Volvo Group Japan has introduced the New Generation ECR355 at CSPI-EXPO, bringing its latest 36-tonne compact-tail-swing excavator to the Japanese market. The launch was marked by the handover of the first machine to Takayama Kenzai Kogyo Co., Ltd., highlighting the model’s combination of improved fuel efficiency, greater operator comfort, and AI-based safety technology.
Volvo CE has expanded its excavator offering in Japan with the introduction of the New Generation ECR355, a machine designed for contractors working in confined urban and infrastructure environments where productivity, safety, and manoeuvrability are equally important.
The official launch took place during CSPI-EXPO, where Joakim Arndorw, President Region Asia, Volvo CE, presented the ceremonial key to Takayama Kenzai Kogyo Co., Ltd., the first company in Japan to purchase the model. The machine will be supplied through authorised dealers Nishio T&M Co., Ltd. and Daiichi Toyo Co., Ltd.
Built for efficiency, comfort, and safer operation
The ECR355 is powered by Volvo’s new D8M engine, working together with an advanced electro-hydraulic control system and redesigned main control valve to deliver up to 7% better fuel efficiency than the previous generation. Longer hydraulic oil and return filter service intervals of up to 3,000 hours also help lower maintenance requirements and operating costs.
Safety has also been enhanced through Volvo Smart View with People and Obstacle Classification. Combining 360-degree cameras, high-precision radar and AI-based object recognition, the system provides operators with real-time alerts to improve awareness and help reduce the risk of accidents on busy jobsites.
Operator comfort has been significantly improved with a conventional cab that offers 20% more interior space than previous short-tail-swing models, while upgraded air-conditioning increases cooling performance by 50%. An electric joystick and second-generation Volvo Co-Pilot with a 12.8-inch Full HD display further enhance machine control and ease of operation.
With an operating weight of between 35,500 kg and 39,400 kg, the excavator is also available with Volvo Active Control, providing semi-automatic digging assistance to improve consistency and productivity.
Ramarajan Rangarajan, Head of Productivity & Retail Development, Volvo CE, Region Asia:
“The New Generation ECR355 represents a major milestone for our short-swing lineup in Japan. By integrating advanced electro-hydraulics, smart AI-assisted safety systems, and premium operator comfort into a heavy-duty platform, we are giving our customers a machine that drives down daily operating costs while maximising safety and machine utilisation on highly restricted jobsites.”
Proven performance on demanding projects
Takayama Kenzai Kogyo’s decision to invest in the New Generation ECR355 follows its positive experience using the earlier ECR355E on residential development projects across the steep hillsides of Nara Prefecture.
Working in challenging terrain overlooking the city, the company found that the excavator’s compact tail swing and crane specification enabled it to carry out lifting and excavation work with a single machine, reducing equipment requirements while improving construction efficiency.
Despite its larger size, the ECR355E also recorded fuel consumption that was between 20% and 30% lower than a typical 20-tonne class excavator when undertaking comparable work, demonstrating the productivity benefits of using a larger compact-tail-swing machine in demanding applications.
President and CEO Yoshiaki Takayama said he was “honestly surprised” by the ECR355E’s fuel consumption performance, reinforcing the company’s confidence in the concept for future projects where space is limited but lifting capability and productivity remain essential.
Building on that proven performance, the New Generation ECR355 combines improved efficiency, enhanced operator comfort and advanced safety technologies to help contractors tackle increasingly demanding construction environments across Japan. The New Generation ECR355 is now available through Volvo Group Japan’s authorised dealers, Nishio T&M Co., Ltd. and Daiichi Toyo Co., Ltd.
