By: Babcock - boosts performance and fuel efficiency for trusted aggregates supplier

Babcock is proud to announce the delivery of the first new-generation Volvo EC300 excavator in Southern Africa to long-standing customer Cloete’s Sand and Stone - a company known for its commitment to service excellence and industry reliability since 1982.

The EC300 is part of Volvo Construction Equipment’s latest generation of excavators, which bring up to 15% improved fuel efficiency, enhanced operator comfort, and next-level productivity to the African market. Cloete’s Sand and Stone’s decision to invest in the EC300 is both a vote of confidence in the Volvo brand and a recognition of the equipment’s alignment with their business needs.

"We are constantly monitoring fuel consumption across the business. Not doing so would be detrimental to our bottom line, so it's safe to say fuel efficiency is critical." says Wesley Cloete, Managing Director of Cloete’s Sand and Stone, who personally operated the EC300 on the day it was delivered in June 2025. “I was really impressed with how quick the machine was - it moves like a smaller machine but has the capability of a bigger one.”

Built for high production environments, the EC300 is ideal for operations like Cloete’s, where excavators play a key role in fast, efficient loading of compacted materials. The machine’s speed and power are complemented by a completely redesigned cab that improves operator comfort and control - an important factor in improving productivity across long working hours.

“If your staff are more comfortable at work, you will get better productivity - and I can confirm productivity has gone up,” he adds.

The EC300 is also compatible with Volvo’s Dig Assist technology, offering precision tools such as real-time weighing, automated digging, and 360° Smart View monitoring. While it’s still early days for the new machine, Cloete’s Sand and Stone report measurable improvements in cycle times and fuel consumption.

Cloete’s Sand and Stone has been a Volvo Construction Equipment customer for five years, currently operating a fleet that includes six Volvo wheel loaders and five Volvo excavators. Their decision to expand into the new generation range was based on the reliability and performance they’ve come to expect from the Volvo brand. “We’ve had a solid track record with Volvo in general - so stepping into the latest model made perfect sense,” the company says.

For Babcock, this milestone underscores the strength of its long-term partnerships and customer-focused support. From the moment Cloete’s reached out to explore the new generation machines, the Babcock team moved quickly to provide technical insights, competitive pricing, and tailored maintenance options.

“All the relevant information I needed was provided with a quote and options within hours of my request,” says Cloete. “It’s still early days with the EC300, but I have trust in the brand and I’m happy with Babcock’s backup service.”

The EC300 is part of a broader portfolio of next-generation excavators introduced by Volvo CE to the Africa and Middle East region in 2025, with six models designed to meet the demands of industries from general construction to quarrying. With robust design, precision hydraulics, and lower emissions, these machines are purpose-built for reliable performance in tough environments.

For Cloete’s Sand and Stone, the decision to be first wasn’t driven by prestige - but by practical, business-led considerations. “Moving dirt is in my blood, and to be honoured with the first EC300 in Africa is a proud moment. It’s a privilege I’ll value for a long time.”