ABERDEENSHIRE-based JKR Contractors has become the first business in the UK to purchase a Cat 317 excavator.
The new model, supplied by Finning UK & Ireland, is a replacement for its existing 316 machine and has been fitted with Trimble 3D technology from SITECH.
Company director Jim Taylor described the 18.5-tonne excavator as an extremely versatile machine which fills a gap in the JKR fleet as its size class means it can be deployed on housebuilding and roadworks projects.
“The machine has been fitted with a tiltrotator, which makes life easier for our driver and the machine is more productive as it can dig from the same position without moving,” Jim said. “We run the Trimble technology from SITECH on all our machines which means our engineers can upload and update drawings remotely.
“The technology is an important element for us. Engineers are hard to find, as are operators and ground works staff, so having the technology allows one engineer to manage multiple sites remotely from the office. It also cuts the time it would take for them to travel to and from sites.”
JKR, headquartered in Ellon, was founded in 2007 by father and sons Jim, Kevin and Ryan Taylor, providing civil engineering and concrete works throughout north east Scotland. The firm employs over 180 people.
The purchase of the 317 is part of a wider investment in Caterpillar machines by the company. Since 2020, JKR has bought two Cat D6 dozers, three Cat 320 excavators and three Cat 313 excavators. Finning also provide JKR with machine performance reports including monitoring fuel usage and idle times, together with a warranty and service package.
John Stuart, major accounts manager for Finning, added, “We have a long-standing relationship with JKR. It’s been great to see them grow as a business over the last few years and support them in getting the best out of their fleet.
“The Cat 317 is a great choice of machine, and we already have several enquiries from other customers about it as it has some great built-in technology including E-fence which ensures the machine works within a set area to avoid hazards. There are also 360-degree cameras and soft levers which are very easy to operate with no resistance at all, which operators really like.
“The addition of the Trimble 3D kit from SITECH provides the operator with the levels to work to and gives them a plan and depths which alleviates the need for an engineer on site. JKR were early adopters of the software because the tolerances it gives are very small and there are no reworks which reduces wear and tear on the machine.”
