Scottish contractor C D McNeill invests in another Volvo EC27C Excavator
C D McNeill of Dingwall, Ross-shire has purchased a fourth EC27C for its contracting business. The new EC27C is the fourth machine in a line to join C D McNeill’s contracting fleet, who took delivery of the first of its kind to be sold in Great Britain some seven years ago and prior to that, a history of operating the Volvo 2.5 tonne EC25s over a period of time.
“We recognise the qualities of the Volvo product in terms of reliability, but more importantly, the after sales support that comes as standard from CSM Sales Ltd which is why we’ve decided to replace like with like,” says Grant McNeill.
Joining a mixed fleet of equipment which includes compact excavators up to seven tonnes as well as site dumpers and rollers, the EC27C is powered by a Volvo 1.6 litre low-emission, Stage III engine, coupled to a load-sensing hydraulic system for optimum performance and fuel saving. Simultaneous control of slew and offset movements provides faster, more precise performance due to the right joystick control lever that features an electronically proportional roller. This allows the operator to accurately adjust hydraulic flow as needed. All hydraulic functions are performed in total independence for more control and less delay when handling multiple tasks.
An automatic two-speed travel system engages when operating in high-speed mode, automatically shifting gear from high to low, according to the travel load. Another feature for increased efficiency is the standard auto-idling system that lowers engine speed to idle if a control is not used for five seconds. The engine reverts to the pre-selected speed almost instantly when any control is moved. This system delivers lower fuel consumption, longer engine life and less environmental noise.
The EC27C features Volvo’s industry-leading comfortable cab for less fatigue and more production. The ergonomically designed cab offers greater leg and foot room, making it one of the most spacious in its category with the machine supplied to C D McNeill featuring an optional high-back seat that includes servo hydraulics levers which are integral to the seat unit, for maximum operator comfort.
As a good deal of contracting work involves the removal and replacement of tarmac driveways, paths and car parking areas, CD McNeill has added protective chequer plate to the underside of the dipper arm. “Adding this simple feature saves a lot of damage to the arm when we are loading slabs of broken-up tarmac and helps to keep the machine looking fresh,” explains Grant.
Established over 49 years ago, C D McNeill offers a comprehensive contracting service throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This includes general groundworks, hill road maintenance, work on large estates and tarmac and asphalt laying.
CSM Sales Ltd is headed up by Managing Director, Calum Shaw, and based at Longman Industrial Estate, Inverness and is SMT GB’s utility dealer for the whole of the north of Scotland.
SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products which include wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in Great Britain. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres, a dedicated National Used Equipment Centre and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.
