Tool Hire Blog UK

Walters invested in a fleet of seven new JCB 370X excavators

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:12:23 +0000

One of the UK’s leading multi-disciplined contractors has invested in a fleet of seven new JCB 370X excavators – among the first of JCB’s latest X Series models to be produced.

South Wales-based Walters Group has ordered the brand new machines to work predominantly on a series of highway earthworks projects. Supplied by dealer Holt JCB, the first three of these heavy-duty earthmovers have already rolled off the production line at JCB’s Heavy Products factory in Staffordshire and straight into action. They join a further three 220X models in the Walters Group’s significant JCB excavator order.

Walters Group Chief Operating Officer, Huw Richards said: “The JCB 370X looks an extremely impressive excavator, and having gone through extensive testing pre-launch, we look forward to their introduction into our fleet. Options to buy excavators made in the UK are somewhat limited and we are keen to support JCB as it introduces an X Series model in the medium sized excavator category.

“We know we can rely on our dealer Holt JCB with whom we have a long-established relationship. Their team understands how critical uptime and performance is to our business.”

The new JCB 370X – which was unveiled earlier this year – brings industry leading levels of productivity, durability, and reliability to the 35-40 tonne sector. Powered by a stage V/T4F 240kW (322hp) diesel engine delivering 14% more power, the 370X can move 4.5 tonnes more material per litre of fuel than competitive models.

It features the new JCB UX user interface, with 10” colour touchscreen display and controls, increased hydraulic pressures boost performance in hard digging, and extended service intervals for improved total cost of ownership.

Founded in 1982, Walters Group has workshops and offices in Aberdare and Avonmouth. The company delivers nationwide civil engineering predominantly focused on earthworks, demolition, quarrying services as well as plant hire. Walters Group runs one of the largest independently owned plant fleets in the UK, supported by its own extensive pool of operators and maintenance personnel.

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JCB SUCCESSFULLY CAMPAIGNS FOR TOWING REGULATION UPDATE

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:59:13 +0000

JCB was today celebrating after securing a change in regulations which will allow trailers to be towed on the road by wheeled construction machinery – potentially saving customers thousands of pounds a year.
The decision affects towing rules in England, Scotland and Wales and has seen the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) create a new Vehicle Special Order (VSO). Under the new regulation, it will be possible for customers to use wheeled engineering plant, such as backhoe loaders and wheeled excavators, to tow a trailer on the highway, for the purposes of construction, maintenance, and repair of roads.
Richard Brooks, JCB’s Group Product Innovation Director said: “Recognition by the VCA of the benefits of safely towing a trailer behind these types of wheeled machines will be welcomed by contractors and equipment owners.
“We have been pushing for this change in legislation, as it will greatly increase the versatility and productivity of this type of wheeled machine. By towing a trailer to and from site, customers will reduce the need for additional vehicles to carry materials and tools, cutting emissions and unnecessary traffic, while increasing efficiency in road construction maintenance and repair.”
It has taken some years for JCB to demonstrate to the Department for Transport (DfT) and VCA that this is an effective and efficient use of machinery and will facilitate, amongst other issues, the repair of potholes. While this is only a temporary derogation to The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 2003, the company remains committed to a permanent change and will continue to work with all agencies to effect this.
Despite the availability of trailer hitches and towing equipment for a range of wheeled machines, it has until now, not been possible for this type of machinery to legally tow a trailer on public highways. Under the new order, backhoe loaders like JCB’s 3CX Compact, along with wheeled excavators such as JCB’s Hydradig and Pothole Pro, will now be permitted to tow a trailer that is unladen, or that is carrying material or tools to and from a road construction, repair, or maintenance site, greatly increasing versatility and productivity for the customer, while reducing the need for additional transportation.
The machines will be allowed to tow on all types of roads, other than motorways, at speeds of up to 20mph. The wheeled engineering plant must be road-registered and shall comply with all applicable aspects of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The overall length of the combined machine and trailer cannot exceed 8m and the trailer must bear the same number plate as the towing machine.
Written Applications
Operators wanting to take advantage of this change in the law, can apply in writing to the VCA, advising that they wish to use a machine, or a number of machines, to tow on the road. Applications should be submitted to vso@vca.gov.uk and must include the name of the person or organisation making the application.
Purpose Built
JCB offers a range of purpose-built towing equipment for the 3CX Compact and for the Hydradig 110W and Pothole Pro wheeled excavators. The 3CX towing hitch has a maximum towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes, with a 5-tonne recovery capacity. This adjustable height hitch comes with a 50mm ball, as well as a clevis type connection, to suit different trailer attachments. It has a maximum nose load of 250kg and the hitch folds away under the rear frame when not in use, to allow the backhoe to operate. Full seven-pin towing electrics are also available from JCB and its dealers.
The Hydradig 110W is offered with a choice of hitches, using a Rockinger connection, or a ball and clevis design. These hitches are mounted to the dozer blade, using a square cut-out in the blade surface. A quick-release pin holds the hitch in place while in operation. Again, standard seven-pin trailer electrics are available for the Hydradig range, to provide power for lighting.
To further support the use of a trailer, the Hydradig can be equipped with single acting auxiliary, or single and double acting auxiliary hydraulic functions at the rear of the lower chassis frame. The single acting function can be used to power the trailer tipping cylinder, while the double acting service can be used to open and close hydraulic trailer doors.

