Truck & Off-Highway Engineering – June 2019

32 June 2019 TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT

ALL IMAGES: JCB

installation on site. Steelwrist tilt-rota-
tor wiring and hydraulic supply can also
be factory-installed.
The fuel and hydraulic tanks are now
mounted inside secondary body panels,
to prevent knocks on site and the hy-
draulic tank benefits from improved
baffles to reduce oil aeration. This in
part has contributed to longer service
intervals, with the hydraulic oil filter
swap now due after 2,000 hours and
the actual oil lasting for up to 5,000
hours of operation. The hydraulic oil
cooler also is 15% larger, to provide im-
proved temperature control within the
system. JCB also has made regular ser-
vicing easier, with grouped greasing

points and ground-level access to all

filters and drain points.

The three X Series models can be

ordered in LCD specification, with a

dozer blade fitted to the undercarriage

for utility work. There also is an HD

specification, with heavier belly plates

and a heavy-duty undercarriage from

the larger JS160 model. Demolition

contractors can specify extra side pro-

tection, a Level 2 FOPS (falling object

protective structure) and a reversible

engine cooling fan, if required.

Market outlook

As mentioned, the 13-16 tonne machines

are expected to prove particularly popular

in the UK and throughout Europe, though

they will be offered in North America and

in other Tier 4 Final markets as well. JCB is

confident the three machines will prove

popular with ground-working contractors

and rental companies.

“We expect this new 13-16 tonne range

to take the groundworks industry by

storm,” said chief innovation and growth

officer Tim Burnhope. “In the UK alone,

this class of machine accounts for nearly

60% of all tracked excavators sold. The

210X and 220X have already delivered

on customer demands for greater levels

of strength, durability, comfort, ease of

use, reliability, efficiency, productivity

and serviceability, so we are delighted to

bring this new level of detail to our 13-16

tonne models.”

Though unconfirmed at present, JCB’s

Heavy Products division will gradually

add to the X Series lineup over the com-

ing years, moving its entire crawler exca-

vator range from the previous-generation

JS models. Managing director Alistair

Gorton confirmed that in time, much of

the X Series’ design will be adopted by

the company’s wheeled excavators.

Dan Gilkes

The 131X, which is aimed at the rental

market, uses a 55-kW (74-hp) JCB EcoMAX

diesel engine that meets Tier 4 Final

emissions standards without a DPF or SCR.

Featuring a new command pod with 7-in

color monitor and automotive-style rotary

controller, the CommandPlus cab delivers

15% more operator space and greatly

improved comfort.

Demolition contractors can specify extra side

protection, a Level 2 FOPS cab protection system

and a reversible engine cooling fan, if required.