A civil engineering contractor has bought two of the first new JCB 145XR reduced tail-swing excavators.
Purchased by Stockport-based Williams Construction (Stockport) Ltd, the two 145XRs are working on the build of a new £108 million facility in Warrington for aluminium rolling and recycling specialist Novelis.
Supplied by Gunn JCB, the 145XR is the latest addition to the X Series range and is designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional 140X, in a compact design with a 27% shorter tail-swing.
Williams Construction owner and MD Gareth Williams said, “We now have over 20 JCB machines including mini excavators, site dumpers, Loadall telescopic handlers and 140X and 220X excavator models. They are operator-friendly, reliable and fuel-efficient machines that are backed by the excellent service we get from the Gunn JCB team who we have been dealing with for three decades.
“As soon as I saw the 145XR I knew it would be an ideal fit for our operations. We already have the 140X which is a great machine. It’s a powerful and precise digger, it’s capable of fine grading work, it’s an excellent all-rounder, even handling a breaker with ease.
“The new models are suited to our contracts where space is at a premium including working in close proximity to concrete piles. The reduced tailswing will definitely make a difference on these jobs and reduce potential damage. Our machines are also often working closely with our lads on the ground and with the reduced size and great camera system, it should increase the safety aspect on site too.”
The JCB 145XR builds on the success of JCB’s larger 245XR. JCB said the ultra-tight slew radius makes it ideal for working within a highway carriageway, or on confined urban job sites.
