An addition to the fleet on Arran

A brand new twenty two tonne Volvo EC220E crawler excavator has been delivered to John Thomson Construction Ltd (JTC Ltd), on the Isle of Arran which will be deployed on a number of ongoing and future projects on the island.

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The new Tier IV compliant EC220E joins a mixed fleet of equipment operated by John Thomson Construction including older EC140B’s and Volvo loading shovels and it will have a multi-functional role. The machine has been specified to handle a variety of applications from general construction to quarrying and forestry work featuring extra options including an X3 rotation circuit and heavy duty guarding around the cab and hydraulic cylinders.

Powered by a six cylinder Volvo engine developing 174 nett hp the EC220E 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.

Opting for the new E series from Volvo was a culmination of recently trialling and evaluating a D series EC220 which proved highly positive together with a visit to the 2015 Volvo Days event in Eskilstuna Sweden where Managing Director Iain Thomson was able to appraise the latest model first hand. “We know from our own experiences that the Volvo comes with a good pedigree in terms of performance, operator acceptance and overall reliability,” says Mr Thomson. “With the outcome of a recent demonstration plus the chance to take a detailed look at the latest E model we decided the time was right to opt for the latest twenty two tonne machine.”

Initially the new Volvo EC220E has been deployed in JTC’s Dereneneach Quarry on the Island’s String Road near Shiskine where it has been put in charge of loading a mobile crusher. Due to its specification it can be utilised within any of  the company’s five main activities on Arran – besides quarrying this includes construction, house building, general plant hire and forestry.

John Thomson Construction Ltd was founded in 1952 by the late John Thomson and the business has steadily grown and expanded to become a highly successful company and one of Arran’s largest employers.  John Thomson retired in 1988 handing the business over to his two sons Iain and Graham who, together with a strong management team, continue to run the business today.

Volvo Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, 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.