A drainage contractor has bought the first of the new JCB 2.5-tonne mini-excavator models to reach Northern Ireland.
Crumlin-based Philip Wilson Land Drainage has taken delivery of the zero tailswing 25Z-1, which will be utilised on a range of agricultural, domestic and commercial contracting projects.
Supplied by Dennison JCB, the new model joins a JCB 56Z-2 compact excavator, 8008 micro excavator, CT160-100 vibratory tandem roller, and 531-70 Loadall telehandler already in the fleet.
The 25Z-1 is the latest addition to JCB’s range of compact excavators. Powered by an EU Stage V engine, the zero tailswing model boasts a redesigned cab, improved dig-end geometry, and electro-proportional auxiliary, swing and dozer controls.
Jeff Wilson, owner of Philip Wilson Land Drainage, said, “We buy JCB because they are reliable and the back-up and service from Dennison JCB is excellent. This latest machine is ideal – it will be perfect for what we’re doing. We wanted to put a rotating grab on an excavator of this size, which we couldn’t do with our previous machine, so it was time for a change as we needed that capability.
“We’re keen to invest in zero tailswing machines as a lot of the work we do is in very compact areas, so this was a key feature for us. We also needed a machine which we could tow behind a pick-up which again the JCB can do so it’s the perfect machine for our requirements.”
With an overall width of 1,500mm, the 25Z-1 tips the scales at 2,550kg. The machine can be towed behind a van or a 4×4 and is equipped with nine tie-down points for secure transportation without chains or straps cutting into rubber tracks.
