Volvo Construction Equipment has expanded its next-generation fleet with the launch of the ECR355, a 35-metric-ton short-swing excavator engineered to deliver stronger performance, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced operator comfort. Designed for demanding worksites where space is limited, the ECR355 represents one of Volvo’s most significant excavator upgrades in recent years and is now available for order across North America.
A Compact Design Built for Power
The ECR355 is equipped with a 253-horsepower diesel engine and features a compact 6 ft 8 in tailswing radius, making it ideal for urban projects, roadside construction, utilities, mining support applications, and any environment where maneuverability is essential. Despite its compact form, the machine delivers powerful performance supported by Volvo’s redesigned electro-hydraulic system.
The new hydraulic layout provides smoother, more precise movement of the boom, arm, and bucket, while the smart cooling system and engine-speed regulation technology increase torque at lower rpm levels. As a result, the ECR355 achieves a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to earlier models, delivering lower operating costs without compromising output.
Stronger Lifting and Tractive Performance
Volvo has also focused on increasing the machine’s operational muscle. The new ECR355 offers:
- 7% more lifting capacity, handling up to 26,631 pounds
- 4% more tractive force, enabling better digging, pushing, and climbing capability
These improvements place the ECR355 among the most capable short-tailswing excavators in its class, allowing operators to handle higher loads and tougher ground conditions with confidence.
Advanced Features for Higher Productivity
The ECR355 package includes a wide range of smart technologies aimed at helping contractors work faster, more safely, and more accurately. Key features include:
- Volvo Active Control, which automates boom and bucket movements for up to 45% faster grading with less operator fatigue and fewer mistakes.
- Dig Assist with integrated 2D and 3D functionality, enabling precise in-field design and automated depth, slope, and boundary control.
- New engine work modes tailored for different applications.
- Boom/swing priority functions for optimized digging cycles.
- Hydraulic priority settings, allowing operators to customize performance.
- Comfort Driving Control and a floating dozer blade for added stability and ease.
- Automatic engine shutdown to reduce idle time and fuel waste.
A Full-Size Cab Designed for Operator Comfort
Although the ECR355 is a short-swing excavator, Volvo designed it with a full-size conventional cab, offering 20% more interior space than typical short-radius models. This enhanced cab layout improves comfort, visibility, and productivity during long operating shifts.
Key cab enhancements include:
- 50% stronger cooling performance with new electric fans
- Reduced in-cab noise levels
- Bluetooth connectivity and wireless phone charging
- Expansive storage compartments
- A two-stage air filtration system for cleaner, healthier airflow
Safety is further enhanced through the machine’s 360-degree camera system paired with radar technology, known as Smart View with People and Obstacle Detection, giving operators complete situational awareness around the machine.
Additional operator-focused upgrades include precision joysticks, customizable control settings, new electric travel pedals with fast response, and improved cab access through a tiltable left console and ergonomic handrails.
Lower Operating Costs with Extended Service Intervals
Volvo has prioritized uptime and cost savings with the ECR355’s extended maintenance schedule. The machine requires:
- Engine oil changes every 1,000 hours
- Hydraulic oil changes every 3,000 hours
These extended intervals—among the longest in the industry—help reduce downtime, streamline maintenance planning, and lower total ownership costs for fleet operators and contractors.
A New Benchmark for Short-Swing Excavators
With its combination of short-radius maneuverability, higher lifting performance, smart hydraulic efficiency, operator-focused cab design, and long service intervals, the Volvo ECR355 sets a new standard for modern excavators operating in space-restricted environments. It reflects Volvo’s continued commitment to engineering machines that enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability across the global construction and industrial sectors.
