Volvo CE creates demolition giant with its largest high-reach excavator

Volvo Construction Equipment is raising the bar in demolition with the launch of the EC950 High Reach — the largest high-reach excavator in the Volvo portfolio. It joins the EC400 High Reach, EC500 High Reach, and EC750 High Reach machines.

As the industry increasingly shifts toward high-reach dismantling for multi-story projects, purpose-built excavators offer a safer and more controlled solution. The EC950 High Reach combines a modular multi-configuration design with outstanding stability, advanced demolition technology, and safety features to deliver powerful, reliable, and efficient performance on the tallest and tightest job sites.

Modular design for ease of transportation

A key concern for contractors operating machines at this scale is the challenge of transportation. Volvo has considered every element of the EC950 High Reach's design — including weight, height, and length — to ensure that it remains within standard transportation dimensions.

Central to this design is the modular multi-configuration boom and arm concept, which allows for simple assembly and disassembly. This is complemented by a series of innovative solutions for easier transportation, including hydraulic removable counterweight, detachable side tracks, modular boom and arm sections and hinged walkways. The modular design of the undercarriage with hook-on track units further reduces the transport weight of the separate parts of the machine.

With a maximum transport height of just 11 feet 9 inches (3.6 metres), hook-on-type modular joints, and hydraulic cylinder-type pins, the machine can be quickly configured on-site to suit the specific job requirements at hand.

Not only does this flexible design reduce the cost and complexity of transportation, but it also enables demolition contractors to use the same machine across multiple applications with a variety of pin heights and allowed tool weights, helping to minimize initial investment and maximize return.

Unrivaled stability and strength

Built to meet Volvo Ultra High Reach (UHR) stability criteria, the EC950 High Reach delivers stability even when operating with heavy attachments and extended reach. The durable Volvo undercarriage, plus a purpose-built upper frame with boom adapter and larger boom and cylinder pins, provides the strength and durability required for high-stress demolition environments. This is combined with a specially developed ring gear able to withstand the enormous forces a machine of this size creates.

Advanced demolition features boost productivity and safety

The EC950 High Reach is equipped with a comprehensive suite of demolition-specific features designed to improve operator comfort, enhance visibility and increase jobsite safety. A tilting cab with up to 30 degrees of tilt provides excellent upward visibility, while the removable 84,000-lb. (38.1-ton) counterweight and new undercarriage design support safer handling of heavy loads.

Real-time safety monitoring is delivered through the Volvo total moment indicator (TMI), providing operators with continuous feedback to help prevent tipping or overloading and ensuring safer, more efficient demolition operations. Volvo Smart View cameras with optional obstacle detection enhance safety for operators and site teams.

The high-visibility cab is fitted with P5A certified polycarbonate windows and a frame-mounted falling object guard (FOG), helping to protect operators from falling debris. Additional features like undercover protection, full track guards, a slew ring cover, and boom and bucket cylinder protectors further safeguard critical machine components.

CareTrack standard telematics and ActiveCare Direct advanced telematics provide real-time machine health data and predictive maintenance alerts to keep fleets productive and protected.

Redesigned operator environment

With the EC950 High Reach, Volvo continues to provide comfortable operator environments. Inside the spacious, low-noise cab, all machine interfaces — including joysticks, keypad and LCD monitor — are ergonomically positioned for intuitive and efficient operation. Easy cab access is provided via a wide door opening, while hydraulic dampening mounts and sound-absorbing lining reduce shock, vibration, and noise levels.

A fully adjustable ergonomic seat with independently moving joystick console allows operators to tailor the cab to their preferred working position, supporting comfort, safety, and productivity over long shifts. Whatever the weather, an integrated heating and air conditioning system distributes pressurized, filtered air through multiple vents to maintain a comfortable working environment.

Integrated dust suppression

In response to the increasing scrutiny and regulation demolition operations face around dust creation, the EC950 High Reach comes complete with an integrated dust suppression and cleaning system. Dual water spray nozzles effectively control airborne dust, while a high-pressure washer helps keep components clean during operation. The result is a cleaner working environment for those in the cab, on the job site, and in the nearby community. The system is also designed to keep key components clean, helping to improve machine longevity and reduce maintenance requirements.

"The EC950 High Reach is the latest Special Application Solution from Volvo. It has an operating weight of over 400,000 pounds and maximum height of 161 feet while working with a 7,500-pound tool," said Tony den Hoed, director of strategic demolition accounts for Volvo Construction Equipment North America. "It combines size, strength, and intelligent design to enable customers to achieve outstanding results on the largest and most challenging demolition projects."