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+--- Thread: Volvo EW145B Wheeled Excavator Performance Review (/thread-5706.html)
Volvo EW145B Wheeled Excavator Performance Review - MikePhua - 06-29-2025
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.