The Kobelco SK210LC-8 hydraulic excavator is one of the company's flagship models in the Chinese market, consistently ranking among the top-selling 21-ton excavators. Recently, a seasoned user shared a detailed review of the SK210LC-8 based on their experience, providing an insightful look into the machine's performance and capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this excavator stand out.
The "Green Arrow" of Excavators
The Kobelco SK210LC-8 features a distinctive green paint job, reminiscent of the superhero "Green Arrow." The color evokes a sense of power and reliability, making it a unique and striking machine on any construction site.
Kobelco, also known as Kobe Steel, is one of Japan’s major industrial manufacturers and a recognized name in the construction machinery sector. While it may sit in the middle of the rankings compared to other heavyweights like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Hitachi, Kobelco’s excavators have a strong following, thanks to their competitive pricing and solid reputation for quality.
Key Differences: SK200-8 vs SK210LC-8
The Kobelco SK210LC-8 differs from its predecessor, the SK200-8, in several key areas:

1. Bucket Capacity: The SK200-8 comes with a smaller 0.8m³ bucket, while the SK210LC-8 is equipped with a 1.0m³ bucket. This larger bucket increases efficiency, especially in tougher working conditions, although it may struggle with compacted soil compared to smaller models.
   
2. Track and Idler: The SK210LC-8 features an extended track and an additional idler wheel (8 wheels in total), making it more stable and better suited for demanding tasks.
   
3. Fuel Consumption and Efficiency: While the SK210LC-8 offers higher operational efficiency, it comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption compared to the SK200-8. This difference is particularly noticeable when working in areas where the load is lighter, but for heavier projects, the SK210LC-8’s superior performance makes it the preferred choice.
   

1. Engine Power: The Komatsu PC200-8 uses a 6-cylinder engine, while the SK200-8 uses a 4-cylinder engine. The Komatsu’s engine provides more power, especially when working in tougher soil, but the SK200-8 excels in fuel efficiency, saving up to 20-30% in fuel costs per hour.
   
2. Bucket Size: The SK200-8's larger bucket makes it easier to load loose soil, and its better weight distribution and faster rotation give it an edge in loading operations on similar-sized platforms.
   
3. Durability and Maintenance: Although Komatsu's market share is higher and its after-sales service is more robust, the Kobelco SK200-8 has proven to be quite durable in its own right. However, Komatsu’s equipment tends to hold its value better, making it a safer choice for long-term investment.
   

The Hyundai R60-9 is a popular small excavator in the market, known for its stable performance and high cost-effectiveness. Recently, a senior user shared their experiences and evaluations of the Hyundai R60-9 after 6500 hours of usage. Here's a detailed breakdown of the machine’s features, performance, and long-term usability.
Model Overview
Hyundai Heavy Industries, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Group, is known for manufacturing high-quality construction machinery. The Hyundai R60-9 is part of the company’s -9 series, launched in 2011, and positioned as a small to medium-sized excavator. The new machine was priced at ¥350,000, but with a national agricultural subsidy of ¥40,000, it only cost ¥310,000, along with ¥5,000 worth of accessories.
Key Differences Between R60-9 and Previous Model (R60-7)
The R60-9 made several improvements over its predecessor, the R60-7:

1. Fuel Tank & Bucket Capacity: The fuel tank capacity was increased, and the bucket size was expanded, but the overall weight of the machine was reduced. It also features an automatic throttle system for better control.
   
2. Cab and Console Design: The R60-9 boasts a more streamlined and simplified instrument panel, improved switch layout, and an added rearview mirror. The rear-view mirrors are adjustable, offering multiple angles for better visibility.
   
3. Hydraulic System & Cooling: The R60-9 uses a high-quality hydraulic pump imported from Japan, which improves hydraulic system reliability and durability. The cooling system was also enhanced with an added oil cooler and an aluminum radiator, which helps with better heat resistance.
   

