Volvo Construction Equipment Launches New 36t-Class Compact Hydraulic Excavator 'ECR355' in Japan

Volvo Group Japan Co., Ltd. (Representative: Nobuhiko Kishi, Head Office: Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) has unveiled the new 36-ton-class compact hydraulic excavator 'ECR355' at CSPI-EXPO, which began on Wednesday, June 17, marking the official start of its sales launch in Japan. This marks the first time Volvo Group Japan has exhibited with a standalone booth at CSPI-EXPO.

From left in the photo: Shuji Kinoshita (Chairman, Daiichi Toyo Co., Ltd.), Isamu Tokairin (Japan Market Manager, Volvo Group Japan Co., Ltd.), Joakim Arndorw (Asia Regional Manager, Volvo CE), Yoshiaki Takayama (Representative, Takayama Kenzai Kogyo Co., Ltd.), Shunsuke Kita (President & CEO, Nishio T&M Co., Ltd.)

The ECR355 is designed for confined workspaces such as urban redevelopment and demolition sites, combining the high productivity of a 36-ton-class machine with exceptional safety due to its ultra-compact rear swing. It also features an AI deep-learning-based personnel and obstacle detection system, along with an enlarged and better-cooled operator cab, making it Volvo CE’s next-generation flagship model focused on operator comfort and environmental performance.

This year marks Volvo Group Japan’s first solo booth presence at CSPI-EXPO. The booth design follows Volvo CE’s global theme, 'Power your ambition,' reflecting the company’s commitment to Japan. This theme embodies Volvo’s determination to build a better environment and sustainable society through construction equipment, while actively supporting the Japanese construction industry’s ambitions with cutting-edge technology.

Volvo Group Japan Booth

On June 17, the opening day of CSPI-EXPO, a ceremonial unveiling of the ECR355 was held at the venue. Following the unveiling, a key handover ceremony was conducted for Takayama Kenzai Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative: Yoshiaki Takayama), the first customer to purchase the machine. This was followed by a product presentation by Joakim Arndorw, Volvo CE’s Asia Regional Manager.

Key handover ceremony for the ECR355 at CSPI-EXPO. (From left: Shunsuke Kita, President & CEO, Nishio T&M Co., Ltd.; Joakim Arndorw, Asia Regional Manager, Volvo CE; Yoshiaki Takayama, Takayama Kenzai Kogyo Co., Ltd.)

The Japanese construction industry is undergoing a major transformation. As of April 2024, the full enforcement of 'overtime work hour limits' has intensified the demand for more efficient construction methods. Additionally, amendments to off-road regulations have tightened emissions standards for construction machinery. Furthermore, due to labor shortages, the demand for improved on-site safety continues to rise each year. In projects such as urban redevelopment and infrastructure renewal, high-precision excavation in limited, narrow spaces has become essential.

Moving forward, Volvo CE will continue to leverage the advanced technologies developed by the Volvo Group in electric vehicle development for passenger cars and trucks, providing new solutions that address the challenges facing the construction industry and meet the individual needs of each customer.

■ Main Features of the ECR355

① 7% Improved Fuel Efficiency and New-Generation Engine

The ECR355 is equipped with the new Volvo D8M engine. By combining an advanced electro-hydraulic control system with a newly designed main control valve, fuel efficiency has improved by 7% compared to previous models. Reducing engine speed from 1,800 rpm to 1,600 rpm also achieves lower noise and vibration. Additionally, hydraulic oil change intervals have been extended to 3,000 hours (1.5 times longer than before), and return filters are also extended to 3,000 hours, reducing operating costs.

② Volvo Smart View for Personnel and Obstacle Detection

Volvo’s proprietary Volvo Smart View integrates 360° cameras and high-precision radar, using deep learning technology to automatically distinguish between people and objects. A warning system alerts the operator in real time, helping to prevent serious accidents. This feature embodies Volvo’s commitment to achieving 'zero accidents' on construction sites.

③ Enhanced Operator Environment

Despite being a compact-swing-radius machine, the ECR355 with a conventional cab offers a 20% larger interior space compared to previous compact models. Cooling performance has also improved by 50%, reducing operator fatigue during long operations. Standard features include electric joysticks and a 12.8-inch full HD touch display (Volvo Co-Pilot 2nd generation), with optional semi-automatic excavation support via Volvo Active Control.

④ Volvo Active Control and Productivity Enhancement

An optional semi-automatic control system, Volvo Active Control offers functions such as automatic grading, depth/height limits, and swing fencing. When combined with the Kinematic Sensor Package, it enables consistent quality work regardless of operator skill level, supporting standardization of expertise in an industry facing severe labor shortages.

■ ECR355 Key Specifications

Machine Weight

36 t (35,500–39,400 kg)

Engine

Volvo D8M (Stage V/Tier 4f), Maximum Output: 189 kW (257 hp) / 1,600 rpm

Rear Swing Radius

2,040 mm

Maximum Digging Depth

6,940 mm (Boom 6.2 m, Arm 3.05 m)

Maximum Digging Radius

10,635 mm (Boom 6.2 m, Arm 3.05 m)

Bucket Digging Force (ISO)

192 kN (Normal) / 209 kN (Boost)

Arm Digging Force (ISO)

136 kN (Normal) / 148 kN (Boost)

Maximum Drawbar Pull

286 kN

Hydraulic Oil Change Interval

3,000 hours (General) / 6,000 hours (Long Life Oil)

Compliance Standards

Stage V / Tier 4f, ISO 19014, EN474-1

*For detailed specifications and lifting capacities, please refer to the separate document.

Product Website: https://www.volvoce.com/japan/en/products/excavators/ecr355/

*This product is available for purchase through Nishio T&M Co., Ltd. and Daiichi Toyo Co., Ltd., authorized distributors in Japan.

■ About Volvo Group Japan Co., Ltd.

The Japanese subsidiary of Volvo Construction Equipment, part of the Volvo Construction Equipment Group.

Volvo Construction is a global leader in construction machinery manufacturing, producing articulated haulers and wheel loaders, and is among the world’s most advanced manufacturers in excavation machinery, road paving machinery, and small construction equipment. As a total solutions provider, it offers financial services, used equipment sales, equipment rentals, and other related services.

With over 190 years of experience in construction and innovation, Volvo CE stands at the forefront of technology development. Its latest technologies maintain high competitiveness