Volvo CE Unveils New ECR355 Short Swing Excavator With Upgraded Precision, Efficiency

Tue December 02, 2025
Volvo

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is launching the latest evolution in its short swing radius excavator range.

Addressing key productivity challenges such as tight-space operation and demanding lifting needs, the new ECR355 delivers greater fuel efficiency, increased lifting performance and enhanced operator comfort, according to Volvo. Built for the building and utilities sectors, it helps customers achieve more with less.

Efficiency at Its Core

The ECR355 delivers up to 7 percent greater fuel efficiency than the previous generation, due to a new electro-hydraulic control system and redesigned main control valve. The system uses electronic sensors and the machine's onboard computer to optimize flow and pressure, ensuring smooth and precise control of the boom, arm and bucket movements.

Electric cooling fans operate only when needed, minimizing engine load, noise and fuel consumption. Operators also benefit from a host of additional efficiency-enhancing technologies, including new engine work modes, comfort driving control (CDC), hydraulic priority setting and automatic engine shutdown, which all contribute to lower running costs and higher uptime.

Higher Performance in Tight Spaces

Built for versatility, the ECR355 offers a 7 percent increase in lifting capacity and 4 percent more tractive force, unlocking new possibilities for heavy lifting, grading and loading in confined environments.

Volvo's active control system automates boom and bucket movements for up to 45 percent faster grading with less rework and fatigue. Integrated boundary limits and dig assist apps support 2D/3D machine control and in-field design, helping operators work faster, safer and more accurately. Features like boundary limits, boom/swing priority functions and a floating dozer blade ensure precision, speed and safety on every task.

Built for Uptime

Volvo excavators boast some of the longest service intervals in the industry, including 1,000-hour engine oil changes and 3,000-hour hydraulic oil changes, according to Volvo. These synchronized intervals, aligned in 1,000-hour increments, simplify servicing and help reduce costs. The ECR355 is designed to stay working longer, with service intervals and simplified maintenance access. Key components are grouped for easy reach, with ground-level refilling and quick-drain ports to minimize downtime.

Volvo smart view with people and obstacle detection uses 360 degree cameras and intelligent radar to enhance site safety. Meanwhile, CareTrack telematics and ActiveCare provide real-time machine health data and predictive maintenance alerts which keeps fleets productive and protected.

Comfort That Drives Performance

The next generation of excavators provides Volvo's operators environment — the new short swing excavators have a full-size conventional cab, resulting in 20 percent more space compared to other short swing models.

"When designing any new product, we wanted to keep the interest of our operators at heart," said Jaesu Kim, global product manager of Volvo CE. "The improved productivity within the ECR355 creates an unrivalled comfortable working environment across long shifts. Operators will also find 50 percent better in-cab cooling performance, reduced noise levels due to new electric fans and a host of modern conveniences, including Bluetooth connectivity, wireless phone charging, extensive storage solutions and a two-stage filtration system for cleaner air."

Control is smoother and more intuitive with the precision joystick system and ergonomic switch layout, allowing operators to customize settings to suit their preferences. New electric travel pedals ensure lightning-fast response, while features such as a tiltable left console and ergonomic handrails make cab entry and exit easy and safe.

As with all Volvo standard excavators, the ECR355 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, boom and arm. The ECR355 is now available for order in North America, Europe, Korea and Japan.

For more information, visit volvoce.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.