In this interview, we spoke with two operators who have 5-6 years of experience operating a XCMG RP601L Wheel Paver. They primarily use the machine for laying asphalt concrete surfaces. This type of wheel paver is well-suited for small to medium-sized municipal projects that require quick paving and fast job site transitions. Below is an overview of their feedback and the machine's performance.
Background of the Owner
Owner: Yu Lixin
Yu Lixin is a private road construction contractor based in Beijing. He owns over 20 pavers, including 7 Volvo ABG series pavers and several XCMG models. In addition to pavers, Yu Lixin also operates 6 large Wirtgen milling machines, more than 10 small Wirtgen milling machines, and dozens of rollers of various tonnages. His extensive fleet reflects his substantial presence in the road construction industry.
Purchase Details
The operators could not recall the exact year the XCMG RP601L paver was purchased, and due to the machine's age, its nameplate has been lost. However, they confirmed that they have been using this paver for 5 to 6 years, making it an older model.
Operator Background
The two operators, both born in the 1980s, have a great deal of experience with this particular paver. They have maintained and operated it for several years, and their daily upkeep and maintenance practices are one of the reasons why the machine continues to function well.
Working Conditions
The XCMG RP601L is mainly used for small projects such as playgrounds, residential areas, and road repairs. These projects require quick work and frequent transitions. The machine has worked a total of approximately 3,500 hours (as per the display) since it was purchased.
Efficiency in Operation
The XCMG RP601L's small size and hydraulic extendable screed contribute to its high operational efficiency and quick job transitions. The hydraulic extendable screed allows for stepless adjustments to the track width, making it ideal for small, dynamic work environments. Over the past 5-6 years, the machine has only required short-term downtime for routine maintenance and the replacement of the screed's wear materials. There have been no major breakdowns during its operation.
Product Performance and Issues

• Engine:
  The paver is equipped with a Shangchai D4114 turbocharged direct injection diesel engine, which delivers a maximum output power of 100kW. The engine has remained reliable throughout the years, with no major issues reported except for regular maintenance.
  
• Hydraulic System:
  The operators have not encountered any failures that caused the machine to stop working due to the hydraulic system. However, minor issues such as oil leakage or seepage from the oil pipes have occurred intermittently.
  
• Steering System:
  One notable issue with the XCMG RP601L is the small wheel steering system. During steering, the machine’s wheels are prone to slipping, especially when the turning radius is tight. This requires the operators to make multiple steering adjustments, which can reduce the machine’s overall efficiency.
  

1. Small Projects, Return on the Same Day: The machine’s fuel tank is filled up using the company’s refueling truck before leaving for the job site.
   
2. Large Projects, Extended Time Away: When the machine cannot return the same day, the fuel tank is filled before departure, and a backup fuel tank is also filled to ensure the machine can run throughout the project.
   

Recently, a forum discussion titled "Ultimate Customization: What Additional Features Would You Like to See on the Caterpillar 320D2 Excavator?" sparked enthusiastic participation among machine operators and owners. This discussion allowed participants to share their ideas and suggestions for improving excavator designs, many of which were not only creative but also highly practical. Here's a summary of the most interesting ideas and suggestions that emerged from this event.
1. Mobile Phone Holder
Suggestion by: [Crazy Excavator]
In today’s world, smartphones are essential, especially for machine operators who need to stay connected while on the job. One of the most requested features was a mobile phone holder installed on the operator’s side of the cabin. Not only would this allow for easy access to make or receive calls, but it could also function like a dashcam, enabling operators to record videos of their work for training or sharing experiences with other operators.
2. Excavator Anti-Theft Lock
Suggestion by: [Xiao Zhuang Zhuang]
The issue of theft is a serious concern in construction areas, especially given how vulnerable excavators are when left unattended. Much like the anti-theft systems in cars, it was suggested that excavators be equipped with a GPS-based anti-theft alarm system. This system would alert the operator or owner via their mobile phone in case of unauthorized tampering or movement. Additionally, a reinforced protective shell for the control panel was recommended to further secure valuable components.
3. USB Charging Port, Onboard Refrigerator, and Extra Seat
Suggestion by: [Gemstone Engineering Vehicle]
For operators who spend long hours in the cab, comfort and practicality are key. Several suggestions were made to enhance the operator’s experience:

• Onboard Refrigerator: Especially during hot weather, an onboard mini-fridge could provide chilled beverages to keep operators refreshed.
  
