A teenage operator has landed his dream job and got behind the controls of the new JCB X-Series excavator.
17-year-old Blair Hughes has wanted to operate machines since he was a small boy and now, having started work with Glasgow-based waste management provider Clearwater Group, his dream has come true.
Blair said, “I have always wanted to be a plant operator so jumped at the chance to join Clearwater as soon as I left school. As soon as proved my ability and my work ethic, the leadership here and our customers were fantastic in allowing me the opportunity and responsibility to thrive.”
Commenting on the 20-tonne JCB 220X tracked excavator he is now operating, Blair said, “The JCB 220X is the best machine I have driven, it is the smoothest, has the most power and the comfiest cab ever. If I was spending my own money on an excavator, this is what I would buy.”
Blair’s father, Clearwater contracts manager, Graeme Hughes, selected the 220X, which was supplied by Scot JCB.
“From the outset we were impressed with the look of the machine and it has not disappointed,” he explained. “Loading cycle times are significantly quicker than previous models and it is proving extremely reliable despite being worked hard. We have a longstanding relationship with Scot JCB going back 20 years. The service and response are the best in the business and we have always found the equipment high-performing and reliable.
“As a result of the performance of the new X-Series machine we have already ordered another one, along with a 175W HRC and a JCB 531-70 Loadall telescopic handler.”
