Deep Dive: Inside Volvo CE’s New ECR255 Compact-Radius Excavator

Volvo Construction Equipment has a laser focus on revamping its excavator categories in early 2026. The company has already announced a bunch of new dig products, including the short-swing ECR255, the subject of this particular post. Volvo CE will show this new unit publicly at Conexpo 2026 in Las Vegas, and we’ll be there to kick the tracks. 

This 25-metric-ton crawler replaces the ECR235E. It brings more lift, better fuel efficiency, and a tighter tail for urban work. If you manage fleets in cities, utilities, or infrastructure, this machine deserves an attentive look. The ECR255 joins the short-swing ECR355, midsize ECR145, and compact ECR90 in Volvo’s expanding compact radius excavator series. That gives contractors a full short-radius ladder from compact to large. From the press release:

“This launch means Volvo now offers a comprehensive range of short-swing models in our new generation of excavators, giving customers the flexibility to choose the right machine for their application without compromise,” said Jaesu Kim, Chief Project Manager, Volvo CE. “It’s designed to help customers do more in confined spaces thanks to its reduced tail swing, increased lifting capability, lower fuel consumption, and industry-leading operator environment.”

Built for tight jobsites and real production

Short-swing excavators live where space disappears (not in that photo above). Think next to traffic lanes, existing structures, and crowded utility corridors. The ECR255 cuts tail swing down to 7 feet, 7 inches. Volvo CE boosted lifting capacity by 7 percent compared to the ECR235E, according to this press release. It did that with a redesigned structure and heavier counterweight. That’s going to add up on a compact radius machine, especially when you’re setting pipe, lifting trench shields, or handling heavy attachments with a tiltrotator. 

Fuel efficiency improves by up to 10 percent, compared to the ECR235E. The updated electro-hydraulic system improves regulation of engine speed and hydraulic-flow temperatures. You end up with higher torque at lower rpms. Auto-idle, automatic shutdown, and selectable work modes keep fuel burn in check. Fleet managers will appreciate that when the cost of a diesel gallon spikes. This is a smart digger. Speaking of which…

Tech on the ECR255 that speeds digging and grading

The ECR255 utilizes Volvo Active Control. This is Volvo CE’s advanced, semi-autonomous machine control system designed for high precision and efficiency. It sits at the top of the Volvo Dig Assist portfolio. Using it on the ECR255, Volvo CE says tasks can be completed up to 45 percent faster in certain applications. Operators can work grade control with set boundary limits. They can set boom and swing priority functions. They can engage the floating dozer blade option, which improves finish work and backfilling consistency. All this makes the ECR255 a lot more versatile than a just-gotta-dig-a-hole unit. Customers can also add Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, which gives operators 360-degree visibility of the machine’s surroundings and the ability to distinguish between objects and humans.

Uptime and cab comfort on the ECR255 short-swing excavator

Volvo CE stretched service intervals on this model. Engine oil changes come at 1,000 hours. Hydraulic oil changes hit 3,000 hours. That reduces downtime and labor. Grouped service points simplify daily checks, and ground-level refilling and quick-drain ports make fluid service faster and safer. Standard telematics come, well, standard. Optional advanced telematics add deeper machine insights and predictive maintenance support.

Volvo CE increased cab size. The ECR255 cab is about 20 percent larger than most short-swing competitors, says the company. There’s an updated Volvo Co-Pilot display. Operators can customize settings quickly. Bluetooth connectivity, wireless phone charging, and a heated and cooled storage compartment make long shifts easier. Improved HVAC performance keeps crews comfortable in hot or cold climates. If you want to retain operators, comfort matters. 

Key specifications: Volvo ECR255

• Operating weight: 51,590 to 64,000 pounds
• Gross power: 173 horsepower at 1,800 rpm
• Lifting capacity (along undercarriage): 16,623 pounds
• Max digging reach: 31 feet, 2 inches
• Max digging depth: 20 feet, 10 inches
• Breakout force (normal): 28,101 pounds per foot 
• Overall width: 9 feet, 10 inches
• Tail swing radius: 7 feet, 7 inches

What else Volvo will show at Conexpo

Volvo is not bringing just one excavator to Conexpo. The ECR255 headlines the short-swing story, but there is more iron coming. The company will also highlight the new EWR150 and EWR170 wheeled excavators. The EWR170 makes its North American tradeshow debut. Volvo will also display three new compact excavators: the short-swing ECR90, plus the EC65 crawler and EW65 wheeled models. Expect to see the new-gen A60 articulated dump truck as well. We will break down those machines in dedicated posts. Stay tuned for more fleet-focused analysis.