Herc Rentals Purchases Hundreds of Volvo CE’s EC37 Compact Excavators, A Unit Herc Helped Design

Volvo Construction Equipment and Herc Rentals have announced a multi-year agreement that will deliver several hundred EC37 compact excavators to Herc Rentals branches across the United States and Canada. This partnership highlights Volvo’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for compact excavators in rental markets while enhancing Herc Rentals’ ability to provide versatile, operator-friendly machines to its customers. Herc Rentals is a full-service equipment rental company with 439 branches.
What’s really interesting here is that Volvo CE sought feedback on the EC37 excavator from Herc Rentals technicians, salespeople and other staff when it was showcased at the Herc Rentals ProExpo in early 2024. That input directly influenced the final version of the model. From the press release:
“This is the culmination of a cooperative effort to build a machine spec that renters will appreciate, and we’re excited for Herc Rentals customers to have such great access to the EC37,” said Kent Somerville, Head of National Rental Accounts at Volvo CE. “It’s an incredibly comfortable and versatile machine.”
The first phase of deliveries is complete, and more units are expected in 2025. The EC37 will be available at Herc Rentals locations and showcased at Volvo’s booth during the ARA Show in January, which we’ll attend.
The EC37 Compact Excavator: A Closer Look
The Volvo EC37 compact excavator stands out in the highly competitive 3.7-metric-ton class, delivering a winning combination of stability, comfort and fuel efficiency. Designed with both operators and rental customers in mind, this machine excels in various applications, from trenching and landscaping to light demolition. The EC37 replaces the popular EC35D and boasts numerous upgrades, including:
- Enhanced Stability: The elongated undercarriage improves balance and reduces the “rocking chair” effect.
- Operator Comfort: The spacious cab offers excellent visibility with wide glass panels and slim corner pillars. Floating armrest controls and adjustable hydraulic settings make operation easier and more comfortable.
- Fuel Efficiency: The machine achieves a 10 percent increase in fuel savings, aided by Eco mode and auto engine shutdown.
- Versatile Attachments: Customizable hydraulic flow settings and load-sensing hydraulics accommodate a wide range of attachments, increasing the excavator’s utility.
These features and more earned the EC37 several accolades, including Compact Equipment’s Innovative Iron Award.
I operated the EC37, and It’s Boss
I had the opportunity to operate the EC37 during Volvo Days 2024 in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The photo above is me in the ECR40, but you get the idea. The event allowed me to test the excavator firsthand, and I was impressed by its performance and operator-focused features. The elongated undercarriage noticeably improved stability, especially when swinging a full bucket. The cab layout felt intuitive, and the floating armrests added to the comfort during extended use. The machine’s customizable hydraulic settings made switching between attachments a breeze, which is a significant advantage for rental customers handling various tasks.
Why the EC37 Stands Out in the Mini Excavator Market
The EC37 compact excavator targets the 3- to 4-metric-ton segment, which accounts for more than 25 percent of North American compact excavator sales. This class size is popular for its versatility and transportability, making it ideal for rental fleets. What sets the EC37 apart from the competition?
- Operator Experience: The EC37 is designed to reduce fatigue, improve visibility and streamline attachment changes.
- Durability and Maintenance: With a robust counterweight, 50-hour greasing intervals and wide-opening hoods for easy access, the EC37 minimizes downtime.
- Attachment Versatility: The load-sensing hydraulic system adjusts to various attachments, making the machine a true multi-tool on jobsites.
Herc Rentals’ Investment in Compact Equipment
Herc Rentals’ significant investment in the EC37 highlights the growing demand for compact excavators in rental markets. These machines offer versatility for a wide range of customers, from contractors handling light construction work to landscapers needing precision digging in tight spaces. The collaboration between Volvo CE and Herc Rentals exemplifies how manufacturers and rental companies can work together to meet evolving customer needs. The feedback Herc provided during the development process directly influenced key updates to the EC37, including improvements in attachment swapping and operator ergonomics. From the press release:
“Collaborating with Volvo on the EC37 allowed us to incorporate essential features that significantly impact our customers’ success,” said Matt Gavin, VP Product Support and Fleet Operations at Herc Rentals. “Our partnership with Volvo is invaluable — they resonate with our core values and prioritize what truly matters to us, demonstrating their commitment to creating an exceptional customer experience.”
The Mini Excavator Market’s Bright Future
Compact excavators are becoming more popular as contractors seek smaller, more adaptable machines. The EC37 exemplifies this trend with its tool-carrying capabilities, stable design and advanced operator features. As the market continues to evolve, we expect to see more innovations in this segment, particularly around electric and smart technologies. Volvo’s ongoing commitment to advancing its compact equipment offerings ensures it will remain a key player in this space.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
Let’s take a look at the smallest mini excavators on the market.