TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING June 2019 31ORIGINAL
EQUIPMENT
JCB
JCB adds three new X Series crawler excavators
JCB has expanded its X Series crawler
excavator line with the launch of three
models in the popular 13- to 16-t
(28,660- to 35,270-lb) sector. This fol-
lows the successful introduction of the
210X and 220X last year, both compet-
ing in the 21-t (46,300-lb) category.
The 21-t market remains the biggest
single weight sector in the global crawl-
er excavator market, with 13- to 16-t
machines the second most popular
weight range. That said, the latter mar-
ket is by far the biggest sector in JCB’s
domestic market of the UK and Ireland,
accounting for almost 60% of all
tracked excavator sales.
The 131X, 140X and 150X replace the
previous generation JS131, JS130 and
JS145, respectively. The smaller models
follow the design pioneered by the
220X, with a robust-looking upper struc-
ture that is 80 mm (3.1 in) wider than
previous JS machines, at 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
overall. This has allowed the company to
fit the JCB CommandPlus cab, as seen
on the heavier X Series models, while
retaining the centrally-mounted boom
position for improved digging accuracy
and reduced stress on the slew bearing.
As with the larger model, JCB has test-
ed all three of the new machines on an
automotive-style shaker rig that simulates
15,000 hours of tracking in a 150-hour
test cycle. On the 220X, this led to a
much-improved access-door design, with
double-skinned, zinc-plated doors now
standard across the range. JCB also has
designed easily-repaired strike points into
the rear corners of the counterweight, to
protect the back of the machine on site.
“We’ve put every model through the
shaker test. It’s proven very effective,”
said product manager Paul Swallow. “All
of the lessons that we learned on the
20-tonne machine, we’ve put into the
13-tonners.”Enhanced hydraulics, more
comfortable cab
The three excavators use the same un-
dercarriage, boom and dipper design as
the last-generation JS models, with the
majority of changes taking place inside
the new double-skinned doors. The131X, which is aimed at the rental mar-
ket, uses a 55-kW (74-hp) JCB EcoMAX
diesel engine that meets Tier 4 Final
emissions standards without a diesel
particulate filter (DPF) or selective cat-
alytic reduction (SCR).
The 140X and 150X models come
with the more powerful 81-kW (108-hp)
EcoMAX engine, which currently meets
Tier 4 Final using SCR but still without
requiring a DPF. These engines will be
engineered to meet the new EU Stage
V emissions regulations when they
come into force next year.
Other changes include new Kawasaki
hydraulic pumps on the 140X and 150X,
while the engineers have spent a lot of
time fine-tuning the Kayaba hydraulic
valve blocks on all three machines for
smoother operation. One of the ben-
efits of the new hydraulic pump and
improved control valves is a 4% fuel-
consumption improvement for the 140X
and 150X, along with a 6% improvement
in tonnes/liter moved.
Though outwardly similar, the 150X is
heavier than the 140X and delivers up
to 290 kg (640 lb) more lift perfor-
mance. The 140X and 150X also benefit
from an 11% increase in bucket tearout
force, thanks to a larger-diameter buck-
et cylinder. In addition, high-flow hy-
draulic hose diameters have been in-
creased by 0.25 in (6.35 mm) through-out the machines, improving flow and
reducing pressure in the system.
The CommandPlus cab delivers 15%
more operator space and greatly im-
proved comfort. The cab sits on four new
three-chamber hydraulic isolating
mounts, which help to cut internal noise
levels by 5 dB(A) to just 67 dB(A). The
CommandPlus cab comes with a choice
of three Grammer seats, with the top
specification including seat heating and
cooling functions. JCB reports that this
seat has been the most popular choice
with 220X buyers so far, though the rental
focus of the 131X, in particular, could see
the focus move to a lower-trim model.
The cab has a new command pod to
the right of the operator’s seat, with a 7-in
color monitor and automotive-style rotary
controller. The air-conditioning system has
been improved, with the cab filtration now
easily accessible from ground level. A
rearview camera is standard, while a sec-
ondary camera can be fitted to the right-
hand side of the machine, with the opera-
tor able to toggle between views on the
in-cab monitor. JCB also will offer a four-
camera system as an option, which pro-
vides an all-round view of the machine,
using a second monitor in the cab.
All three of the excavators can be
factory-prepared for use with Leica,
Trimble or Topcon 3D machine guid-
ance systems, allowing a plug-and-playThough outwardly similar to
the 140X, the 150X crawler
excavator (shown) is heavier
and delivers up to 290 kg
(640 lb) more lift performance.