VolvoCE Excavators venture out to the Outer Hebrides
Macaulay Askernish Ltd, a privately owned civil engineering contractor headquartered on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, has taken delivery of two new VolvoCE EC140E excavators for a dedicated 21 kilometre utilities contract on Stornoway.
The new arrivals follow hot on the heels of a larger EC200E ordered by the company in the summer – it being the first of its kind to arrive in Scotland. “We’ve been operating Volvo excavators since 2012 and have found them to be very reliable and productive machines. They are well built and robust, which are essential characteristics for working in this part of the world.” comments Operations Manager Callum McDowel. “Additionally, we have developed a strong relationship with Volvo and SMT GB, who understand our requirements. They look after us very well from an aftersales perspective, so these are positive reasons for sticking with the Volvo brand.” he continues.
All three machines are currently working on Stornoway. The EC200E is currently working on various civil engineering projects, whilst the two new EC140Es have been deployed on a dedicated 21 kilometre utilities contract, which will take two years to complete. “Both sizes of machine fit in well with the typical contracts we undertake.” says Callum. “In particular, the larger EC200E has plenty of capacity for general site clearance and muck shifting duties.”
Both machines are powered by a VolvoCE Stage V compliant 4 cylinder engine, developing 122 and 156 nett hp for the EC140 and EC200 respectively. All of the machines are also fitted with an ‘Integrated work mode control’, which significantly reducing fuel consumption. This system provides high efficiency, rapid dig cycles by ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed, under varying load conditions.
In addition, boom and arm geometry provide highly competitive digging forces and lifting capacities, which makes for faster work cycles. Hose rupture valves are also fitted as standard to the boom and dipper cylinders, as are quick fit hydraulics and a hammer/shear service.
Founded in South Uist in 1949, MacAulay Askernish Ltd is a privately owned family-run Civil Engineering Contractor operating throughout the Western Isles and Highlands. The company is fully accredited in Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental procedures. With an enviable reputation as a resourceful contractor, the company undertakes a wide range of civil engineering construction and infrastructure projects.
SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products together with K-Tec articulated hauler scraper boxes 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.
