Fuel-saving JCB tracked excavators find niche demolition role

Tom Grant Plant take delivery of three JCB JS220 machines to capitalize on increased demand from demolition sector

AYRSHIRE-based Tom Grant Plant have purchased three 20-tonne JCB JS220 tracked excavators after identifying a gap in the demolition equipment market for a mid-sized excavator to perform on-site clear up duties

The new excavators have the power to handle heavy materials and attachments but offer greater manouevrability and cost efficiency than the traditional large demolition excavator. They join two earlier JCB JS220s which were purchased in August 2013 and have been in high demand for the site clearance role ever since.

The JS220 model is the first JCB excavator above 20 tonnes operating weight to adopt the company’s highly efficient Ecomax diesel engine.

The 4.8-litre engine delivers 129kW (172hp) and is equipped with 2,000 bar common rail fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and full electronic engine control, resulting in improved engine responsiveness and a 10% cut in fuel consumption. As with all JCB Ecomax engines, the clean burn technology means there is no requirement for a costly, bulky diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Company owner Tom Grant said: ‘With its agility and excellent fuel efficiency thanks to the Ecomax engine, the JS220 is significantly cheaper to run than a large demolition excavator yet able to perform a wide range of handling, cutting and sorting tasks required as part of the demolition process.   ‘We have spotted the opportunity to deliver this service – providing a smaller and productive machine than many out-and-out demolition contractors have in their fleet. In addition to the machines’ performance, the service from Scot JCB is excellent. Its response times on support or parts is rapid and the competition just can’t compete with that.’  

The three new machines have been specified with specialist auxiliary pipework, a rotation circuit and directional controls to provide enhanced attachment utilisation. They have been put to work on a series of demolition projects across central Scotland picking up steel, wood and building materials and feeding crushers on site, using a range of attachments such as buckets and a selector grab.