Meet Alan Gow’s new Volvo widespread excavator
Thurso based Gow Groundworks has taken delivery of a widespread Volvo EC140E LM excavator for its ground working and general contracting business.
This is the second specially converted EC140E LM excavator to join Gow’s fleet of equipment with the LGP conversion working being undertaken by Central Engineering Ltd. This has enabled the machine to carry 1400mm track pads when working in areas requiring ultra-low ground bearing pressure, for instance, on peat bogs or to switch back to the standard 750mm pads for general usage.
“We have a lot of experience operating Volvo wheeled and crawler excavators and find them very reliable and productive,” says Alan. “They are the machine of choice with our operators for comfort and handling and we also like the fact that Volvo is tied in well with Steelwrist tiltrotators as this adds another dynamic to what the machines can do. For us, Volvo certainly understands the needs of their customers in terms of specification, optional equipment and the fact you can fine tune attachments very easily.”
The EC140E is powered by four-cylinder Stage-IV compliant Volvo engine, developing 122 nett hp and offers the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. For example, pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, whilst maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque. When Eco-mode is selected, the machine provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.
In addition, boom and arm geometry provide highly competitive digging forces and lifting capacities, which makes for faster work cycles. For example, the maximum reach with the standard dipper arm is 8.85 metres and gives a maximum dig depth of 6.0 metres, but in particular the lifting capacity at full reach across carriage is a generous 1.9 tonnes. Hose rupture valves are fitted as standard to the boom and dipper cylinders as are quick fit hydraulics and a hammer/shear service.
Other options specified by Alan Gow besides the LGP conversion were for all the handrails and steps to be powder coated in Kawasaki green and the counterweight to have green and white reflective prismatic chevrons. This striking green colour is useful for spotting the machine from a long distance whilst working in forestry application. Additional LED work lights have been added to the counterweight, rear of the cab and underside of the dipper arm. At the business end of the machine Alan Gow has had a Steelwrist tiltrotator installed making the machine highly dynamic for the typical work the machine will undertake.
Established by Alan Gow in 2007, Gow Groundworks has grown into a large concern specialising in general ground works, house and commercial building projects covering the whole of Scotland. The new EC140E widespread joins other Volvo excavators in the fleet including EC140 and EC220E excavators complete with Steelwrist tiltrotators, wheeled excavators including a recently added EWR170E which Alan used to successfully complete a NC500 run in 2018 and Volvo A30G articulated haulers.
The company employs 36 full time staff and continues to diversify in other areas. This includes Gow Plant which hires out up to 8 tonne excavators on self-drive hire and Gow Transport which operates two low loaders for general hire along with six and eight wheeled tippers and most recently Gow Aggregates, with the acquisition of a quarry in the Caithness area.
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.
