Following the regional launch of its latest excavator line-up for the Middle East and Africa, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has demonstrated the real-world capabilities of its new models in rigorous side-by-side field tests — confirming standout gains in productivity, fuel efficiency, and operator safety.
The evaluation, held at a Gulf jobsite, pitted Volvo’s new EC210, EC220, and EC360 excavators against similarly classed machines from leading global OEMs. Each excavator was subjected to identical truck loading cycles, with data collected on core performance metrics such as dig speed, fuel economy, durability, and ease of service.
To ensure consistency, the machines were operated by a trio of experienced professionals: a Volvo CE R&D specialist with 15 years of operating experience, alongside two local operators with a combined 22 years in the field. Performance results were averaged to reflect real-world usage and mitigate operator bias.
EC210: Leading the 22-tonne class on fuel and performance
The EC210 excelled in its class, registering up to 7% greater productivity and 14% improved fuel efficiency compared to its closest rivals — even when running at lower RPMs.
“For contractors in the Middle East and Africa juggling performance expectations with fuel economy and uptime, the EC210’s results suggest it’s more than capable of punching above its weight – particularly in applications such as road construction, site prep, and utilities,” said Olle Watz, Excavator Product Manager at Volvo CE Region International.
EC220: Boosting output without burning more fuel
In a direct comparison with the EC210, the EC220 recorded 32% higher productivity while maintaining similar fuel efficiency. The result positions it as an ideal solution for high-volume tasks such as material handling and bulk excavation, where both speed and control are essential.
“The EC220 makes a strong all-rounder, marrying power and precision for work that demands both,” Watz added.
EC360: Outperforming bigger rivals
Perhaps most impressive was the EC360, Volvo’s largest model in the trial, which surpassed even higher-class machines in terms of efficiency. Operating at just 1,500 RPM, it delivered up to 25% more productivity and 21% greater fuel efficiency than competitors running at full throttle.
“These figures indicate the EC360’s potential to outperform bigger machines in real working conditions with lower fuel costs,” Watz said.
Beyond the numbers: design, safety and serviceability
While raw performance impressed, Volvo’s latest generation machines also stood out for thoughtful design features that enhance long-term durability and operator safety. Each model includes larger track holes to prevent dirt build-up, expanded wear strip coverage, sealed electrical components, and robust undercarriage protection—ideal for the abrasive, dusty conditions common across the region.
Volvo CE was also the only OEM in the trial to offer a ROPS-certified cab as standard, providing enhanced protection in the event of rollovers. Other safety features included integrated deck lighting, orange handrails, slip-resistant surfaces, a rear-view camera embedded in the counterweight, and a clearly positioned safety lever.
Inside the cab, operators noted superior comfort, with standout air-conditioning performance, abundant air vents, and an intuitive control layout designed to reduce fatigue during long shifts.
Volvo’s serviceability features also earned praise, with ground-level access to key service points, a smaller engine hood for better visibility during maintenance checks, and a layout that supports faster diagnostics and uptime optimisation.
Raising the bar in MEA
“The demanding conditions of the Middle East make it one of the most challenging environments to operate in – and that’s exactly why we chose it for this test,” Watz explained. “The EC210, EC220, and EC360 not only delivered exceptional performance and efficiency, but they also demonstrated the kind of design innovation and operator-centric thinking that defines our new generation.”
With many OEMs delivering competitive offerings across the Middle East and Africa, these trials reaffirm Volvo CE’s positioning as a leader in construction machinery innovation—merging smart engineering with practical advantages that matter on-site.
