Volvo has recently delivered the first of its Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim compliant EC480 D Series machines to Swiss contractor HTP SA, based in Vernier, just outside Geneva, where it will be put to work on sites around that city. It first moved onto a site in the city that would allow the operator to gain experience on a machine its size (HTP had previously owned a much smaller 30 tonne Hitachi high reach) and is now working to clear the site of a former government office block on Geneva’s Rue de stand 20 to make the site available for future redevelopment.

With a total volume of 2,000 cubic metres (70,630 cubic feet), the mixed 3 and 2 two storey L-shaped structure, built largely of concrete and brick, is in close proximity to a live road at the front and another modern office building to the side. This required the construction of a scaffold and screened protection system to ensure that no demolition debris could fall outside the site and cause damage.

Demolition of the front and side facades is being carried by HTP personnel using hand tools, with the high reach being employed at the rear of structure where it can carry out selective demolition in safety. Work began on the site in early February and is expected to be completed by early June. All demolition waste arising from the demolition will be crushed on site by the company’s RubbleMaster RM80 tracked unit, and either used on site as fill for forthcoming construction or transported away for use elsewhere around the city.

HTP was formed by Yves Huguenin 15 years ago, and the company has grown over that time to employ more than 70 personnel, making use of a 24 machine fleet, which is largely made up of other Volvo machines of varying sizes. The high reach is the biggest machine in the fleet and according to Yves, will allow the company to tender for contracts that were previously out of its reach. Key to the decision to acquire the machinewa according to Yves was the fact that it is the only high reach currently available with a Stage IIIB compliant engine - a critical factor in the tightly regulated environs of Geneva.