Last autumn saw JCB launch the latest machine in the X series – another reduced tailswing machine. CPN braved the mud and wintery weather to bring you the gen.
On a misty Wednesday in October, JCB gather the great and good of the international plant press for its final product introductions of the year. Two of them feature elsewhere in this month’s issue. First, the Intelliweigh system for assessing wheel loader attachment loads can be found on p. 32; while second, the Intellisense pedestrian safety system for telehandlers is on p. 25.
However, the key launch for the company in the muddy and misty environs of its Kevin demo quarry in Staffs was a further expansion of its popular X Series range of crawler excavators. The new 145XR is a second reduced tailswing model that claims to deliver “exceptional” performance and productivity with compact dimensions and a full-size operator cab. Key features of the new 145XR include: a 27% shorter tailswing than a conventional 140X; reduced front swing and optional TAB boom layout; a full-size X-Series cab; the company’s UX operator interface with 10in touchscreen display; and up to 10% fuel economy improvement with extended maintenance intervals.
The 145XR builds upon the larger 245XR, delivering its performance in a compact design with a minimal counterweight swing. With a 27% shorter counterweight overhang than a conventional 140X, it’s claimed to be an “ideal” machine for working within a highway carriageway, or on confined urban job sites. Weighing in at 15-18 tonnes, depending on specification, it can be supplied with a monoboom or a two-piece triple articulating (TAB) configuration.
The monoboom layout provides a maximum digging depth of 6,027mm with a 3m dipper, while the TAB boom has a maximum of 6,167mm. Forward reach is up to 8,801mm for the monoboom and 9,230mm for the TAB specification.
The engine is JCB’s established Stage V Dieselmax engine, with an output of 81kW (108hp). Auto-stop and auto-idle engine function reduce fuel consumption and emissions when idling. Engine working speed has been reduced to 1,700rpm, increasing fuel economy by 10% and cutting overall noise levels.
The machine is built with heavy-duty track components, plates, bearings, and features graphite bushings on key pivot points, allowing up to a 250-hour greasing interval. Hydraulic filter changes are extended to 2,000 hours, meaning the new machine requires 24% fewer filter changes over 10,000 hours of service, reducing operating and maintenance costs.
Operator Control
As with all X-Series models, the 145XR features a full-sized Command Plus ROPS cab. As well as being one of the largest on the market, with 2.86mÑ of volume, the Command Plus cab benefits from a heated air suspension seat and a reduced in-cab noise level.
The cab is further improved with a new 10in touchscreen monitor, with the UX interface. The switch panel incorporates customisable hot keys, allowing personalisation for the operator. Climate control, keyless start, and twin cameras for added visibility are all standard. The interface has up to 25 user profiles, which can be customised for the operator to set preferred joystick configuration to meet their individual requirements. Mobile phone connectivity has been improved, with phone book integration via the monitor. The machine is easy to use and help guides are available within the monitor, along with ‘how to’ videos covering all of the features of the system.
The 145XR is available with a range of options, to tailor the machine to an individual customer’s requirements. These include auxiliary hydraulic circuits with up to 15 attachment settings and a premium heated and cooled operator’s seat. LED lights are now standard, with options available to increase to up to 14 LED work lights. A birds’ eye 360° camera system, integrated within the display, can also be offered, along with high visibility, all-round handrails.
