XWATCH Safety Solutions has marked a milestone with the installation of its 6,000th system – fitted to a RIVARD EXVAC suction excavator operated by LMD Vacuum Excavation.
The specialist public works contractor has now installed four Xwatch height and slew restrictor systems across its fleet, with a fifth due to be installed this month. These vacuum excavators are designed for excavation in congested urban environments such as streets, pavements, and underground utility networks.
The EXVAC model, developed by RIVARD, features a hydrodynamic vortex principle and includes a left-tilt feature for efficient skip emptying during tipping.
LMD MD Mick Dysart said, “When working alongside live traffic or under overhead cables, it’s best practice to restrict the hydraulic arm to protect the operator and the public. That’s why we chose Xwatch.”
Each of the LMD installs required bespoke software adjustments to suit the specific dynamics of vacuum excavation, with extra features developed by the Xwatch team to meet the site’s needs. Two systems were installed by Adam Guilfoyle and two by Ryan Andres – with Ryan completing the landmark 6,000th installation.
LMD’s engineers are being trained by Xwatch to carry out future installations in-house, to give the business more flexibility as its fleet grows.
Jemma Dycer Hopkins, sales and operations manager at Xwatch, added, “LMD needed a safety solution that would work with specialist equipment, and we were able to customise the system to suit their requirements. We’re also training their team to install and manage the systems themselves – a practical step that supports their day-to-day operations. Adam and Ryan have both done a great job on site, and we’re grateful to Mick for choosing Xwatch.”
