Editor's note: This article has been updated.

By Harlee Hewitt, Associate Editor

Volvo has upgraded the EC300 excavator and replaced the EC250 excavator with the Volvo EC260 excavator. The two excavators are part of Volvo’s next generation upgrades, which won a 2024 Top 100 Award and brings the excavator lineup to eight models.

Both excavators have been updated with an optimized electro-hydraulic system, smart cooling system, and engine speed regulation that enable them to be 15% more fuel efficient that their predecessors.

The 260-horsepower Volvo EC300 is a 68,000-pound machine that digs to 24 feet 1 inch. Bucket capacity is 1.98 cubic yards, and the excavator has a max digging reach of 35 feet 2 inches. Breakout force is 44,300 lb.-ft., and lifting capacity is 19,158 pounds.

The Volvo EC300 features a electro-hydraulic Volvo D8M Tier 4f (Stage V) engine uses Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology (V-ACT), which offer precise, high-pressure fuel injectors, a turbo charger, an air-to-air intercooler, and electronic engine controls to optimize machine performance.

The Volvo EC260 digs to 23 feet 2 inches with a maximum digging reach of 33 feet 11 inches. The 59,000-pound excavator is powered by a 231-horsepower diesel engine. Bucket capacity is 1.73 cubic yards, and breakout force is 37,320 lb.-ft.

The next gen lineup features better hydraulic control, 10 work modes, and a creep travel mode that is coupled with boom and arm shock reduction for reduced spillage.

Electro-hybrid maintenance

Volvo EC300 Volvo D8M Tier 4f (Stage V) engine with Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology.

Maintaining the Volvo EC300 Hybrid excavator shares many similarities with traditional diesel models, with a few key differences due to the hybrid technology. According to S.S. Kim, product manager for Mid-Size Excavators at Volvo Construction Equipment, the hybrid systems in these machines are designed to reduce maintenance complexity while enhancing performance and reliability.

“The hybrid models have fewer hoses and couplings compared to their diesel counterparts, which reduces potential failure points,” says Kim. This design helps minimize the overall maintenance requirements. The system relies on a combination of hydraulic flow and valves.

Although there are additional hybrid-specific components, such as the hydraulic accumulator that stores energy from the boom’s downward motion, they do not significantly alter maintenance routines. “These components are not complicated, and their maintenance is minimal,” Kim says. Regular checks should focus on engine oil levels, filters, and hydraulic lines, similar to the maintenance checks for diesel-powered excavators.

One key aspect of hybrid maintenance is the lack of additional attention needed for the battery. “Our hybrid technology does not have electrical components or batteries that require special maintenance beyond regular charging,” Kim says.

Aside from hybrid-specific elements, the maintenance of other machine parts, such as tracks, is the same as for diesel models. Kim emphasizes the importance of routine checks on transmission, hydraulic, and coolant fluids to ensure smooth machine operation. Kim says Volvo reccomends telematics to monitor the health of the machine remotely.

Technology updates

Next-generation Volvo excavators have an improved human-machine interface (HMI) and a larger, higher-resolution Co-Pilot tablet.

Technology upgrades include Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, providing 360-degree visibility and the ability to distinguish between objects and humans. Volvo Active Control works with an advanced electric joystick to automate boom and bucket movement.

Cab enhancements included an updated seat, larger heated side mirror, and additional lights. Keyless start enables the storage of multiple operator preference settings.