Since their release two years ago, JCB’s 245XR excavators have been in constant demand from earthmoving and construction businesses keen on making the most of their innovative reduced slewing radius.
The short radius is a key feature that differentiates the machines from the rest of the market: with an intuitive design, the 245XR offers less swing while also ensuring that other features such as cab space are not compromised.
Part of the company’s X Series, the excavator platform weighs 20 to 25 tonnes, and 27t with the blade. It has a tail swing radius of 1.72 metres, which is 40 per cent less than its predecessor, the 220X excavator.
The reduced swing provides several benefits for operators, not the least of which is improved safety and efficiency for operators.
With the smaller rotation, operators can use the machine in tight spaces when working on building and infrastructure projects.
There is also a safety aspect to the shorter swing, as there is less chance of damage to nearby buildings or personnel on site when the machine is in operation.
Supported by a bucket capacity of 1.25 cubic metres, the 245XR can optimise operations in difficult working applications.
Running on a similar hydraulic pump system as the 220X, the engine and control valves have been enlarged and better fluid dynamics have been instilled throughout the whole machine, thus maintaining the same efficient speed and accuracy while also having increased breakout and performance.
There’s also better equilibrium in the 245XR.
The JCB design team spent a lot of time and resources developing this product, making it one of the heaviest in its class, and also one of the most stable. The engineers managed this by allocating weight to key areas of the machine to achieve equilibrium.
But these design changes do not take away from the machine’s comfort level, with the operator’s cabin remaining at full size, unlike some competitors who have changed to a reduced size or a three-quarter sized cabin.
Operator feedback also contributed to the design of the 245XR’s cabin, which features double cushioned viscous mounts to reduce the noise to 69 decibels. The seat-mounted joystick and switch controls move with the operator.
Selectable Swing Smoothing is a feature that comes as standard with the 245XR and it enables the operator to customise the performance of the vehicle to suit any given application.
The feature can produce sharper, or more gradual movements, depending on what is required from the job at hand.
245XR operators also have the ability to smooth the slew. If more speed is needed instead of accuracy, they can switch to softer slew so it doesn’t brake as aggressively and has a smoother action: a useful maneouvre for tasks such as loading trucks.
Capital idea
Quick to appreciate the benefits of an excavator capable of working in tight spaces has been WA-based Capital Recycling, a multifaceted company specialising in demolition, civil works, concrete and aggregate recycling, as well as expert transport within these fields.
Founded in 1996 by Managing Director Ray Gullotto, the company offers a range of services from house to commercial demolitions, big projects and small.
With more than 40 employees, the business controls an extensive line-up of highway trucks, mobile earthmoving equipment, Class I and II Demolition Licences and the two largest Construction and Demolition (C&D) recycling facilities in Western Australia.
The fleet includes several JCB equipment, with a 245XR as its latest addition.
“When it comes to demolition, no job is too big or too small for Capital Recycling,” Ray said.
“Since 1996 we have been offering demolition services in Perth, and customers can benefit from this long term experience. We recycle building materials, and can safely remove asbestos if required.
“Our attention to detail and a solid safety record has also seen us become a leader in the demolition arena, with an increasing number of high profile projects attained.
“These have received high praise, not only for the end result, but also for our methodology.”
JCB CEA Territory Manager Will Johnson said Capital Recycling’s investment in JCB equipment highlighted its dedication to the industries in which it operated and the wider community.
“With a focus on efficient business practices, we’re pleased to support Ray and his customers with products we believe are not only fit for purpose but offer substantial benefits to him and his team when it comes to operator comfort and safety,” he said.