Latest technology arrives at SLL Plant and Quarry Training Services

A brand new twenty two tonne Volvo EC220E crawler excavator has been delivered to SLL Plant and Quarry Training Services in Sandbach Cheshire and was chosen mainly on the company’s previous good experiences running Volvo Construction Equipment products according to proprietor Stephen Lidford

“Having operated Volvo equipment many years for a large plant and civil engineering company here in the north-west and owning two previous twenty one tonne Volvo excavators myself, I know the product very well,” says Stephen. “Product reliability is key along with good back up and support which are the reasons I didn’t hesitate in replacing my existing machine with another Volvo.”

The new Tier IV compliant EC220E will have a dual role at SLL where Mr Lidford will use it for his operator training academy besides hiring it on a long term contract to a large sand extraction company based at the same location. Powered by a six cylinder Volvo engine delivering 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 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.

“The immediate features that impress are the significant improvements in the operator’s compartment,” continues Stephen Lidford. “I really like the simplicity of the controls, the enlarged information LCD colour monitor and easier to use buttons and switches. The cab has excellent visibility, a climate control system and introducing Bluetooth is an inspired idea for aiding the operator whilst he is working.”

And when it comes to operating the new twenty two tonne machine the praise still keeps coming. “Volvo has done a really good job in making this latest E series product a joy to operate. The noise levels are ultra-low but the real difference is the smoothness and controllability of the machine and this is an important factor for us as a training provider. When we are training novice operators they want to feel confident when they are in charge of the controls and this latest model from Volvo is definitely 100% user friendly,” says Stephen.

The new EC220E has been bundled together with a Volvo Blue Service Agreement ensuring the machine will be serviced and taken care of by a qualified Volvo service technician, a full driveline warranty and with Volvo Finance. “Again I have to say that dealing with the team at Volvo is a pleasurable experience,” says Stephen. “The package was right, the support I know is there and even using Volvo Financial Services to acquire the machine was an easy process for us and when it’s time to trade the machine in I have the added assurance of a high resale value.”

SLL Plant and Quarry Training Services specialises in providing a variety of high-quality training courses within the construction and quarry industries. These include plant operator and health and safety training as well as NVQ courses. The company’s training centre is based at Sandbach in Cheshire.  

Volvo Construction Equipment markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in the U.K. 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.

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