R J Brooks & Son Ltd is a family run business centred at Crediton, Devon undertaking all manner of groundworking contracts from small private jobs to large £1m plus projects. The recent addition of a Volvo EC18C mini excavator is the second Volvo machine Mr Brooks has owned, and was chosen thanks to a good experience with a previously owned ECR58. “The EC18C is an ideal size for most of the smaller projects we undertake and based on our past experience with the larger machine, I have to say I can’t fault the product,” says Mr Brooks. “It’s also re-assuring to know we can rely on Volvo’s local dealer for service and back up and the team at Plant & Engineering Services do just that,” he continued.

To enhance the versatility of the EC18C R J Brooks has acquired a hydraulically operated tilt bucket which is ideally suited to grading and backfilling applications. The machine is also used on hammer work and both hammer and tilt functions are easily accomplished thanks to the standard fitment of hammer / shear lines on the machine.

The new Volvo EC18C is one of four machines ranging between 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes and is a direct replacement for the EC15B XTV model. Powered by a 12.3 Kw (16.8hp) engine, the machine features automatic two speed travel and extendable undercarriage as standard. One significant change on the new models is that hydraulic hoses for the digging equipment are now routed through the boom and cylinders are top mounted to minimize on site damage.

The machine supplied to R J Brooks & Son Ltd features a full cab – a canopy version is also available. The 1.8 tonne compact excavator also benefits from load-sensing hydraulic system for fast cycle times, even when carrying out multiple functions. Maximum dig depth is a generous 2.3 metres.

A single piece engine hood provides unobstructed access to all the engine components whilst the instrument panel provides at-a-glance monitoring of all key functions. The cab’s easy to clean flat floor panel lifts for access to hydraulics and main control valve.

R J Brooks & Son’s Volvo EC18C was supplied Plant & Engineering Services of Beare, near Exeter who are the Volvo utility equipment dealer for the south west of England.