How Does Used Volvo Excavator Work?

Excavators are essential machines in the construction, mining, and infrastructure industries. Known for their ability to handle digging, trenching, lifting, and material handling tasks, excavators are indispensable on construction sites. Among the leading brands in the heavy equipment industry, Volvo stands out as a trusted name known for delivering high-quality and durable machines.

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For many businesses, purchasing a brand-new excavator can be a significant investment. This is where the option of buying used Volvo excavators becomes a cost-effective alternative. In this article, we will explore the advantages of purchasing a used Volvo excavator, the key factors to consider when buying one, and how you can ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Why Choose a Volvo Used Excavator?

1. Reputation for Durability and Quality

Volvo is renowned for producing durable, reliable machinery that performs well over time. Their excavators are engineered using advanced technology and high-quality materials, ensuring exceptional longevity. Whether you need a compact Volvo excavator for small projects or a heavy-duty machine for large-scale operations, Volvo machines are known for maintaining top-notch performance.

By purchasing a used Volvo excavator, you gain access to a machine that offers excellent longevity, even when pre-owned. Volvo’s reputation for quality ensures you’re getting a machine that will continue to perform reliably without frequent maintenance.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Buying a new Volvo excavator can be a substantial financial commitment. However, opting for a used Volvo excavator allows you to save significantly without compromising quality. A used excavator will cost a fraction of the price of a new one, helping your business maintain financial flexibility.

Additionally, Volvo used excavators come from a certified program, ensuring you get a high-quality machine without the premium price tag.

3. Wide Selection of Models

Volvo offers a diverse range of excavators suited to different applications, from compact excavators for tight spaces to large, crawler excavators for heavy-duty work. This variety makes it easy to find a used Volvo excavator that matches your specific project requirements, all while saving on costs.

Popular models include the EC950F Crawler Excavator for large-scale earthworks and the EC55C Compact Crawler Excavator for more precision tasks in confined spaces.

4. Volvo’s Used Equipment Certification

To ensure quality, Volvo offers certified used excavators that undergo thorough inspection and reconditioning. These machines meet strict Volvo standards and come with warranties, so you can purchase with peace of mind, knowing that your used excavator is in top working condition.

Certified used Volvo excavators are a great option for those looking for reliability and lower upfront costs.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Volvo Excavator

1. Age and Usage History

When purchasing a used Volvo excavator, pay attention to its age and usage history. Older machines may require more frequent repairs, but well-maintained equipment can still deliver reliable performance. Request the machine’s service records to understand its maintenance history, which will give you insight into its overall condition.

2. Inspection and Condition

Inspect the used Volvo excavator thoroughly before purchasing. Key areas to check include:

• Hydraulic system: Look for leaks or signs of wear.
• Tracks and undercarriage: Check for excessive wear and tear.
• Engine: Ensure smooth operation without abnormal noise or performance issues.
• Cabin: Verify that all controls are functional, and the cabin is clean and comfortable.

Consider hiring a mechanic to perform a detailed inspection, as this can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

3. Maintenance and Warranty

Ensure the used Volvo excavator has been regularly maintained and check if the warranty is still valid or transferable. Some machines come with extended warranties, which can provide added protection and reduce potential repair costs.

4. Dealer Reputation

When buying a used Volvo excavator, work with reputable dealers who specialize in Volvo equipment. A trustworthy dealer will provide transparent information about the machine’s condition, offer competitive pricing, and support you with after-sales services.

5. Price Comparison

Before making your purchase, compare prices from different dealers. Prices can vary based on factors like the machine’s model, condition, age, and location. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as these may indicate hidden issues with the equipment.

Benefits of Choosing Volvo Used Excavators

1. Maximized ROI

A used Volvo excavator allows businesses to maximize their return on investment (ROI). The lower upfront cost, coupled with Volvo’s durability, ensures that businesses get the most value out of their purchase, minimizing repair costs in the long term.

2. Immediate Availability

Unlike new excavators, which may require a long wait for delivery, used Volvo excavators are often available immediately. This is a significant advantage when you need to expand your fleet or replace an outdated machine without delay.

3. Versatility Across Applications

Volvo excavators are incredibly versatile, capable of handling various tasks across multiple industries. Whether you need a machine for construction, demolition, or landscaping, a used Volvo excavator can tackle a wide range of applications without compromising on performance.

4. Reduced Depreciation

New excavators lose significant value as soon as they are purchased. By opting for a used Volvo excavator, you avoid the sharp depreciation that comes with new machines. This means your investment holds its value better over time, especially if you decide to sell or upgrade the equipment later.

Conclusion

A used Volvo excavator is an excellent choice for businesses looking for high-quality, cost-effective construction equipment. With Volvo’s reputation for durability, the availability of certified used machines, and a wide range of models to choose from, you can find a machine that meets your needs and fits your budget.

