6 hours ago
Volvo’s Heavy Excavator Lineage
The Volvo EC700CL is a flagship model in Volvo Construction Equipment’s large excavator lineup, designed for high-volume earthmoving, quarrying, and infrastructure development. Introduced in the late 2000s, the EC700CL was built to compete in the 70-ton class, offering a blend of brute force, hydraulic finesse, and operator comfort. Volvo CE, headquartered in Sweden and a subsidiary of the Volvo Group, has been manufacturing construction machinery since the 1830s, with a global reputation for safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
By 2010, the EC700CL had gained traction in European and North American markets, particularly in rail construction, mining, and large-scale slope work. Its popularity stemmed from its ability to handle oversized buckets, tilt attachments, and deep trenching tasks without compromising stability or fuel efficiency.
Core Specifications and Performance Profile
The EC700CL is powered by a Volvo D16E engine, a 16-liter turbocharged diesel producing approximately 472 horsepower. Its operating weight ranges from 69,000 to 72,000 kg depending on configuration. Key specs include:
Slope Buckets and Custom Attachments
One standout feature of the EC700CL is its compatibility with oversized tilt buckets. In one Scandinavian rail project, the machine was fitted with a 6-yard slope bucket manufactured by Serameko Cerapid, a Swedish attachment specialist. The bucket measured over 10 feet wide and required a reinforced quick coupler and high-flow hydraulics to operate effectively.
Tilt buckets allow operators to shape embankments, drainage channels, and road shoulders with precision. However, their weight and torque demand careful calibration. In this case, a Volvo L70D wheel loader attempted to lift the bucket during unloading but failed due to its mass. A larger Volvo BM L160 was brought in to complete the task, highlighting the scale of the attachment.
Operator Experience and Field Stories
Operators who’ve run the EC700CL often describe it as “a beast with finesse.” One veteran in Southern California recalled using the machine for several months on a highway expansion project. The excavator handled deep trenching and rock breaking with ease, even when paired with a hydraulic hammer and ripper tooth.
Another operator in Canada praised the tilt bucket setup, noting that it allowed him to finish slope grading in half the time compared to traditional methods. He joked that the bucket “wasn’t cheap to build,” but the time savings and finish quality justified the investment.
In Sweden, the EC700CL was used to load Volvo A40D articulated haulers with deep bucket configurations. The pairing of these two machines created a high-efficiency cycle for moving bulk material across rugged terrain.
Transport and Setup Considerations
Due to its size, the EC700CL requires disassembly for transport. The boom, stick, counterweight, and tracks are typically removed and shipped separately. Setup on-site involves a support crane and a crew of 3–5 technicians. Depending on conditions, full assembly can take 1–2 days.
Contractors must also consider ground pressure and access routes. The EC700CL’s wide tracks help distribute weight, but soft ground or urban sites may require matting or reinforced pads. In some cases, the machine is delivered on lowboy trailers with hydraulic ramps to facilitate unloading.
Maintenance and Reliability
Volvo designed the EC700CL with serviceability in mind. Key features include:
Recommendations for Fleet Managers and Buyers
When considering the EC700CL for a fleet, evaluate the following:
Conclusion
The Volvo EC700CL represents the convergence of Scandinavian engineering, operator-focused design, and industrial-scale performance. Whether shaping rail embankments in Sweden or trenching highways in North America, this excavator delivers power, precision, and reliability. With the right attachments and skilled operators, it transforms from a heavy-duty digger into a sculptor of landscapes—moving mountains one bucket at a time.
The Volvo EC700CL is a flagship model in Volvo Construction Equipment’s large excavator lineup, designed for high-volume earthmoving, quarrying, and infrastructure development. Introduced in the late 2000s, the EC700CL was built to compete in the 70-ton class, offering a blend of brute force, hydraulic finesse, and operator comfort. Volvo CE, headquartered in Sweden and a subsidiary of the Volvo Group, has been manufacturing construction machinery since the 1830s, with a global reputation for safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
By 2010, the EC700CL had gained traction in European and North American markets, particularly in rail construction, mining, and large-scale slope work. Its popularity stemmed from its ability to handle oversized buckets, tilt attachments, and deep trenching tasks without compromising stability or fuel efficiency.
Core Specifications and Performance Profile
The EC700CL is powered by a Volvo D16E engine, a 16-liter turbocharged diesel producing approximately 472 horsepower. Its operating weight ranges from 69,000 to 72,000 kg depending on configuration. Key specs include:
- Bucket capacity: up to 6 cubic yards (4,600 liters)
- Maximum digging depth: 7.5 meters
- Maximum reach: 12 meters
- Hydraulic flow: 2 x 360 L/min
- Breakout force: over 300 kN
- Undercarriage: reinforced X-frame with double grouser tracks
Slope Buckets and Custom Attachments
One standout feature of the EC700CL is its compatibility with oversized tilt buckets. In one Scandinavian rail project, the machine was fitted with a 6-yard slope bucket manufactured by Serameko Cerapid, a Swedish attachment specialist. The bucket measured over 10 feet wide and required a reinforced quick coupler and high-flow hydraulics to operate effectively.
Tilt buckets allow operators to shape embankments, drainage channels, and road shoulders with precision. However, their weight and torque demand careful calibration. In this case, a Volvo L70D wheel loader attempted to lift the bucket during unloading but failed due to its mass. A larger Volvo BM L160 was brought in to complete the task, highlighting the scale of the attachment.
Operator Experience and Field Stories
Operators who’ve run the EC700CL often describe it as “a beast with finesse.” One veteran in Southern California recalled using the machine for several months on a highway expansion project. The excavator handled deep trenching and rock breaking with ease, even when paired with a hydraulic hammer and ripper tooth.
Another operator in Canada praised the tilt bucket setup, noting that it allowed him to finish slope grading in half the time compared to traditional methods. He joked that the bucket “wasn’t cheap to build,” but the time savings and finish quality justified the investment.
In Sweden, the EC700CL was used to load Volvo A40D articulated haulers with deep bucket configurations. The pairing of these two machines created a high-efficiency cycle for moving bulk material across rugged terrain.
Transport and Setup Considerations
Due to its size, the EC700CL requires disassembly for transport. The boom, stick, counterweight, and tracks are typically removed and shipped separately. Setup on-site involves a support crane and a crew of 3–5 technicians. Depending on conditions, full assembly can take 1–2 days.
Contractors must also consider ground pressure and access routes. The EC700CL’s wide tracks help distribute weight, but soft ground or urban sites may require matting or reinforced pads. In some cases, the machine is delivered on lowboy trailers with hydraulic ramps to facilitate unloading.
Maintenance and Reliability
Volvo designed the EC700CL with serviceability in mind. Key features include:
- Centralized lubrication points
- Wide-opening engine hood with gas struts
- Onboard diagnostics via CareTrack telematics
- Modular hydraulic filters and cooling cores
Recommendations for Fleet Managers and Buyers
When considering the EC700CL for a fleet, evaluate the following:
- Match bucket size and attachment weight to hydraulic capacity
- Ensure transport logistics can accommodate disassembly and reassembly
- Train operators on load-sensing hydraulics and tilt bucket control
- Use telematics to monitor fuel consumption and service intervals
- Schedule preventive maintenance to avoid downtime during peak seasons
Conclusion
The Volvo EC700CL represents the convergence of Scandinavian engineering, operator-focused design, and industrial-scale performance. Whether shaping rail embankments in Sweden or trenching highways in North America, this excavator delivers power, precision, and reliability. With the right attachments and skilled operators, it transforms from a heavy-duty digger into a sculptor of landscapes—moving mountains one bucket at a time.
