Volvo compact excavators purchased by Clements Plant and Tool Hire 
(27/05/2008)
Coventry based Clements Plant and Tool Hire Ltd has taken delivery of its first Volvo compact excavators and rekindles an old association when they helped pioneer the Midlands mini excavator revolution.
Established in 1965, Clements is one of the oldest established companies in the Midlands. The company has developed its hire operations by providing solutions to contractors specialising in the maintenance, refurbishment and development of industrial premises such as factories, foundries and workshops. This includes the hire of powered access equipment as well as a range of traditional plant and equipment, available with a 24 hour breakdown service during normal working hours, week-ends and on night shifts. In January 2007 Clements Plant and Tool Hire Ltd became subject of a management buy out and claims to be the largest independent hirer in Coventry.
Breaking with a tradition for running alternative makes of compact equipment, Chairman John Jennings and Managing Director Jim Longstaff undertook a study of the compact excavator market in the quest for a dedicated five and eight tonne machine. Taking note of third party references and following a visit to Volvo’s compact excavator manufacturing facility in Belley France, the decision to purchase the five tonne ECR48C and eight point eight tonne ECR88 Plus was made. “We had good reports from other users about the Volvo product and the new ECR48 and the larger ECR88 are the size of machines many of our customers are now asking for,” commented Mr Jennings.
The arrival of the two new Volvo’s rekindles an old association when Clements was one of the first hire companies to take delivery of two Pel Job minis back in January 1989. “We were one of the first in the Midlands to see the potential of the mini excavator concept and have had them in our hire fleet ever since,” he continued.
The compact excavator line develops superior levels of performance and technological advances. This includes a variable flow power control hydraulic system for precise control under all load conditions and safety features such as Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS), Tip Over Protection Structure (TOPS) and Falling Objects protection Structure (FOPS) contribute to outstanding operator safety.
Specifically, the Volvo ECR48C sold to Clements Plant & Tool Hire is one of the first of its kind to be delivered in Great Britain and features a short radius superstructure design. It is powered by a new-generation low emission Volvo 4 cylinder diesel engine developing 36 hp for dependable performance, exceptional fuel efficiency and low noise levels. New styling around the superstructure is enhanced by Volvo’s new industry-leading comfortable cab offering minimum fatigue with the best possible leg and foot room.
Simultaneous control of the slew and offset movements provides a fast and precise performance. The floating blade feature allows for quick and easy backfilling, levelling and finishing work and the joystick control lever comes with an electronically proportional roller, allowing the operator to accurately adjust hydraulic flow as needed. The automatic two-speed travel system engages at high speeds, automatically shifting gear from high to low according to the travel load whilst the Volvo-patented mono pump hydraulic system efficiently uses one system for all hydraulics, delivering precise control and ideal power.
SM Plant Sales Ltd is Volvo Construction Equipment’s dealer for compact excavators and compact loaders throughout Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
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