By thoroughly inspecting the machine, reviewing maintenance records, and working with a reputable dealer, you can make a smart, cost-effective purchase that delivers long-term value. Whether you’re working on small or large-scale projects, a used Volvo excavator can help boost productivity while keeping costs under control.

HEAVY (H) MODE DELIVERS MAXIMUM FLOW
Heavy mode runs the engine at approximately 1,800 RPM to allow for the fastest speeds while providing high flow output.

When should I use it?
This mode is reserved for tough jobs where maximum speed is essential, such as heavy truck loading.

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What’s my benefit?
While fuel consumption in heavy mode is highest, the sheer speed and power (as needed) can be essential for certain applications. But like I mentioned, returning to lower modes when possible helps balance productivity with optimized fuel efficiency.

If you need max power in Heavy mode, though, you do have the option to turn on a manual power boost (indicated on your screen while activated) to get added power when you need it.

Work Modes for Volvo Excavators and Newer

Our newly redesigned lineup of Volvo excavators now features selectable work modes designed to match engine speed and pump flow to specific tasks. With these new excavators, the work mode rotary switch and letter indicators have been replaced with a simple jog wheel (shown below) that has 10 different settings — the higher you go, the more flow (speed) you’ll get.

It’s simple to use — just turn the dial to select the exact work mode you need for the job at hand. Let’s break them down:

Modes 1 and 2 (800 and 1,000 RPM)

The two lowest modes keep the engine running at low RPMs when the machine isn’t actively working. They’re primarily used for warm up and help reduce fuel consumption while allowing your machine to remain ready for use. Volvo excavators also include an auto-idle function that automatically shifts into idle after a preset time, further simplifying fuel management.

The lower idle setting offers the most fuel savings possible short of shutting your machine down. The slightly higher setting allows for quicker warm-up times while still maintaining fuel efficiency.

Modes 3 and 4 (1,100 and 1,200 RPM)

These modes balance lower pump flow throughout your excavator with high pressure where you need it. This gives you more precise control of your attachments, or optimized power to lift heavy objects like concrete blocks or large steel pipes and slowly place them into position. So here, you’re not necessarily looking for speed — you’re looking for directed power with higher precision.

Mode 4 provides added pump flow while maintaining power — perfect for tasks like placing large pipes or culverts in trenches, where both precision and power are essential.

Dialing in to 3 or 4 helps you achieve high-quality results with less rework. Yes, you could dial it all the way up to 9 or 10 for lifting something really heavy, but when you do that, you’re asking for more flow (which controls speed), not pressure (which controls power). With excavator hydraulic systems, it's hard to have both. Fine mode gives you the power you need without wasting energy elsewhere.

Modes 5 through 8 (1,250 – 1,400 RPM)

In these modes, you’re getting a good range of pressure and flow. They’re optimal for standard excavation and grading jobs, allowing you to match power output to the task while conserving fuel. If you have multiple operators at different skill levels, you can each select the mode that provides the right amount of power and speed to work more accurately.

Scaling back even slightly in these modes can yield significant fuel savings — up to 10% in some cases — while still maintaining strong digging performance. Burning less fuel also means less engine strain, which can extend the life of your excavator. As you’re working, try out the different settings to see if you can dial it down a notch or two and still get the job done.

Modes 9 and 10 (1,500 and 1,600 RPM)

When you dial your excavator up to 9 or 10, you’re asking for maximum flow — so you’re essentially looking for speed. A lot of operators confuse 9 and 10 for maximum power, but that’s not really the case.

If you need max power in these modes, though, you do have the option to select a power boost mode (automatic or manual) to get added power at max speed. The auto-boost function gives you 9 seconds of max power and will automatically add 9 more seconds as long as you need it.

These top two modes are reserved for tough jobs where maximum speed is essential, such as heavy truck loading. While fuel consumption here is highest, the sheer speed and power (as needed) can be essential for certain applications. But like I mentioned, returning to lower modes when possible helps balance productivity with optimized fuel efficiency.

I should also mention that with our new series of Volvo excavators, we optimized our pumps to provide added hydraulic flow and pressure at lower RPMs while in these high modes. You get the same speed and on-demand power, but at 200 fewer revolutions per minute, which burns less fuel and helps your excavators last longer.

Smarter Work Modes Mean Smarter Operations

With a range of integrated work modes tailored to specific tasks, you get more control over power, speed, precision and fuel consumption, helping to optimize your excavator’s performance across a wide variety of tasks. When used correctly, they help you lower your operating costs to improve your total cost of ownership.

Watch Volvo excavator work modes in action to get a better idea of how the right mode can make a measurable difference on your jobsites.

Danny Freeman
Sales Training and Product Support Manager

Before working for Volvo, Danny began his career within his family construction business. Currently, he’s a sales training and product support manager with several decades of construction and demolition experience.