THE ALL-NEW EC27C MINI EXCAVATOR
At 2800kgs, the EC27C is currently Volvo’s smallest C-series mini excavator replacing both the EC25 and EC30 models. But is it good enough to fill both pairs of boots?
The all-new EC27C is a significant leap forward over the two models it replaces. There is a larger cab with more glass and better visibility, plus a huge improvement in operator comfort over the EC25 and EC30 models it now replaces.
There’s a change of engine supplier and engine location too. Where there was once a Mitsubishi engine, there’s now a Yanmar-sourced three-cylinder diesel engine that has been fettled and tweaked to meet Volvo’s exacting standards. It’s called the D1.6DCAE4 and is a 1640cc engine that delivers 26.5hp at a leisurely 2200rpm. There is more torque too, with 103Nm at 1320rpm.
The D1.6D engine can be found on the right-hand side of the machine instead of being stuffed into the rear, and this relocation has complimented the use of a larger cab. But perhaps more importantly, it has allowed Volvo designers to give a level of maintenance and service access previously unheard of in this size machine. A top-hinged side panel gives access to the engine, cooling pack and storage space in front of the radiators, while getting to the hydraulic system, its valves and filters is achieved by removing three bolts to allow the rear curved body panel to be lifted away.
The EC27C’s cab gets a curved glass rear screen with a very slim rear corner post – the idea was to improve visibility and machine aesthetics, but not at the expense of the owner, says Volvo.
The cab door stays with flat glass panels, and the door also remains inside the counterweight’s profile when it’s pinned open, eliminating the risk of it being ripped off when it’s fixed in the open position.
Clever use of glass and an unconventional cab frame – there’s no B-post on the right-hand side, nor C-post on the left – have created a spacious environment with a tremendous view all around the excavator. The front screen can be raised into the roof space using two gas struts, and the lower front screen can also be clipped into the main window and be raised with it, for safe keeping. And those fearful of over-heating in such a heavily glazed cab can always check the aircon option – it simply hasn’t been available on a Volvo mini of this size, before.
Boom offset is controlled using a thumb switch on the right-hand joystick, which is said to add to operating convenience. The same control also doubles up as the third service valve for hydraulically powered attachments that are fitted to the excavator, though it’s currently only an on/off switch. And there’s an electrical potentiometer coming to the EC27C to allow fine-tuning of the third service flow rate.
The blade control lever is located off to the right-hand side of the cab’s console. And in addition to the lift and lower function, it also offers blade float. Accessing it requires the lever to be pulled upwards before being pushed forward.
A closed-centre hydraulic system with a variable displacement load-sensing pump delivers up to 62 litres/minute. Volvo’s advanced mode control matches engine power to hydraulic output, giving the joysticks a much more intuitive feel when it comes to metering out speed and flow. It also comes with auto-idle too, which kicks in after just five seconds.
Up front is a 2.0m monobloc boom fitted with a 1.5m stick which is standard UK spec, with a shorter, 1.2m stick being optional. And a double-pin kingpost design now gives better hose routing to the boom.
The EC27C shares the same 300mm Bridgestone rubber tracks and Berco components as its predecessors. There are two tracking speeds and an auto speed control that adjusts the machine’s tracking speed according to terrain and blade load.
Climbing into the cab reveals just how good a view the EC27C operator now gets. Controls are clearly labelled and sensibly laid out, the front windscreen latches are easy to use and the glass screen is effortless to lift thanks to gas struts. The seat has a useful level of adjustment to give plenty of legroom – though it could benefit from a taller backrest to give a bit more support.
The EC27C simply doesn’t feel cramped inside, meaning it’ll be much easier to spend long days in the cab. Though the location of the screen wash bottle – tucked into the rear offside corner post – leaves me somewhat puzzled, particularly when there’s so much free storage space in front of the engine’s cooling pack, for example.
Turning the key brings the D1.6D easily to life – it’s a cable controlled throttle, so I reach for the lever and put on a few revs. Securing the left-hand pod authorises the controls, and we’re away.
Carrying a 600mm earth auger, there’s a chance to bore some post holes before switching attachments. It’s easy enough to use, once the machine has been correctly sited. With the auger tip hovering over its location, a press of a button on the back of the left-hand joystick toggles between boom offset and third service hydraulic power. With the offset now isolated, I can control the auger’s direction of rotation using the thumb rocker switch. It needs little more than engine tickover, too, to bore through our green site and is a testament to the oil flow and power available from the EC27C.
But switching to the soil rake makes much more use of the mini excavator’s working envelope and performance. There’s plenty of speed from the boom and arm, and a useful level of response from the control levers. And with the door and windows closed, there’s not much noise getting into the cab, either.
I glance at the throttle to see there’s not much more than half-revs engaged. I push the EC27 to full power, but after a few minutes realise that the speed and strength now on tap simply isn’t necessary for this tidying and levelling task. All I’m doing is wasting diesel, and I knock the revs back a peg or two. Fortunately, there is end-of-stroke cushioning on the boom ram, dipper ram and both sides of the offset ram – and it is sometimes necessary, given the speed that is available from the EC27C.
Levelling part of our test site using the blade proves how effective the auto-adjusting two-speed tracking system is. When you need to take a bite and push dirt over a useful distance, the EC27C is more than capable. As the load builds in front of the blade, the tracking speed automatically adjusts itself so the engine doesn’t suffocate under load. But it’s not just good at pushing dirt or using a wide variety of attachments – this Volvo mini is equally as good at digging holes too. It’s sure-footed and precise, and the way the hydraulic system has been designed means this mini excavator is highly effective at blending its offset and slew functions without feeling like one has priority over the other. There’s no doubt that the EC27C packs modern looks in a package that has a generous cab too. It is certainly worth a closer look – if you’re in the market for a mini excavator that’s nudging three tonnes and this model is not on your short list, then you really could be missing out.
Independent reporter, Geoff Ashcroft, reports from the cab for the VOICE magazine