Jan 31, 20192 min read

Tight Fit? Try Volvo CE's New ECR18E and EC20E Compact Excavators

Updated: Apr 6, 2020

Volvo CE launched two new E-Series compact excavators in January 2019: the ECR18E and the EC20E. The latter comes with a range of significant performance gains versus the D-Series model it replaced, while the ultra-short-swing ECR18E is an entirely new addition to the Volvo lineup.

ECR18E: Short Tail, Big performance

We’ve seen growing demand for a short-swing model in the compact class, particularly in the rental market, which our new ECR18E is well-positioned to serve. -John Comrie, Volvo CE Compact Excavators Product Manager

This excavator, equipped with an ultra-short-swing radius, features a 0.5-inch rear overhang when the tracks are fully extended.

Designed for low maintenance costs, the ECR18E covers all applications. Certain new features will appeal to rental businesses and landscape contractors, including:

Top-mounted boom cylinder
Large upper frame tie-down points
Electric ISO/SAE pattern changer
Purpose-built canopy with heavy duty pillars

EC20E: The Revamped Two-Ton

We listened to our customers’ needs and improved our popular D-Series with updates that make the EC20E more productive, more versatile, more durable, and easier to maintain. -John Comrie, Volvo CE Compact Excavators Product Manager

Key EC20E features include:

Independently-adjustable auxiliary hydraulic flows in each direction, offering the best in speed and control
Optional second auxiliary line
Optional auto engine idle and shutdown
Fold-out coolers
Electric ISO/SAE pattern changer

Versus its predecessor, the new EC20E offers a 13 percent increase in tractive force, 22 percent increased lifting capacity at the front, and 7 percent increased lifting capacity at the side.