SMT lead the transition to construction sites of the future

At Hillhead 2024, SMT will champion sustainability with the UK public debut of the 23-tonne Volvo EC230 Electric excavator, alongside solutions to optimize and decarbonize sites with existing machines, as well as machine rebuilds, used parts, and used equipment to promote a circular economy.

SMT, the authorized dealer for Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) in Great Britain, will return to Hillhead 2024 with a renewed focus on net zero and guiding customers’ transition towards construction sites of the future, today. On both the stand and in the renowned Hillhead demonstration zone, SMT will shine a light on the latest Volvo machinery and SMT solutions to help transform customers’ operations for lower emissions, greater efficiency, and less waste.

SMT will use Hillhead 2024 to officially introduce the new Volvo EC230 Electric excavator to the market in Great Britain. This 23-tonne machine is Volvo CE’s first fully electric model in the mid-sized excavator category, opening up the benefits of zero exhaust emissions and quiet operation to a broader range of construction applications.

Hillhead visitors will be able to see the Volvo EC230 Electric in action and experience its advantages first-hand in the exhibition’s demonstration zone. Working alongside the Volvo L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader and a fully electric truck from Volvo Trucks, this trio will showcase Volvo Group’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable ways of working.

Meanwhile, SMT will offer visitors to their stand an immersive experience to help them understand the full range of SMT solutions to assist in the transition to jobsites of the future.

‘At SMT, we are committed to helping our customers work towards and achieve net zero – and we believe that journey starts today, by optimizing your current site and fleet,’ said John Lawrence, product manager for Site Solutions at SMT. ‘With our range of customizable solutions for your site and operators, SMT can assist in continuous improvement across your operations. By targeting key areas that affect cost and emission output, we can help you reduce your carbon footprint and help you achieve your sustainability targets.’

Among these solutions, SMT will showcase Site Simulation, which uses advanced drone technology to create a digital twin of a customer’s site. This replica can then be analysed to suggest a bespoke step-by-step plan for improvement. In addition, by combining Site Simulation with other solutions, such as operator training, SMT can help optimize a customer’s site at every level, maximizing both efficiency and productivity.

In light of the evolving industry, SMT also recognize that options to increase machine service life and reduce costs are becoming increasingly significant. SMT’s machine rebuild, used parts, and used equipment services are integral to the circular economy they offer to customers. This year, SMT will showcase a fully rebuilt wheel loader on their Hillhead stand to exemplify the level of care and support the team provides to extend the life of construction equipment and offer sustainable fleet-maintenance solutions.

Machine control systems have been another invaluable development for earthmoving, quarrying, and construction contractors in recent years, changing the game and bringing in new levels of productivity, efficiency, and precision, as well as contributing to greater safety and sustainability. SMT have offered Volvo Co-Pilot with Dig Assist – Volvo CE’s proprietary machine control system – for a number of years. Recognizing that this system may not be suitable for everyone, however, the SMT also offer Unicontrol, a retrofittable 3D machine control system that can seamlessly fit into contractors’ existing fleets and routines.

Nick Allen, SMT’s chief executive officer in Great Britain, concluded: ‘The road to net zero is a journey, not a destination, and SMT are here to walk that path with you. With our comprehensive suite of solutions – from electric machinery, through site efficiency services and machine control systems, to machine rebuilds and used parts and equipment – we’re ready to empower you to achieve your sustainability goals.’