• Radio and Speaker: For long days on the job, having access to music or news would help combat fatigue. A simple radio or speaker system could make the time spent in the cab more enjoyable.
  
• USB Charging Port: Modern smartphones consume a lot of power, and a USB charging port would ensure the operator’s device stays charged throughout the day.
  
• Additional Seat: Many operators and business owners work with apprentices or assistants, and an extra small seat behind the main driver’s seat would be a perfect addition for better team coordination.
  

• Power Supply: Manufacturers should consider including multiple voltage output ports and sufficient energy reserves in the design, allowing operators to install additional electronic devices easily.
  
• DIY Modifications: Many of the suggested modifications, such as the mobile phone holder, anti-theft lock, and additional seat, can be achieved by purchasing existing products and making simple modifications on your own. Operators may want to try these ideas out for themselves.
  
• Emerging Market for Excavator Customization: Customizing excavators is becoming an emerging trend. While manufacturers typically won’t offer these types of modifications, specialized aftermarket providers could cater to a growing market. With the right expertise, operators-turned-customizers could create a profitable niche business, especially in regions with a high concentration of excavators.
  

Recently, we interviewed an operator in Changping District, Beijing, who has been using the joint venture Hitachi ZX250H-3G excavator for the past three years, with a total of 4300 hours of operation. Let's explore his experience and how this excavator performs in various work conditions.
Purchase Information
The operator's employer is from Shandong, and the Hitachi ZX250H-3G was purchased through financing in 2010 from Beijing Junma. The financing period is three years, with a total price of 1.3 million RMB, and the excavator has been in operation for 4300 hours. The loan has not yet been fully repaid.
Over the years, the employer has owned various brands of excavators, including two Shinsei 240 large excavators, a Doosan 225 excavator, and a Komatsu PC56 small excavator. While the loans for the previous excavators have been paid off and are currently profitable, the loan for the Hitachi ZX250H-3G remains outstanding.
When asked why the employer has purchased a mix of brands, the operator explained that it was due to fluctuating working capital. When funds were sufficient, the employer would opt for higher-priced brands, while more cost-effective brands were purchased during leaner times. For example, the Doosan 225 was purchased under such circumstances.
Operator Information
The operator, Wang, is from Zhangjiakou, Hebei, and is in his 30s. He has been working with his employer for many years and has extensive experience operating different brands of excavators, including the Shinsei, Doosan, and Komatsu machines.
Equipment Condition and Work Environment
Since its purchase in 2010, the Hitachi ZX250H-3G has run for 4300 hours. The majority of the work involves various small tasks such as trenching, land leveling, pipe laying, and landscaping. The machine has also been used on a few mining sites and for occasional crushing work. However, it has mostly handled short-term projects with minimal heavy-load operations. Wang is diligent about maintenance, so the excavator looks almost new.
The equipment is used for jobs like:

• Earthmoving work: 1200 RMB per day
  
• Crushing work: 1800 RMB per day
  
• Crushing work (self-fueled): 3500 RMB per day
  

• The average fuel consumption for a full-day job is approximately 900 RMB.
  
• If the job site provides fuel, the operator increases the throttle to around 8 levels (out of 10) for better efficiency.
  
• When using personal fuel for the job, the throttle is lowered to about 5 levels to save costs while maintaining a slower, more precise pace.
  

1. Engine:
   The Hitachi ZX250H-3G is equipped with the Isuzu AA-6BG1T direct-injection engine. It provides sufficient power and has operated smoothly without any overheating issues.
   
