Volvo starts Mexican backhoe production

Volvo Construction Equipment has started full-scale production of its BL60 and BL70 backhoe loader models at a plant shared with Volvo Bus in Tultitlan, Mexico.

Volvo previously supplied backhoe loaders to the North American and Latin American markets from its plant in Wroclaw, Poland. It says moving production to the new facility near Mexico City will reduce delivery times and transportation costs, and allow the specific needs of the local markets to be met more efficiently.

Despite the current economic downturn and weak construction equipment markets, Volvo says the growth potential in Latin America and the expected upturn in North America helped inform its decision to start full production of backhoes in Mexico.

The BL60 and BL70 models being produced in Mexico feature the centre-mounted backhoe design popular in the Americas, as opposed to the side-shifting excavator arm found on Backhoe Loaders in Europe.

The BL70 features a 90 hp (67 kW) Volvo D5D Tier 3 compliant engine. The backhoe dig depth is 4,54 m, while the front loader lift capacity is 3,15 tonnes. The BL60 meanwhile features the same engine rated at 83 hp (62 kW). Rear dig depth is 4.52 m, while the loader lift capacity is 5,14 tonnes.