Volvo Group Korea (Volvo Construction Equipment Korea) has launched the world premier of the new design concept of the F-Series with enhanced safety and convenience, featuring its first models, the EC400F and EC500F.
The EC400F and EC500F are powerful excavators designed for various large-scale tasks, built following Volvo’s safety-first principles with a focus on the operator.
Key features include ▲ a sleek body crafted with Volvo’s unique design concept, ▲ an innovative smart interface, ▲ intelligent safety and convenience assistance systems, ▲ powerful work performance, high-efficiency engine, and ▲ an upgraded cooling system, all of which set a new standard in the construction machinery industry based on optimal work safety, efficiency, and convenience.
The exterior design of the F-Series model lineup applies the new Volvo CI and new design concepts comprehensively, improving the overall balance of the body with a slimmer upper design. The enhanced heavy counterweight increases weight by about 500kg, and the low center body design improves operational stability. Additionally, new safety features include ▲ a mesh side door, ▲ a three-point upper access method with a foldable handrail and guardrail, ▲ a three-step footstep to prevent foot entrapment or obstacle entrapment, ▲ slip-resistant perforated plates, and ▲ a rear camera and LED work lights integrated into the counterweight.
The interior has also been upgraded. It features ▲ a high-resolution main monitor and an optional smart view 8-inch monitor, ▲ a cockpit designed for various functional operations, ▲ electric joystick levers, ▲ a centralized keypad and multifunction switches, ▲ a button-type start switch, and optional wired and wireless smartphone charging functions.
The ergonomically designed operator seat includes ▲ air suspension, ▲ a three-level adjustable heating and ventilation system, and newly applied lumbar support features. It allows fine adjustments based on the operator’s weight and seat position, reducing fatigue during long hours of operation. Moreover, it is equipped with a control lock feature on the tilting console to proactively prevent unnoticed safety incidents, an engine emergency stop switch, and a LOTO lock feature to stop operation during equipment cleaning and maintenance.
Additionally, the new F-Series can be upgraded with POC optional features that notify and monitor obstacles detected by radar sensors and 360-degree cameras through Volvo’s smart view, making it the most advanced smart excavator.
Both models operate with a new Volvo engine delivering over 10% more output at reduced RPM compared to existing models. The cooling system’s performance and area have been significantly improved, enhancing engine durability and fuel efficiency by over 15% compared to existing models.
The new Volvo electronic hydraulic control system is linked with a large-capacity electronic hydraulic pump, allowing for ten-speed control of work device and travel speed via the monitor, enabling efficient work with low fuel consumption. The interval for changing hydraulic oil and filters has also increased from 2,000 hours to 3,000 hours.
The new F-Series supports safer and more efficient work with intelligent smart support solutions like ▲ the dig assist excavation level feature and ▲ Volvo active control excavation safety feature, which can be used through the smart view large monitor.
Jae-Tak Lim, Vice President of Domestic Sales Service at Volvo Construction Machinery, stated, “The newly launched F-Series significantly enhances convenience and safety during operations while also bringing substantial improvements in operational cost reduction. We will create various touchpoints where customers can directly experience the F-Series lineup, which sets a new standard for intelligent excavators.”
Lee Sang-Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr