Volvo EW145B Wheel Excavator Specifications and Performance Overview

[MikePhua]

The Volvo EW145B is a versatile wheeled excavator designed for demanding construction, urban infrastructure, and material handling tasks. This machine combines strong digging capabilities, mobility, and operator comfort, making it a preferred choice across diverse job sites. This article presents a detailed and unique summary of the Volvo EW145B’s key specifications, technologies, operating principles, maintenance considerations, and practical insights to help operators and fleet managers optimize its use.
Key Machine Specifications

• Operating Weight: Approximately 12,800 to 15,000 kg, allowing both robust performance and relatively low ground pressure suitable for various terrain types.
  
• Engine Power: Powered by a Volvo D6E engine delivering about 110 kW (150 horsepower) at 2,000 rpm, balancing power and fuel efficiency.
  
• Bucket Capacity: Ranges between 0.25 and 0.82 cubic meters, ideal for medium-scale excavation and loading tasks.
  
• Maximum Lifting Capacity: Approximately 4,860 kg, enabling the handling of heavy loads within its size class.
  
• Maximum Digging Reach and Depth: Reaches up to about 7.7 meters in radius and digs to a depth near 4.7 meters, providing solid working envelope for many applications.
  
• Breakout Force: Measures about 92.1 kN under normal conditions and up to 97.1 kN in boost mode, ensuring strong excavation power.
  
• Travel Speed: Can travel up to 37 km/h, promoting quick site-to-site mobility on paved surfaces.
  
• Tail Swing Radius: Around 2,290 mm, facilitating work in confined spaces with minimal clearance requirements.
  

Advanced Features and Operator Comfort
Volvo equips the EW145B with a comfortable and ergonomic operator cabin designed for long shifts and enhanced productivity:

• The cab offers excellent visibility, noise reduction, and vibration damping to minimize operator fatigue.
  
• A flow control system allows operators to adjust hydraulic oil flow to attachments directly from the cabin, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
  
• Safety systems include servo-hydraulically actuated, self-adjusting wet multidisc brakes operating in two circuits and an emergency parking brake with a mechanical lock.
  
• The machine features a robust torsion box welded frame and an oscillating front axle with automatic or operator-controlled lock, improving traction and stability on uneven terrain.
  
• Twin wheels (9.00x20 - 14PR) with optional front axle oscillation enhance grip and maneuverability.
  

Hydraulic and Mechanical Systems

• The EW145B uses a sophisticated hydraulic system optimized for multi-function use, providing excellent response and power to its boom, bucket, swing, and travel functions.
  
• Hydraulic system pressure reaches around 330 - 350 kg/cm^2 for powerful and consistent operation.
  
• The two-step Power Shift gearbox efficiently transfers power to front and rear axles, with hub reductions enhancing torque delivery.
  
• The machine’s design balances tool carrier capabilities with thoroughbred digging power, lending flexibility for material handling, utility work, and storm debris clearing.
  

Technical Terminology Clarified

• Operating Weight: Total machine weight including fluids and standard equipment.
  
• Breakout Force: The maximum force a bucket can exert to break through hard surfaces.
  
• Tail Swing Radius: The distance the rear of the machine extends beyond the tracks during rotation.
  
• Power Shift Gearbox: A transmission that shifts gears under load with power transfer maintained.
  
• Oscillating Axle: An axle that tilts to adjust to ground contours for better traction.
  
• Flow Control: Hydraulic system capability to vary oil flow rate for attachment speed control.
  
• Multidisc Brakes: Braking systems utilizing multiple friction discs for effective stopping power.
  
• Boost Mode: A temporary increase in hydraulic pressure to deliver maximum breakout force.
  

Maintenance and Operational Recommendations

• Regular inspection of hydraulic fluid cleanliness and filter condition greatly influences performance and longevity.
  
• Operators should regularly check braking system components, including brake fluid, discs, and actuators, to ensure safety.
  
• The oscillating front axle lock should be engaged or disengaged appropriately to match terrain conditions and minimize tire wear.
  
• Cooling system maintenance, including radiator and hydraulic oil cooler cleaning, is essential to prevent overheating during prolonged work.
  
• Proper tire inflation and twin wheel maintenance improve stability and extend service life, especially on rough or off-road terrain.
  
• Operators should take advantage of the machine’s hydraulic flow control feature to optimize attachment functions and improve cycle times.
  

Real-World Insights
A municipal utility contractor using the Volvo EW145B praised its versatile size and quick travel capabilities for navigating city streets and maintenance yards. The operator noted the ease of adjusting hydraulic flow from inside the cab allowed faster switching between digging and loading tasks without interruption. Regular maintenance schedules emphasizing fluid changes and brake servicing prevented downtime during a winter storm debris cleanup, where reliable machine uptime was critical.
Summary List of Volvo EW145B Features and Advice

• Operating weight: 12,800 – 15,000 kg for balanced mobility and strength
  
• Engine: Volvo D6E 110 kW (150 hp) at 2000 rpm
  
• Bucket capacity: 0.25 – 0.82 m³ for flexible material handling
  
• Max lifting capacity: ~4,860 kg with robust breakout force (up to 97.1 kN)
  
• Digging reach: Up to 7.7 m radius, digging depth near 4.7 m
  
• Travel speed: Up to 37 km/h for site mobility
  
• Tail swing radius: ~2,290 mm suitable for confined spaces
  
• Comfortable, low-noise cabin with flow control and ergonomic layout
  
• Durable torsion box frame and oscillating front axle for stability
  
• Servo-hydraulic, self-adjusting wet multidisc brakes with dual circuits
  
• Maintenance: fluid cleanliness, brake inspection, axle lock usage, and cooling system care
  

Conclusion
The Volvo EW145B wheel excavator stands out as a highly functional, mobile, and operator-friendly machine tailored for a broad range of construction, utility, and material handling applications. Its strong engine, responsive hydraulics, and thoughtful cab design enable efficient and comfortable operation, while key features like flow control and robust braking enhance productivity and safety. Regular maintenance and operator awareness of system features ensure long machine life and consistent performance.