2. Hydraulic System:
   The hydraulic system has proven to be stable, with no major faults affecting work performance. The walking mechanism is powerful, but the rotational bearing has a slight gap in design, leading to less smooth and stable rotation.
   
3. Work Equipment:
   Overall, the work equipment is very sturdy and has been capable of handling various projects, including tough soil excavation.
   
4. Other Components:
   The alternator belt was recently replaced after it snapped during operation. Fortunately, the issue was detected in time, and a new belt was installed at a minimal cost.
   

We recently spoke with a Hyundai R60-7 excavator owner, who has used the machine for 4,731 hours. In this article, we’ll share his insights into the machine's performance and how it has helped with his business operations.
Purchase Details
The owner of the Hyundai R60-7, Mr. Zhang, is from Xingtai, Hebei Province, and has been in the construction machinery industry for over six years. He has operated several excavators, including a Sunward SWE50 mini excavator, two used Komatsu PC56-7 machines, a Doosan DH150-7 wheeled excavator, and currently, the Hyundai R60-7.
In 2007, Zhang purchased the Sunward SWE50 for 270,000 RMB. Over the years, the machine had some minor issues, especially with the hydraulic oil pipes that showed signs of wear, and during hot summer months, he couldn’t use the air conditioning due to engine overheating. He sold it for 70,000 RMB last year.
After the Sunward machine, Zhang bought two used Komatsu PC56-7 excavators, both with 5,000 to 6,000 operating hours, at a price slightly above 200,000 RMB each (new cost: 360,000 RMB). He is still using the Komatsu machines and finds their performance satisfactory.
In 2011, Zhang bought his Hyundai R60-7 for 300,000 RMB. The dealer was Beijing Ruizhidao Engineering Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. He was drawn to Hyundai’s reputation for retaining value and made the purchase largely based on this feedback from friends.
Driver and Staff Details
Zhang employs two drivers: his son and a fellow villager. Both drivers are relatively young, and their salary is around 3,500 RMB per month (with 2 years of experience). Zhang provides food and lodging for his drivers, but with the growing business, he's planning to hire another full-time driver in the near future.
Equipment Usage and Work Conditions
Since purchasing the Hyundai R60-7 in 2011, it has accumulated 4,731 working hours. The machine mainly works on small local projects, including trench digging, land leveling, pipe installation, and landscaping. Although the machine comes equipped with a hydraulic breaker, it is rarely used and only comes into play when the ground is particularly hard.
Compared to the Komatsu PC56-7, Zhang notes that the Hyundai R60-7 is slightly slower but offers more power, which is especially noticeable when digging frozen soil in the winter months.
In Beijing, the going rate for 60-ton mini-excavators is approximately 800 RMB per day for regular work and 1,600 RMB per day with a breaker. After accounting for fuel and maintenance costs, Zhang sees a reasonable profit, bolstered by the work from his other two excavators, including the Komatsu machines and the Doosan DH150-7.
Work Efficiency and Fuel Consumption
Zhang is satisfied with the work efficiency of his Hyundai R60-7. The machine performs with balanced speed, moderate swing speeds, smooth movements, and high digging power.
The fuel consumption for the Hyundai R60-7 is about 180 RMB per workday. When working at full load, the fuel cost rises above 200 RMB, and the fuel tank (120L capacity) needs to be refilled every 3-4 days. This consumption is average for a machine of its size.
Performance and Issues

1. Engine:
   The Hyundai R60-7 is powered by a 39.5 kW Yanmar 4TNV94L engine. Zhang finds the engine to be both powerful and stable, with low noise levels. So far, the engine has not experienced any failures.
   
2. Hydraulic System:
   Zhang did encounter an issue with the hydraulic pipes. Three output hoses from the main pump developed leaks while still under warranty. After the dealer replaced the hoses, the problem persisted. Zhang then sourced new hydraulic hoses from a local repair shop, which solved the issue. These new hoses, totaling 1.8 meters in length, cost him only 175 RMB.
   
