“They’re what our customers ask for….”

Says Trevor Goodwin, Managing Director of Already Hire Ltd as he takes delivery of a further batch of compact excavators and two new DD25B asphalt rollers from Volvo Construction Equipment’s utility dealer SM Plant Ltd. 

Joining a comprehensive range of small plant and equipment and an existing fleet of some 20 Volvo compact excavators come 6 new Volvo ECR25D zero swing machines and a couple of the latest DD25B double drum asphalt rollers. “We like the quality and reliability of the Volvo product and our customers equally appreciate their user friendliness and ask for them by choice,” says Mr Goodwin. “In addition, we enjoy a high degree of support from Simon Milligan and his team at SM Plant Ltd on prompt parts supply and service support when it’s needed.”

The company has been a long standing user of Volvo compact excavators since its inception back in 2000. The machines range from the 1.5 tonne EC15C up to the 3.0 tonne EC27C and are available for spot, short, mid and long term self-drive hires. Other equipment in the Already Hire arsenal includes rollers, wheeled and tracked dumpers, compressors, access platforms and tele-handlers along with a host of small tools and hand held equipment.

The ECR25D is the smallest zero swing model in the Volvo compact excavator range and is powered by a 1.1 litre low emission engine developing 21hp. With an operating weight of 2.5 tonnes the ECR25D is available with a choice of short or long dipper arm giving a reach of either 4.48 metres or 4.77meters and a dig depth measuring from 2.67 metres to a generous 2.96 metres. The zero swing excavator design provides exceptional stability which can slew within the width of its tracks and is therefore ideal for working in close proximity to walls and fences. Simultaneous control of slew and offset movements provides faster, more precise performance and all hydraulic functions are performed in total independence for more control and less delay when handling multiple tasks. An added bonus is the ability to operate the wide range of hydraulic attachments using proportional control if required. 

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 ECR25D 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 and another reason why it is so popular with Already Hire’s regular customers.

Volvo Construction Equipment’s DD25B double drum compactor is powered by a durable and fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine that meets strict Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations without the cost and complexity of an after-treatment system. The 25 hp Volvo D1.7A engine is perfectly matched to the compactor’s hydraulic system and delivers high performance with a 7% reduction in fuel consumption over the A model.

The DD25B offers high frequency compaction, a choice of 3300 or 4000 vpm depending on application, with increased productivity, by allowing the operator to travel at higher speeds while still maintaining optimum impact spacing. Safety and precision are enhanced by the angled drum mounts, sloping hood design and optimally positioned sliding seat, which provide the operator with a 360° view of the drum edges and surroundings when the compactor is rolling forwards and in reverse. The machined drums with chamfered edges are perfectly cylindrical, producing a smooth mark-free mat while the advanced eccentric system ensures a powerful performance, equivalent to machines fitted with a significantly larger engine.

Established 16 years ago by Trevor Goodwin, Already Hire Ltd is a leading independent plant, tool & powered access supplier providing a uniquely responsive and professional service for the tradesman and contractor in and around the M25 area. It has depots strategically placed around London which are located in Slough, Heathrow, Dartford and SE16. Each location has a busy trade counter, yard space and fully equipped workshops run by experienced engineers to keep the range of equipment in tip top condition.

SM Plant Ltd is Volvo Construction Equipment’s utility dealer covering the Midlands and central southern England and is headquartered in Rugby, Warwickshire.

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.