Miwa Construction, a leading contractor based in Japan, recently took delivery of its first-ever Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) excavator—the Volvo ECR355EL—and is already experiencing the advantages it brings. Specializing in a wide range of services, including civil engineering and agricultural projects, Miwa Construction was initially in the market for a 20-ton class machine. However, after an impressive trial run, the company opted for the larger 32-ton ECR355EL, which is now hard at work on a project in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, demolishing and reconstructing a local school.
The decision to invest in the Volvo ECR355EL was not made lightly, as the contractor had never used Volvo machinery before. However, the machine’s performance has exceeded expectations, opening new doors for Miwa Construction in terms of the scale and complexity of projects it can now handle. According to Akio Miwa, President of Miwa Construction Co. Ltd., the team was initially cautious about the machine’s fuel economy. However, after testing it thoroughly, they found it not only to be fuel-efficient but also much quieter and environmentally friendly compared to alternatives from domestic brands.
“We were concerned about fuel consumption at first, but after trying the ECR355EL multiple times, we realized it was superior in many ways. The machine is quieter, emits fewer pollutants, and has significantly lower fuel consumption than expected. It’s also incredibly easy to maneuver in confined spaces, which has increased our work efficiency. The enhanced visibility from the cab has been a huge benefit as well. This excavator will allow us to tackle larger, more challenging projects with greater confidence. Choosing Volvo was a strategic investment that will undoubtedly create new growth opportunities for our company,” said Miwa.
The Volvo ECR355EL was delivered by SKY Construction Equipment, the local Volvo CE dealer, which also provides after-sales support, ensuring that Miwa Construction benefits from minimal machine downtime and maximum productivity. The machine’s unique specifications and capabilities—some of which are unavailable from Japanese manufacturers—have already proven crucial to the success of the current school reconstruction project.
One of the key features that Miwa Construction values most is the short-swing design of the ECR355EL, which offers unmatched stability and balance. This feature allows the operator to fully utilize the machine’s power in tight or uneven areas, perfect for the cramped conditions often found on Japanese job sites. Miwa also opted for an additional dozer blade attachment to improve ground leveling and speed up clean-up operations, a feature that has already proven useful in the school demolition project.
The ECR355EL is equipped with advanced electro-hydraulic technology, which significantly enhances both lifting capacity and digging force. This makes the machine highly versatile, handling tasks such as pipelaying, trench-box installation, and utility work with ease. Additionally, its powerful engine and smart hydraulics ensure that it performs smoothly in various conditions, from rocky landscapes to soft soil.
The cab is another area where the ECR355EL excels. Operators are treated to a spacious, low-noise environment, equipped with features like automatic climate control that help to reduce fatigue and keep them comfortable throughout long working hours. These improvements not only enhance the operator’s efficiency but also promote a safer and more pleasant working experience.
Shoji Isamu, Head of Market Japan at Volvo CE, expressed excitement about the ECR355EL’s debut at Miwa Construction’s project. “We’re thrilled to see the Volvo ECR355EL making such a positive impact on Miwa Construction’s operations. This excavator represents our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. It’s always rewarding to see how our machines help contractors grow and achieve more. We look forward to continuing our support of Miwa Construction’s efforts to provide high-quality construction services.”
Miwa Construction’s decision to go with the Volvo ECR355EL will not only help them scale their operations but also position them as a company ready to take on more complex projects with confidence. With superior fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and reduced emissions, the ECR355EL is sure to be a game-changer for the company.
Fulian Operation Team
2024.11.18
