Wrecking balls are tools of the past. Excavators have the capability to more strategically and safely dismantle structures, and many contractors I talk to view demolition as a growth opportunity for their business. This leaves them with the decision to either purchase a factory-fitted machine th

Since launching our A60H – the world’s first 60-ton fully articulated hauler — we’ve had a lot of interest. But being an entirely new size class to the industry, a lot of customers are wondering just how to integrate a 60-ton machine into their existing fleet of smaller haulers. For instance, co

Before joining Volvo, I spent many years as a sales and marketing manager for an equipment dealer. I remember traveling with the Volvo hauler sales rep at that time and saying, “If I ever got a job at Volvo, I’d want to work with haulers.” And now here I am, in what I consider my dream job. Volv

With each new model year, equipment becomes even more technology-rich — adding new standard features and optional add-ons that promise increased productivity. As we rolled out Volvo Dig Assist, our excavator machine control system, I’ve had a lot of interest from customers, but also a lot of que

The past, present and future of wheel loader innovation. It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since I started an apprenticeship as a mechanic for Volvo Construction Equipment. Back then, there were no computers, no information displays, no ability to run electrical diagnostics; there were no

We all know an idle machine isn’t making you money, but many don’t realize how much money an idle machine is actually costing you. It’s a discussion I often have with our customers, and the question I usually get back is, “Well, what’s an appropriate idle percentage for my fleet?” While every si

While telematics adoption is on the rise, most fleet owners primarily use only its most basic functionality to manage service intervals and react to alarm codes. While helpful, this basic use only scratches the surface of the technology’s capabilities and profit potential. Challenges remain for

Fuel is one of the top equipment operating expenses for owners, but with a few small changes in excavator operator behavior, those costs can be cut significantly. Here are a few ways to save on fuel consumption using Volvo excavators: AUTO IDLE The feature automatically lowers RPMs after 5

For excavator operators, balancing engine RPM with hydraulic flow should be as simple as possible. That’s why at Volvo, for example, we integrate everything into a single dial. By moving this dial, you change both the pump flow and engine speed — a feature unique to Volvo excavators. By choosing

Trenching and loading with an excavator is so common that it’s not unusual for operators to form habits in how they set up their worksites and use their machines. But no matter an operator’s level of experience, everyone could use some tips on getting the most from their machines, while making t

When designing a new generation of hauler, manufacturers are up against several challenges. First, how to increase performance and payload while also improving fuel efficiency. And second, how to add new technological and safety features while maintaining ease of use. From a customer standpoint,

Any small problem can eventually turn into a big one. Simple preventive steps and quick examinations can go a long way toward extending your excavator’s lifespan and ensuring more uptime. Here are some quick tips to help you keep your excavators in peak condition. EXCAVATOR INSPECTION: START OF

Here’s a comparison wheel loader operators working at a face don’t often hear: If you’re doing it right, it’s like ballet. OK, hear me out on this. In my numerous visits to mines, I’ve noticed that what separates the really good operators from the OK ones is that it almost looks like they’re goi

“How big is the bucket?” That’s what most people ask when deciding what’s the best bucket to use on their wheel loader. They want to move as much material as possible, so it seems obvious to them that they should buy whatever bucket fits their wheel loader and has the most volume. In reality, v

I hear from contractors all the time who want to be more competitive. They see opportunities to bid on all phases of a project — not only the site preparation and construction, but also the demolition phase. Having a two-in-one excavator can help them do this. Contractors can use a high reach ex

The process of overburden removal is a major consideration for mines. There are different ways to handle it, and each option is worthy of evaluating the cost and time to do it. If you’re using rigid trucks in the 50-to-75-ton range, switching to articulated trucks could give you some big advanta

One thing I’m really excited to see finally catching on in the U.S. is the use of tiltrotators on excavators. I often hear from my customers that once they’ve tried it and gotten the hang of it, they say they don’t know how they lived without it all those years. But I still hear from a lot of pe

Having spent 40 years in the industry, I can say there have been major improvements in both jobsite safety practices and wheel loader safety during that time. But, ultimately, safety needs to be a coordinated approach between operator training and the use of loader technology. Here are a few saf

Since we launched our managed telematics service, ActiveCare Direct, in 2017, I’ve heard from a lot of customers who are wondering if it’s a replacement to our web portal telematics program, CareTrack, which was launched in 2007. The answer depends on what you hope to get from your t

A thorough equipment walkaround before starting a shift can make a big difference, and it doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Every good articulated truck operator should establish a daily routine of prestart checks. Regular machine upkeep can ensure safety, while improving productivity and upti