3. Other Issues:
   Zhang was particularly impressed with the air conditioning system of the Hyundai R60-7, which performs excellently in both heating and cooling. However, he reported that the horn had recently stopped working and was planning to fix it himself.
   

Li, a construction equipment owner from Xianghe County, Langfang City, Hebei Province, made headlines last year when he bought a CAT 306E mini-excavator. Now, just six months later, he's purchased a second one. What prompted this decision? Let's take a look at his experience and how these machines are performing in his daily operations.
Purchasing the Machines
Li's first CAT 306E was purchased outright, which meant no monthly payment burden. Satisfied with the performance of the first unit, he decided to expand his operations by buying a second one. A salesperson from the Beijing branch of the dealer offered Li a demo model with under 80 working hours, lightly used on the company's site for customer testing. The machine was available at a discounted price, and Li secured a bank loan to purchase it for 360,000 RMB. With monthly payments of only around 2,000 RMB, Li found the financial pressure manageable.
Driver Situation
When Li only had one machine, he operated it himself. However, as his fleet grew, the workload increased. With many construction projects nearing completion at the end of the year, there were fewer jobs available. For the time being, Li hired a temporary driver at 300 RMB per day. Li plans to recruit a permanent driver in the new year, with salaries in the local Langfang area ranging from 4,000 to 4,500 RMB with food and accommodation included, or 5,000 RMB without.
Equipment Usage and Work Conditions
Li's first CAT 306E has been in use for about a year and has logged 1,100 to 1,200 working hours. The primary tasks have been municipal construction, including high and low voltage pipeline installation, water supply and gas pipeline digging, and landscaping. The jobs are typically short-term, with most lasting only 2 to 3 days.
In the Langfang area, the average work rates for 60 or 70 mini-excavators are as follows:

• Hourly: 90–100 RMB
  
• Half-day: 500–600 RMB
  
• Full-day: 800 RMB
  

1. Engine:
   Li mentioned that the engine is relatively noisy, sometimes making it sound like the throttle is open more than it is, even when set to just 2–3 notches. After several hundred hours of use, the throttle motor developed a fault, but the dealer replaced it free of charge under warranty.
   
2. Hydraulic System:
   The hydraulic system experienced a minor issue when a hose on the boom burst. Due to urgency, Li replaced it himself before the dealer could arrive. However, the dealer later provided a replacement hose for free as a spare.
   
3. Work Equipment:
   The machine’s work equipment, especially the arm, performs with strong power. Li shared that during winter, while working on a trench for pipeline installation in frozen ground, the CAT 306E handled the task without any significant effort.
   
4. Other Issues:
   Li found the walking pedals to be too narrow, making it uncomfortable to operate the machine, and he suggested that this design could be improved.
   

