One of the first electric mini diggers to roll off JCB‘s production line has been pressed straight into service on one of Europe’s biggest and most prestigious infrastructure projects.
The JCB 19C-1E was snapped up by leading plant hire firm Lynch for use on the massive High Speed Two (HS2) rail scheme after the company was involved in early evaluations of pre-production models.
And Lynch say the machine is – quite literally – putting in an “electrifying” performance.
Lynch Directors, Merrill Lynch and Rob Lynch, said: “We chose the new JCB 19C-1E quite simply because it is the leading innovation in the electric machinery market. Electric means clean technology, reducing harmful emissions – especially in urban sensitive environments and enclosed spaces – as well as reduced noise levels, fuel savings and an overall reduction of the carbon footprint.
“We are very pleased with the performance of the JCB electric mini. We were also proud to play a part in the evaluation of the model and are delighted that the final design meets hirers’ needs to sustain battery life for a longer working period between charges – indeed it lasts a full 7-hour working day on our applications on just a single charge.
“We believe the JCB 19C-1E will be a huge success and can see it excelling in many applications going forward, including: refineries, gas works, tunnelling and working in confined areas.”
Supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, the new 19C-1E model is working inside a huge tented structure on behalf of the Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV) which is carrying out the HS2 enablement works at Euston.
CSJV Site Foreman Ben Lennon said: “We’re involved with the demolition and excavation in the Euston area. So, we’re currently working underneath an encapsulation structure. We wanted to minimise the noise and the fumes so we’re using the JCB electric machine inside the tent.
“There are safety benefits with the electric machine – there’s no noise, there’s no fumes and no emissions – while servicing and maintenance are a lot easier. Also, we don’t have to worry about the fuel. It’s able to do all of the same work that the diesel machines do. I think for an electric excavator JCB have managed to get it right.”
The 19C-1E is JCB’s first ever full electric mini excavator. The powerful compact model has zero emission operation at point of use, with no tethers or unsafe trailing cables and allows contractors to work inside buildings and in emissions-sensitive inner-city environments. Utilising leading-edge automotive battery technology, the 19C-1E will deliver all of the performance of a conventional, diesel-powered 1.9-tonne mini excavator with a reduction of both internal and external noise levels.
Designed to meet a growing need for environmentally friendly construction equipment, the new model features:
• Three or four lithium-ion battery packs providing a 15-20kWh storage capacity
• Load-sensing hydraulic system delivering powerful digging performance
• Sophisticated battery management system ensuring full-shift availability
• Convenient on-board charger with 110V input for 12-hour recharging capability
• The option for 230V charging when required, with 8-hour recharging time
• Fast charge option allowing a full charge in under 2 hours
The work carried out by Lynch and CSJV is part of HS2’s enabling works contracts, which involves archaeology, demolition and clearance, utilities and work to deliver new tree planting and wildlife habitats as part of HS2’s ‘green corridor’ project. Once complete, HS2 will more than double the number of seats out of Euston during peak hours, with the first six new 400m platforms built adjacent to the existing station to reduce disruption to passengers during construction.
Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage provides operated, self-drive and contract hire plant to a variety of sectors within the construction arena. It boasts major contracts within the civil engineering, rail engineering, public utilities, ground works, highways maintenance, demolition and winter maintenance sectors. Founded in 1980 with a single JCB model, the company has purchased JCB equipment ever since. The latest electric mini excavator purchase joins a significant fleet of JCB tracked excavator and Loadall telescopic handler models working across its nationwide operations.
