Volvo EWR170E Assists Arborist in Battle Against EAB

Tue September 24, 2024
Katherine Petrik – CEG Editorial Assistant

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a type of beetle that feeds on ash trees. When the adult EAB lays eggs under the tree's bark, the larvae — which hatch in seven to 10 days — bore into the tree and feed. This inhibits the tree's ability to transport moisture and nutrients to its leaves, causing the tree to become unhealthy and, if left untreated, to die.

In Minnesota, the EAB is considered a quarantined invasive species, and items that could be carrying the insect — including firewood, wood products and nursery stock — may not be moved without permission of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Nuss Truck & Equipment photo

Matt Brand, certified arborist of Albert Lea Tree Service, has been working to treat trees, hoping to help stop the spread of this invasive insect. Unfortunately, he also must remove trees that have been infected to help mitigate falling tree hazards. This involves removing thousands of ash trees located on municipal, commercial and private property, primarily in Freeborn and Mower counties.

As Brand sought to expand his services, he decided to purchase an excavator, allowing him to do more work with less people and equipment. He turned to Nuss Truck & Equipment for suggestions. After listening to Brand's needs, the new Volvo EWR170E wheeled excavator was suggested.

The EWR170E is equipped with the latest features, including intelligent technology, a powerful engine and one of the shortest tail swings (5 ft. 10.5 in.) on the market, according to Volvo. The machine's load-sensing hydraulic system allows the operator to maximize engine power, while increasing controllability and responsiveness.

Machine specifications include:

• an operating weight of 39,573 to 42,329 lbs.
• gross power of 154 hp
• bucket capacity of .9 cu. yds.
• maximum lifting capacity of 18,434 lbs.
• maximum digging depth 18 ft. 10.4 in.

Brand is happy with the machine and the service.

Nuss Truck & Equipment photo

Andy Heinecke (L) of Nuss Truck & Equipment checks in with Matt Brand and his new Volvo EWR170E wheeled excavator.

"Working with Nuss has been great," he said. "They are always available for questions and support. We haven't had much service but what we have was timely and positive. We've only been working with them a couple of years, but we've never bought any equipment of this size before. We also are looking at a Volvo wheeled loader and a Volvo cab over high-volume dump truck.

Due to the type of work, Brand had the Volvo EWR170E fitted with a universal quick coupler. This allows the operator to switch attachments safely and quickly, boosting productivity.

"Matt has been a great customer of Nuss and Volvo," said Andy Heinecke of Nuss Truck & Equipment. "He continues to do a great job finding new opportunities to use this unique machine to its full capability. Since he coupled the machine with a universal quick coupler, he can switch between buckets and his grapple saw safely and quickly. We look forward to working with him as his business grows in the area."

About Albert Lea Tree Service

Albert Lea Tree Service has been in business more than 30 years. It serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna, Minn. The company is a member of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and is fully licensed and insured.

Now certified arborists, the company offers professional tree care needed to sustain a tree's life and long-term benefits. The company belongs to an international society of arboruculture certified arborists and also TRAQ TR ( tree risk assessment qualification) through the ISA.

For more information, visit southernmntreeservice.com.

About Nuss Truck & Equipment

In 1959, Charles P. Nuss, who worked himself up the ranks in a repair shop, opened his own business — Mack of Rockford. His son, Robert, is the company's current president and the company has evolved into Nuss Truck & Equipment, headquartered in Rochester, Minn.

Under the direction of Bob Nuss, the company has added Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment to its lineup. The company's expanded offerings include trailers, leasing, rentals, financing, full service body shops and custom engineered solutions for trucks and trailers.

The company has eight locations to serve customers in Minnesota: Burnsville, Duluth, East Bethel, Mankato, Monticello, Rochester, Roseville and St. Cloud; and one in Eau Claire, Wis.

For more information, visit nussgrp.com. CEG

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.