Wooldridge Group Of Surrey, UK, Takes Delivery Of New JCB 245XR Excavators

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The new 31-ton JCB 245XR shares a number of features with the conventional-tailswing JCB 220X, although its much smaller working radius is better-suited for space-constrained jobsites. (Photo courtesy of JCB.)

Demolition and groundworks specialists Wooldridge Group recently received four of JCB's new 27.9- to 30.9-ton (25.3- to 28-metric-ton) 245XR crawler excavators. The new EU Stage V-compliant 245XR, launched in late 2021, provides minimum tailswing yet maximum space inside the cab, according to the manufacturer.

Dealer Greenshields JCB sold the group of high-spec diggers to the Wooldridge Group, which is headquartered in Surrey in the UK. Each of the four 245XRs has been upgraded with a Leica 3D guidance system and an Engcon tiltrotator.

“JCB has always been on our radar so when we were looking to invest in some zero-tailswing machines, we thought we’d try the JCB 245XR,” says Wooldridge Group Senior Operations Director, Nobby Grimes. “Our operators had always wanted JCBs and we were really impressed with them. We work on mainly residential sites so the zero-tailswing feature is really useful in tight spaces. The machines are easy to maneuver, the fuel economy is fantastic, and it saves wear on the tracks.”

Designed For Close Quarters

The JCB 245XR has a 0.46- to 1.63-cubic-yard (0.35- to 1.25-cubic-meter) bucket and a tearout force of up to 33,272 pounds-force (148 kilonewtons). Excavation power can be boosted by a button in the cabin. The new crawler model has a maximum digging depth of 19.8 feet (6.03 metres) and a max digging reach of 30.9 ft (9.42 m).

The 245XR shares a number of features with the conventional JCB 220X, although its tailswing radius is 40% smaller at a modest 5.64 ft (1.72 m). The short front swing of the 245XR rounds out an overall working radius that is 5.25 ft (1.6 m) less than that of the 220X and more suited to constrained work sites. The new digger also comes standard with JCB’s Selectable Swing Smoothing feature.

Operator’s Station

JCB says the 245XR’s roomy, 3.3-ft (1-m)-wide CommandPlus cab is the largest in its market segment. Designed using customer feedback, the cab features customizable, electro-proportional controls that operators can tailor to their preferred speed. The joystick and switch controls are seat-mounted, so they move along with the driver.

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The 245XR shares a number of features with the conventional JCB 220X, although its tailswing radius is 40% smaller at a modest 5.64 ft. (Photo courtesy of JCB.)

The CommandPlus cab is isolated from the vibration of the machine by double-cushion, viscous mounts. The operating noise level within is only 69dB(A). Bluetooth audio connection support is built into the excavator’s control screen.

Low-Emissions Operation

The 245XR’s Stage V-compliant power plant is a 173-horsepower (129-kilowatt), 4.8-litre, JCB Dieselmax 448 engine. Its diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit, and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) are all combined into a single unit. The motor can burn hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) as well as diesel fuel.

The crawler excavator can travel at up to 3.5 mph (5.6 km/h). JCB says it has thoroughly tested its construction via physical and climate tests from 131 to -22 degrees Fahrenheit (55 to -30 Celsius) in various parts of the world.

The 245XR comes with hose burst check valves (HBCVs) from the factory for lifting applications, while optional bucket HBCVs are available for the use of forks. Other options include a dozer blade and a triple articulating boom (TAB) configuration. JCB includes a five-year subscription to its LiveLink fleet management system.

Source: JCB