In the construction machinery industry, manufacturers' advertisements and product brochures are common, but what prospective buyers really want to hear are the opinions of frontline users. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Mr. Hu, a user of the XCMG QY20B-1 truck crane, in the suburbs of Beijing. Mr. Hu has been operating the crane for nearly four years and shared his experiences and thoughts on this machine.
Purchase Information
Mr. Hu is originally from Dezhou, Shandong. In 2007, his son began working as a crane operator, and by 2009, Mr. Hu decided to enter the crane business. After thorough consideration, he purchased the XCMG QY20B-1 truck crane, a popular model in the market at the time. The purchase price was 580,000 RMB, with a down payment of 200,000 RMB and a three-year financing plan. Monthly payments of over 10,000 RMB were manageable, considering the market conditions at the time.
Business Overview
After acquiring the crane, Mr. Hu left his previous job and moved to Beijing to operate the crane with his son. In the beginning, business was tough, and they had to work in a "trailing work" market where jobs were sporadic. Over time, however, they established relationships with local clients and began getting regular work. Most of their projects now come from returning clients or referrals from friends. Occasionally, they take on projects introduced by intermediaries, although the fees decrease after paying the intermediary, it’s still better than having idle time.
The types of jobs the 20-ton crane takes on are diverse, often involving tasks at construction sites such as lifting bricks, tiles, and steel structures. For a full shift, the crane earns about 1,200 RMB. For smaller tasks like hoisting advertisements or lifting smaller items, they charge around 500–600 RMB. On average, Mr. Hu’s business generates around 200,000 RMB annually, and the crane loan was fully repaid this year, with decent profitability.
Equipment Information
The XCMG QY20B-1 has been in use for nearly four years. Mr. Hu and his son are the primary operators, and they take good care of the machine. So far, there have been no significant issues, and no replacement of hydraulic lines or other major components. Overall, Mr. Hu is satisfied with the machine's reliability.
Compared to other brands, the XCMG QY20B-1 is slightly slower, but it offers excellent stability. Many construction companies recognize the XCMG brand and specifically request it for jobs.
There have been some minor issues with the crane during its operation:

• The engine water pump experienced leakage at one point.
  
• The four-way valve experienced frequent sealing issues, leading to oil leakage. Mr. Hu suspects that the seals may have aged. However, the issue was not severe, and wrapping the seals with a layer of sealing film temporarily fixed the problem.
  

1. Delayed Payments
   One of the significant challenges Mr. Hu faces is delayed payments. Many of the crane’s tasks are one-off jobs, such as hoisting a sign, and payment often comes after the work is completed. Sometimes clients cannot be reached after the job is done, and phone calls go unanswered. This has led to several outstanding payments, and Mr. Hu is now spending much of his time chasing payments, especially during the off-peak season.
   
2. Traffic Control Regulations
   A recent regulation by Beijing’s traffic management authorities prohibits trucks, construction vehicles, and other heavy-duty vehicles from entering the 6th ring road without a permit starting December 21. This has created significant difficulties for Mr. Hu, as most of his work is within the city. With this new rule, he will now have to focus on more scattered jobs in the suburbs, and much of his time will be spent with the crane idle.
   

Recently, we visited a large equipment distribution hub in Changping District, Beijing, where we interviewed Mr. Xu, a machine owner who has been operating various types of construction equipment for several years. This hub, which includes nearly 100 pieces of equipment such as excavators, loaders, and cranes, is one of the largest in the area. Mr. Xu has owned multiple machines, including a Hitachi 60 mini excavator, a Takeuchi TB150C mini excavator, and the main machine of focus, a Doosan DX225LC-7 large excavator, which he uses most frequently.
Purchase Information
Mr. Xu is originally from Shandong and bought his Doosan DX225LC-7 excavator through a financing plan in 2009 from Beijing Wabao, a dealer that no longer handles Doosan products. The dealership rights were later transferred to Beijing Dongfang Jianyin. The excavator was purchased through a three-year installment plan, and it accumulated over 9,000 hours of operation. The total repayment amounted to 980,000 RMB, and the vehicle has now been fully paid off.
Operator Information
Mr. Xu employs three operators, including his son, with two additional drivers hired externally. Each operator earns between 4,000 to 5,000 RMB per month. Mr. Xu himself rarely operates the machines and mainly focuses on acquiring work and managing accounts.
Equipment and Work Conditions
The Doosan DX225LC-7 has been primarily used for landscaping, municipal projects, and demolition work in the suburbs of Beijing. Specific tasks include trench management, municipal pipeline excavation, villa foundation digging, and low-rise building demolition. Out of the 9,000 hours on this machine, over 1,500 hours were spent using a hydraulic breaker, with the rest dedicated to earthmoving.
According to Mr. Xu, the typical construction rates in Beijing are as follows:

