The new ECR145E was chosen by Greenwood’s Tree Contractors due to the immediate availability and machine specification according to proprietor James Greenwood.
“In truth we were looking at another make of machine but SMT GB was able to supply straight away and, to the specification we wanted,” comments James. “As this would be our first Volvo machine we were confident in our purchasing decision having spoken to existing Volvo users who rate the product very highly and so far we’ve been extremely pleased with it,” he continues.
The 15.4 tonne ECR145E has been supplied in Greenwood’s striking red livery complete with a factory fitted dozer blade – ideal for pushing and clearing undergrowth and tree debris when working in woods and forests. The machine also features an additional hydraulic circuit for grab rotation and proportional hydraulic control for precise handling and placement of logs when loading Greenwood’s bespoke trailer or loading high-sided bulkers with wood chip. The machine is further enhanced with the fitting of 700mm duraline rubber blocks to the machine’s tracks thus protecting tarmaced surfaces if working on the roadside and not least, the company’s recycling yard. To protect the machine from damage the cab benefits from a hinged FOGS guard and a cylinder guard fitted to the bucket cylinder.
Equipped with a Stage V 4 litre Volvo engine producing 121 hp, the ECR145E operates in conjunction with an advanced mode control system ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. With a 4.6m monobloc boom and 3.0m dipper arm, the maximum reach is a generous 8.85 metres, dig depth measures 6.03 metres and practical load over height equals 7.31 metres. The lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is an impressive 1.6 tonnes and the maximum breakout force measures a massive 85.4kN.
“The ECR145E is a very well balanced machine and its reduced swing radius and excellent stability is ideal for most of the applications we undertake,” comments James. “Furthermore it’s just the right size to tow to the job site on our bespoke Andover trailer which we also use to bring logs and tree trunks back to our yard at Chobham for processing.”
Established forty years ago by James’ father Alan, the services Greenwood Tree Contractors provide cover the full tree surgery spectrum as well as hedge maintenance, site clearance and heavy landscaping across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire. The company also provides a range of woodchip product for horticulture, equestrian purposes as well as woodchip for biomass