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RAIN FAILS TO DAMPEN SPIRITS AS MORE THAN 360 RUNNERS COMPETE IN JCB LAKESIDE 5

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:44:43 +0000

Wet conditions failed to dampen sprits at the popular JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run – which saw a bumper field raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC.

For the first time in the race’s 41-year history it rained – but that did not deter more than 360 competitors from around the UK and overseas from taking part. The event, which brings together some of the area’s best club runners with JCB employees and their families, also raised £4,150 for the NSPCC.

Race organiser Mick Grindey, who has taken part in every Lakeside 5 since it was first run in 1983, said: “It is amazing to see such a big field and supporters, who have come along despite the wet conditions and created a really great atmosphere. When the Lakeside 5 started in 1983, just 95 competitors took part, which shows how far it has come.”

The fundraising total was boosted by a sponsorship from Cheadle-based Ecam Engineering. First across the line was City of Stoke Athletics Club runner Chris Gidlow who completed the five-mile main course around JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, in a time of 26 minutes 57 seconds. First female across the line was Chris’ fellow City of Stoke AC runner Chloe Hawkins in 32 minutes 28 seconds. First JCB Man was Jason Burgess in a time of 29 minutes, 32 seconds – for the second year running – and First JCB Lady was Liz Plant in 42 minutes and 26 seconds.

Also in action was Charles Bevan, of Abbots Bromley, who has also taken part in every JCB Lakeside 5 race. The former JCB Electrical Engineer always runs in fancy dress and this year it was Charlie Chaplin. Charles, 77, said: “It is just great fun to keep coming back and taking part. I have no plans to stop any time soon – there is a great spirit surrounding this event.”

Another in action was Ted Prince – a third-generation member of his family to work at JCB. The Sales and Marketing graduate was in his first ever Lakeside 5. He said: “It is just an amazing thing to be a part of and so pleased we have raised so much for the NSPCC.”

There was a good international representation too. The field included JCB Netherlands employee Michel Jansen who was taking part in his seventh event. The finance expert flew over to the UK just to take part. He said: “I love coming back – and this one is special. It marks my 20th year working with JCB in the Netherlands, so this is my birthday present to myself.”

Also running was JCB India employee Umesh Sakore, who is on a two-year-placement in the UK. He ran the two-mile fun route with his wife Smita and their daughter Asmi, 10, and three-year-old son Ansh. The Design Engineer said: “It is a brilliant family occasion so what better than to run it with my wife and children. We all thoroughly enjoyed it – a great JCB occasion.”

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