• Large excavators: 2,400 RMB per shift
  
• Large excavators with a breaker: 3,500–4,000 RMB per shift
  
• Small excavators: 800 RMB per shift
  
• Small excavators with a breaker: 1,400–1,600 RMB per shift
  

In the construction machinery industry, no one understands the true nature of a machine better than the operators who work with it daily. In this review, we interview Mr. Zhang, who operates the only Volvo EW145B wheeled excavator in North China. Let's dive into his insights and experiences with this particular machine.
Purchase Details
Through our conversation with Mr. Zhang, we learned that the owner of this excavator, Mr. Ding from Zhangjiakou, Hebei, entered the excavator business this year. His main focus is on landscaping projects. Mr. Ding purchased this Volvo EW145B wheeled excavator in May of this year through an installment payment plan. The exact payment terms are unclear, but we learned from the dealer that the current market price for this machine is around 1.2 million RMB (prices may vary depending on the dealer). Mr. Ding now owns four excavators, two mini excavators and two large ones, all purchased this year and in regular operation.
Operator Profile
Mr. Zhang, the operator of this excavator, is around 25 years old and comes from Xingtai, Hebei. He graduated from a vocational school specializing in excavator operation and has been working as an operator since 2006. Over the years, he has operated various wheeled excavators, including popular models from Doosan (DH150W, DH210W) and Hyundai (150W, 210W). Given that Volvo wheeled excavators are relatively rare in the domestic market, Mr. Zhang's feedback on the EW145B is highly valuable.
Work Conditions
Mr. Ding primarily focuses on landscaping projects, particularly earthworks like trenching, backfilling, and leveling. One of Mr. Zhang's primary tasks is tree planting, a common job in landscaping projects. He mentioned that wheeled excavators, compared to tracked excavators, have significant advantages in terms of speed, turning radius, maneuverability, and ground pressure, which is essential in preventing soil compaction that affects water infiltration.
Currently, the excavator is working on a park project for a residential complex in Changping, Beijing. The project is relatively small in scale, with the main tasks being leveling and planting. The excavator's workload is manageable, and there are only a few hours of work left in the project, as most of the major tasks have been completed.
Efficiency and Performance
Work Efficiency
Based on more than six months of use, Mr. Zhang believes the Volvo EW145B performs well in daily operations. He noted that the machine can handle most tasks efficiently with the throttle set to a medium-low level. Compared to other brands he has operated, he observed that typically, a bulldozer blade is required to stabilize the chassis during digging operations. However, with this Volvo model, no such action is needed, which improves operational ease and stability.
Fuel Consumption
Mr. Zhang expressed satisfaction with the fuel efficiency of the Volvo EW145B. According to him, just 400 RMB of fuel is sufficient for a full day of work. This translates to an estimated fuel consumption of about 7 liters per hour.
Product Performance and Issues
1. Long-Term Fault Alarms
Since its purchase in May, the Volvo EW145B has worked for approximately 1,160 hours, and the major systems have functioned well without issues like oil leaks or engine shutdowns. The only issue encountered was a brake warning light, which occurred once but did not affect operations. After contacting after-sales service, a sensor was replaced, and the alarm disappeared.
2. Occasional Engine Noise on Startup
Mr. Zhang noted that sometimes when starting the engine in the mornings, he hears unusual engine noises. However, this happens infrequently. After inspection, the after-sales service team suspected that the issue might be related to the fuel quality. Mr. Zhang plans to clean the fuel tank after the New Year to determine the exact cause of the noise.
After-Sales Service
Mr. Zhang and Mr. Ding are both satisfied with the after-sales service provided by the dealer. Since all four of Mr. Ding’s excavators are from Volvo, they are considered key customers, and the manufacturer has been responsive to their service needs.
Conclusion
Feedback from operators is the most direct way to evaluate construction machinery. Mr. Zhang's insights into the Volvo EW145B wheeled excavator will undoubtedly deepen over time as he continues to operate it. We will continue to follow the performance and updates of this machine and keep you informed of any new developments.