The Mackay-based company has been operating for seven years, undertaking a range of civil construction projects throughout central Queensland. It also has carried out maintenance work in the mining industry.Owner Ashley James said he previously had Hyundai, Case and Komatsu excavators, but acquired a JCB machine as soon as the opportunity was presented.The JS220 offers maximum dipper tear-out of 14,610 kilogram force, while maximum bucket tear-out is 15,800kgf. “There is a lot more speed in the hydraulics than with the other machines, which were all of the same size,” James said.“The fuel consumption with the JCB is better than all the other machines. With the other machines, they were running at 20-22 litres per hour, whereas with the JCB, the most I have burnt is 16 litres per hour on real heavy, hard rock country.“It normally runs at 14 litres per hour.”James said the multi-function hydraulic system in the JS220 allowed simultaneous, smooth control of all excavator functions and also ensured straight line tracking, whether other functions were being used or not.The system offers increased hydraulic flow and pressure for greater power and speed, and it is regenerative, resulting in faster cycle times and reduced fuel consumption.“The lifting mode is also very good and there is a factory built-in break-away, so if you blow hoses, nothing drops away,” he said.“I also like the fact that I can walk along the track of the machine. Half the track is outside the machine, which makes it easier for servicing.’’ He said another good feature was the JS220’s stability.“I do a lot of hill work and it is very good – it sits very stable.”
