Volvo CE’s Three Enhanced Compact Excavators Feature Faster Cycle Times

These models replace the previous generation's ECR88D, EC60E and EW60E respectively, featuring updates that translate to faster cycle times.
April 15, 2026
3 min read

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has enhanced its compact excavator lineup with the launch of three new-generation models: the ECR90EC65 and EW65. These models replace the previous generation's ECR88D, EC60E and EW60E respectively, featuring updates that translate to faster cycle times, increased versatility and uptime.

"Thanks to some significant upgrades, these machines deliver everything our customers need to succeed in utilities, agriculture, landscaping, general construction and more, all wrapped up in compact and highly maneuverable designs," said Xavier Beaud, head of technology, compact business unit at Volvo CE. "They're engineered to achieve big results across a wide range of jobsites thanks to additional engine power, improved digging, lifting and swing performance, longer service intervals, and a fully refreshed operator environment."

Volvo recently showed the ECR90 and EC65 at Conexpo.

Range of upgrades

The 9-ton ECR90 is a short-swing excavator built to compete with larger models but at a size designed for confined, restrictive jobsites. Compared to the ECR88, upgrades include:

  • 28 percent more engine power
  • 15 percent more pump torque
  • 13 percent more bucket force
  • 11 percent more arm digging force
  • 7 percent more tractive force
  • A 30 percent larger cab

The 7-ton EC65 and EW65 deliver 4 percent and 6 percent more engine power respectively, along with a 9-percent increase in boom lifting force, all of which lead to faster, more reliable operation.

All three models support Volvo's full range of compact excavator attachments, and their auxiliary hydraulic flow has increased, offering more precision and power for a wider range of tasks. On the EC65 and EW65, hydraulic flow is 100 percent higher, and on the ECR90, it's 15 percent higher, the company said.

To further boost efficiency and versatility, these new machines are well-suited for tiltrotators (and can be factory-fitted with one in Europe). This allows for 360-degree rotation and 45-degree tilting of the attachment, so an operator can perform complex tasks without repositioning the excavator, saving time and fuel.

The wheeled EW65 can travel up to 18.6 mph (30 km/h), and easy-to-select work modes allow the operator to tailor its performance for travel, digging or parked work.

Refreshed cab environment

These mini-excavators also feature a refreshed cab environment, designed to keep the operator comfortable, safe and productive all day. A high-definition touchscreen display offers helpful functions like attachment presets, rear and side camera views, service interval settings and Bluetooth pairing. All three machines include new seats with optional air suspension, wider adjustable armrests and a new tiltable left-hand console for easier entry and exit.

The launch of these three models demonstrates Volvo CE's ongoing commitment to compact equipment, with six new models launched in the past year and more than 50 percent of the lineup being updated within the past two years, including battery-electric compact excavators and wheel loaders.

About the Author

Michael Roth

Editor

Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.