A Scottish ground engineering specialist is using a specially modified JCB X Series tracked excavator for its piling and foundations work on new housing developments.
Akela Ground Engineering – part of the Akela Group – has purchased the new machine which comprises a JCB 220X base machine fitted with BSP-TEX Ltd JX25-8 piling rig. The combination is said to deliver a mobile, self-erecting, 28-tonne piling rig capable of driving in steel, wood or concrete piles up to eight metres in length.
Supported by Scot JCB, the machine is currently working at a new build development on the former Ruchill Hospital site near the centre of Glasgow – laying the foundations for the construction of 10 blocks of flats and 160 houses.
Dave Warley, Akela Ground Engineering contracts engineer, explained, “All the piles driven on the site so far have been with the JCB-powered JX25-8 rig. The key benefits for us are a lightweight rig which reduces the thickness required for piling platforms and the high manoeuvrability for accessing and working on busy house building sites.”
Piling rig operator Scott Brownlie added, “It’s a good machine for this type of application, as it’s just the right size and weight and packs a powerful, productive punch. The cab on the JCB 220X is very quiet and comfortable, just what you need on a piling rig, as the piling rig creates a lot of exterior noise. We need the door and windows shut so the quiet cab, comfortable seat and good heating and ventilation system create a nice operating environment.”
