XTENDING THE FLEET

Like many in the construction industry, Gareth Williams started his business, Williams Construction (Stockport) Limited, with a JCB backhoe loader

For almost 3 decades, since he started the company, Gareth Williams managing director of Williams Construction (Stockport) has been an avid user of JCB. equipment.

As the company has grown under Gareth’s guidance, the contracts have grown alongside moving from the smaller work Gareth initially cut his teeth on, to multi-million-pound contracts with a range of clients including many household names.

On the back of the company’s steady and calculated expansion, Gareth has invested heavily in building the fleet of machinery used to deliver the increasing number of contracts they undertake on an annual basis. “We started the company with a JCB backhoe loader and have continually invested in more of the British-built products as and when we needed them.” He explains. “We now have over 20 JCB machines ranging from mini excavators up to the 220X, as well as dumpers and a telehandler, and find them to be operator friendly machines, reliable and fuel efficient. They are also backed by the excellent service we get from the team at Gunn JCB who we have been dealing with for the entire three decades.”

As the projects that Williams Construction undertake vary in size and complexity, the range of plant mirrors this. The latest additions to the large fleet are a pair of JCB 145XR reduced tail swing excavators.

Launched last year, the introduction of the reduced tail swing excavator is the latest addition to JCB’s highly acclaimed X Series range, which is currently headed by the 40t class 370X. Already having success with the standard counterweight 140X and 150X models, the reduced radius version filled a much-needed gap in the Staffordshire manufacturer’s line up and was a welcome addition to the range when it arrived on the market.

Building on the strong reputation of the conventional 140X, the JCB engineering teams have designed the 145XR to deliver the same performance as the conventional machine, all in a compact design with an ultra-tight slew radius. The introduction of the larger 245XR reduced tail swing excavator hinted at the possibility of things to come and when the 145XR was unveiled, the orders came in thick and fast.

Like the conventional machines, the 145XR is available with a choice of undercarriage options. Whilst Gareth has opted for the typically UK standard LC undercarriage with 700mm track pads, there is a dozer blade option, as well as a HD option for the most arduous applications. The X-frame undercarriage has been designed to give the excavator a strong and stable platform and has been taken from the conventional machine, meaning there is a commonality of parts across the machine models. Depending on which undercarriage is selected, there is a choice of track pads available ranging from 500 to 900mm wide.

“IT’S AN EXCELLENT ALL-ROUNDER, EVEN HANDLING A BREAKER WITH EASE...”

The striking design of the upper structure mirrors that of its larger brother. Incorporating the design features of the conventional tail swing machine where the bodywork is shaped to reduce potential damage and reduce repair costs. With just over 200mm of rear overhang, the 145XR is an ideal solution for Gareth’s business. “We work around a lot of concrete piles having to crop them.” He comments. “It’s very easy for even the most careful of operators to scuff the counterweight on a machine. The compact tail swing should reduce this further and help us keep the machines looking tidier and lower our repair costs.”

Underneath the wide-opening panels sits JCB’s 448 Stage V DieselMAX engine. Designed to offer smooth and constant power delivery whilst offering exceptional fuel consumption figures, the 109hp engine delivers 516Nm of torque at low engine rpm resulting in low noise levels inside and outside of the machine. Both the fuel and AdBlue filler points are easily accessible from ground level allowing for safe filling as and when required. Daily checks can be made from the comfort of the cab but for those wanting a more hands-on approach to checking levels, they can all be achieved safely from ground level.

One of the most striking aspects of the new model is the incorporation of the manufacturer’s full-sized CommandPlus cabin. The cab has been lauded since its launch on the 220X model more than four years ago and the latest incarnation has been tweaked to offer even more operator comfort than before. Whilst many manufacturers use smaller cabs on their compact tail swing machines, JCB’s drive to ensure operators have the most comfortable and relaxing working environment, was behind the decision to use the full-sized cab. The well-appointed cab uses a premium seat with masses of movement making it possible for operators of all sizes to get a comfortable working position. The joysticks give smooth and precise movements thanks to a premium hydraulic system and for those wanting their storage solutions, Bluetooth and intuitive interface, the CommandPlus cab ticks all boxes.

The working end of the excavator can be specified with either a two-piece boom or the more common monobloc version. Three stick options are available with lengths of 2.5m, 2.7m and 3m available. The pair of machines Gareth has purchased have come with the standard 3m option giving a potential maximum dig depth of just over 6m. Both machines are finished off with a JCB hydraulic quick coupler and a range of buckets.

The duo have been delivered to a new project for Novelis in Warrington. Williams Construction has won a competitive package for the 10 million pound heavy civils and concreting works, part of a larger 108 million pound project to deliver a state-of-the-art aluminium can recycling facility that will increase the plant’s capacity by 100%, resulting in an annual CO2e reduction of more than 350,000 tonnes for Novelis Europe.

The project will see Gareth’s experienced team undertake the entire foundation, deep drainage and new road network construction for the project.

“I first saw the 145XR at the Hillhead show and immediately knew it would be an ideal fit for our operations.” Gareth commented. “We already have the 140X and have found it to be a great machine. It does exactly what we need it to do. It’s a powerful and precise digger, it’s capable of fine grading work, it’s an excellent all-rounder, even handling a breaker with ease. I spoke to the JCB team at the show and ordered them there and then. Whilst they are ideally suited to our contracts where space is at a premium, our machines are often working closely with our lads on the ground and with the reduced size and great camera system, it should increase the safety aspect on site too.”

The fleet of machines operated by Gareth are all on JCB’s LiveLink telematics system which he says plays an important role in his business. “We’ve been using LiveLink for years.” He commented. “Our fitter knows when machines need servicing, or if there is an issue with any of the fleet that he needs to look at. It’s also great for keeping track of fuel consumption, our idling time and ultimately our operating costs. It’s a very valuable addition to our fleet.”