for greater comfort.

Tough as nails
Made from thick-gauge, high-strength tensile steel, the heavy-duty undercarriages are built to withstand all the rigors of the job site. The sprocket and top rollers are made from forged steel and deep hardened for long-term durability. Bottom rollers feature extreme pressure (EP) oil, reducing the oil temperature and ensuring consistent viscosity, even under heavy loads. Durable three-stage planetary gearboxes and automatic two-speed track motors are used, while improved performance over difficult or steep terrain is evident, due to increased tractive force.

A robust boom and arm is made from high-tensile steel and robotically welded for severe-use durability it?s heavily reinforced to withstand working with materials like blasted rock. Wear strips welded to the arm give added protection, while the linkage yoke features a support bar for additional strength.

D-Series excavators feature easy maintenance. Accessed via wide opening compartment doors, grouped, ground-level filters and service points are simpler and safer to get to. Checks are done quicker, further improving uptime, while a service mode on the monitor in the cab allows technicians to easily perform diagnostic checks. (The monitor can also display the view from the rear-facing camera.) Large doors and engine hood can be fully opened for convenient access to components. Centralized filters and greasing points allow regular checks to be completed quickly and easily for maximum uptime and productivity. Anti-slip steel plates ensure safe maintenance access, even in wet weather.

The D-Series excavators are available with a comprehensive choice of service plans from Volvo?s dedicated dealer network, ranging from routine wear inspections to full service agreements and Eco Operator training. And as with all Volvo products, the D series excavators are backed by an extensive service network that provides the peace of mind that comes with an extensive, worldwide infrastructure of technicians, workshops and dealers.

Danfoss Showcases Solutions
Danfoss displayed a range of reliable and energy efficient solutions for the construction equipment industry.

Danfoss Power Solutions and Danfoss Industrial Automation, divisions of Danfoss India, displayed an array of world class, energy-efficient products in the construction equipment sector. Danfoss? extensive product display from industrial automation included MBS 1200/1250 thin film pressure transmitters, MEP 2250/2650 electronic pressure switches, MBT 3270 type temp sensors, MBT type temp transmitters, and from the Power Solutions Division, included hydrostatic closed circuit pump and motors, open circuit pumps, valves, low speed high torque motors, steering units, electronic controls, as also Valmova products like DC valves, break valves, master cylinders and equalisers.

The demand for construction equipment in India is expected to grow to $6.3 billion by 2014, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3 per cent (from 2010), according to IBEF. India is expected to be firmly established as the third largest market in the world for construction equipment as number of machines will grow to 114,165 in 2016.

Ajay Sharma, Country Manager Sales, Danfoss India said, ?Infrastructure development plays a great role in a country?s economy. With the increased focus on developing infrastructure in the country today, many global players are setting up their plants in India. India will soon become the manufacturing hub for construction equipment for tier-2 and tier-3 norms for local as well as export requirement. However, the use of electronics in the equipment is in the nascent stage right now. More focus on energy conservation, controlling the emission pollution and safety measures in the equipment will drive the use of electronics in the construction equipment. Continued innovation by adding electronic intelligence to hydraulic components, such as displacement controls in piston pumps and motors is the way forward for the hydraulic component industry. ? Danfoss Power Solutions also launched their new range of steering units, the VSP series and LSHT motors VMP and VMR series along with their position controllers for land leveling in India. Danfoss Power Solutions has always been the preferred supplier for mobile hydraulic OEMs. Danfoss? steering and LSHT motors quality and performance is viewed as the benchmark for the industry.

From a global point of view, mobile hydraulics is a key focus area for industrial automation. In India, this sector is in its initial stages with regard to use of sensors and automation. Thus, it is important for India to make inroads into this segment now. Danfoss has already embarked upon this journey to serve its customers? needs in this segment. Danfoss? presence in the Indian market represents another step to satisfy the strong local demand for modern solutions and reliable quality production and also to benefit from the expected strong growth in the market for mobile hydraulics in India. Valmova, operating from Pune, is a standalone business of Danfoss that serves customers with a major focus on targeted applications within construction and agriculture. With enhanced focus on features and functionality, Valmova offers high-quality directional control valves and hydraulic brake solutions that meet customers? exacting needs.