Used Volvo 290Excavator

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The Volvo EC290 is a 29-tonne class mid-to-large excavator in Volvo Construction Equipment's renowned E-Series lineup. It sits between the EC250 and EC300 models and is designed for heavy-duty applications including general construction, road building, mining, quarrying, and demolition.

📋 Generations & Evolution

Generation	Model	Years	Key Features
1st	EC290B	2003–2006	Original E-Series design
2nd	EC290C	2006–2011	Improved hydraulics & comfort
3rd	EC290D	2011–2016	Efficiency upgrades, better cab
4th	EC290E	2016–2021	Volvo Co-Pilot, 10" display
5th ⭐	EC290F	2021–Present	Latest tech, Stage V engine

✅ The EC290F is the current latest generation (2021–present).

🔧 Technical Specifications (EC290F — Latest)

Parameter	Specification
Operating Weight	~29,000 – 30,500 kg (63,900 – 67,200 lbs)
Engine	Volvo D8.8 / D8.4 Diesel
Emission Standard	Stage V / EPA Tier 4 Final
Engine Power	205 – 215 hp (150 – 158 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Max Digging Depth	7.2 – 7.4 m (23.6 – 24.3 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	10.5 – 11.5 m (34.4 – 37.7 ft)
Max Digging Height	~9.8 – 10.0 m (32.2 – 32.8 ft)
Bucket Capacity	0.8 – 1.6 m³ (1.0 – 2.1 cu yd)
Breakout Force (Boom)	~175 – 190 kN (39,300 – 42,700 lbf)
Bucket Breakout Force	~135 – 145 kN (30,300 – 32,600 lbf)
Track Width	600 mm (23.6 in) triple-grouser shoes
Fuel Tank	~400 L (105.7 gal)
Hydraulic Flow	2 × 260 L/min (dual pump)
Operating Pressure	350 bar (5,076 psi)

🖥️ Cab & Operator Comfort (EC290F)

Feature	Details
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified, pressurized
Display	10-inch (25 cm) high-resolution touchscreen
Climate Control	Fully automatic AC with micro-filter
Seat	Air-suspended, heated, with armrests
Noise Level	~69 dB(A) — very quiet for its class
Visibility	Excellent all-round visibility, large windows
Controls	Ergonomic joysticks with programmable buttons

🤖 Volvo Co-Pilot (Intelligent Machine Control) ⭐

This is a game-changing feature on the EC290F:

System	Function
Co-Pilot – Dig Assist	Automatically controls boom, stick & bucket for precise grading & trenching
Co-Pilot – 2D Grade	2D GPS-based grading — auto-follows design models
Co-Pilot – 3D Grade	3D GPS grading with real-time machine positioning
Co-Pilot – Steer Assist	Assists with boom swing steering for fine positioning
Co-Pilot – Swing Assist	Auto-returns to digging position
Result	Up to 40% faster work, reduced operator fatigue, higher accuracy

& Key Technologies & Features

Technology	Description
🟢 ECO Mode	Reduces engine RPM when full power isn't needed — saves up to 15% fuel
🟢 Auto Engine Speed Control	Engine auto-adjusts to match hydraulic demand
🟢 Auto Idle Shutdown	Engine shuts off after preset idle time
🟢 Volvo Active Link	Wireless telematics — real-time machine monitoring
🟢 CareTrack™	Fleet management & diagnostics via web portal
🟢 One-Key System	Centralized access control & anti-theft
🟢 Volvo SmartBucket	Intelligent bucket system for optimized loading
🟢 Hydraulic Quick Coupler Ready	Fast attachment change (optional)
🟢 Lift Assist	Boost function for heavy lifting tasks

🔄 Attachment Versatility

The EC290F supports a wide range of attachments:

Attachment	Use Case
🪨 Standard Bucket	General digging
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker	Rock breaking / demolition
🪵 Grapple	Material handling, sorting
🔧 Thumb	Pipe handling, precise gripping
🪚 Hydraulic Shear	Steel cutting
🏗️ Tiltrotator	360° rotation of any attachment
🪣 Ripper	Hard ground / frozen material
🔩 Pile Driver	Foundation work
🧹 Sweeper	Site cleanup

📊 Performance Comparison (E-Series)

Model	Weight	Power	Max Depth	Class
EC250E/F	~25t	182 hp	6.8 m	25-ton
EC290E/F ⭐	~29t	205–215 hp	7.2–7.4 m	29-ton
EC300E/F	~30t	222 hp	7.4 m	30-ton
EC350E/F	~35t	254 hp	7.9 m	35-ton
EC380E/F	~38t	272 hp	8.1 m	38-ton
EC480E/F	~48t	374 hp	8.7 m	48-ton

🏗️ Wheeled Version — EW290F

Feature	Details
Type	Wheeled excavator
Advantage	Faster mobilization on roads (up to 35 km/h)
Use Case	Urban construction, road work, utility projects
Weight	Slightly lighter than tracked version (~28,000 kg)

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024 Estimates)

Configuration	Approximate Price (USD)
EC290F (Tracked, Basic)	$200,000 – $230,000
EC290F (Tracked, Full Spec w/ Co-Pilot)	$260,000 – $310,000
EW290F (Wheeled)	$210,000 – $260,000
(Prices vary by region, dealer & options)

✅ Strengths (Pros)

✅ Pros	Description
🏆 Reliability	Volvo's legendary build quality & uptime
🤖 Co-Pilot	Best-in-class intelligent machine control
&Fuel Efficiency**	ECO mode + auto speed = significant savings
🪑 Comfort	One of the best cabs in the industry
📡 Connectivity	CareTrack for fleet management
🔧 Low Maintenance	Long service intervals (500/1000 hr)
🌍 Resale Value	Excellent depreciation retention

⚠️ Weaknesses (Cons)

❌ Cons	Description
💲 Higher Purchase Price	Premium over some competitors (CAT, Komatsu)
🔧 Parts Cost	Volvo OEM parts can be expensive
🌡️ Complex Electronics	Requires trained technicians for diagnostics

🏁 Competitors

Competitor	Model	Weight	Power
🟨 Caterpillar	329 GC / 329	~29t	209 hp
🟢 Komatsu	PC290LC-11	~29t	206 hp
🟧 Hitachi	ZX290LC-7	~29t	201 hp
🟦 Hyundai/Doosan	DX290LC-7	~29t	200 hp
🟥 Liebherr	R 929	~29t	206 hp

🎯 Summary

Category	Rating
💪 Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🤖 Technology	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪑 Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
&fficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔧 Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💰 Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏆 Bottom Line:
The Volvo EC290F is one of the most technologically advanced 29-ton excavators on the market. With Co-Pilot intelligent controls, superior fuel efficiency, exceptional operator comfort, and Volvo's legendary reliability, it's a top choice for contractors who value productivity, precision, and low operating costs over the machine's lifetime.

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