It does what it says on the tinwork

The Liston Group’s latest addition to its demolition stable in the form of a Volvo EC380E ultra high reach machine has been put into the capable hands of highly experienced operator John Healy aka Mr Tickle, nick-named thus for his reputation for ‘tickling it down’!

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Joining existing Volvo 25 tonne excavators rigged for secondary demolition duties, the new 51 tonne EC380E takes over from an EC360D high reach machine and was chosen after several factors were considered by managing director Tony McLean. These included the reliability and performance of the former model, an enhanced specification with extra reach offered on the E variant, good after sales support and an all-round competitive package. 

In charge of the latest recruit is John Healy aka Mr Tickle who has specialised in operating ultra-high reach demolition machines for the past 15 years. “In that time I’ve pretty much operated most makes and sizes but I have to say I’m very impressed with the Volvo. It certainly has the best cab on the market in terms of comfort and all the controls and layout of the functions have been well thought out. Another useful feature is the swing open FOGS guard making it easy to clean the windscreen,” says John. “The extra 2 metres of reach over the EC360D is an added bonus and I’ve got excellent visibility at the working end thanks to two cameras installed on the demolition arm as well as rear and sideways cameras mounted on the machine’s superstructure, all relayed back to the large 8” LCD monitor in the cab.” 

And watching John at work one quickly understands how he gained his nick-name as material is gently removed and brought (tickled) down – essential in confined areas working close to nearby buildings and structures. “The hydraulic control of the equipment is excellent,” continues John. “I’m really impressed with the machine’s smoothness and response.”

The EC380E is installed with a Stage IV Final 13 litre engine, developing 306 nett hp and is ideally matched to the electro – hydraulic system providing on-demand flow whilst reducing power losses within the circuit. Volvo’s unique ECO mode contributes up to 9% of the machine’s total improved efficiency over the D model– without any loss of performance in most operating conditions. As well as improving fuel efficiency, this increases controllability for more precise performance. 

The maximum pin height of the 3 piece high reach equipment is 23 metres and the maximum forward reach measures 14.5 metres. Opting for the standard fixed undercarriage means the maximum tool weight the machine can handle is 2.5 tonnes. Other features fitted as standard include hose rupture valves fitted to all the equipment’s hydraulic cylinders; SIPS (side impact protection system) rails along the machine’s superstructure; boom cylinder heavy duty protection guard; heavy duty belly plates and X3 proportional rotation line to operate rotating selector grabs and shears. The high reach equipment can be quickly removed and replaced by standard digging equipment thanks to the modular boom joint and quick release couplings. 

Liston Group with its headquarters located at Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, has been established for over ten years offering a range of demolition and related services and has built a strong reputation as one of the leading contractors in the Midlands delivering projects successfully for its clients. The Group employs a highly experienced and dedicated team with a wealth of industry knowledge. 

Volvo Construction Equipment markets 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 and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.