One of the first JCB 370X models in the UK is already making waves.
The new 370X is JCB’s biggest and most powerful X Series model yet. The heavy-duty earthmover brings industry leading levels of productivity, durability, and reliability to the 35-40 tonne sector. One of the very first machines out in the wild is working for a longstanding JCB customer in the North West of England.
Founded in 2003 by brothers David and Daniel Molloy, Chandos Civil Engineering has grown from a local operation to one of the region’s leading groundworks and civil engineering firms. With a workforce of over 450 and a blue-chip client list that includes national housebuilders, developers, and local authorities, Chandos is a force to be reckoned with.
Based in Withington, Greater Manchester, Chandos has been a loyal JCB customer from the start, building a fleet that is dominated by JCB yellow. Its JCB fleet now runs at more than 85 machines with significant numbers of excavators and cabbed site dumpers.
Chandos Civil Engineering Director & Co-Owner, Danny Molloy said: “We have a huge fleet of machines from JCB and we have been purchasing them from our local dealer Gunn JCB since we started the company.
“We have found them to be reliable and productive machines which have met our needs over the years and added to the excellent service we have had from Gunn JCB’s local depots - it keeps us coming back.”
X Marks the Spot
While a few other brands have been tested, JCB remains first choice at Chandos especially with the introduction of the X Series range of tracked excavators which has seen the company invest heavily in 140X and 220X models.
Danny Molloy | Chandos Civil Engineering Director & Co-Owner
At the heavier end of its fleet are several existing JCB JS330 and JS370 models. Now these are joined by the mighty new JCB 370X which is set to tackle the toughest tasks. “We are increasingly seeing projects where attenuation tanks for water storage are becoming the norm,” explains Danny. “Culverts for handling larger volumes of water are also now a regular aspect of our works and with their sizes increasing, so does their weight. The JS330s and JS370s are very capable machines, but the new 370X beats them hands down for lifting capabilities.”
The 370X’s debut job was on a housing development on the outskirts of Blackburn, Lancashire, where Chandos was tasked with installing the site’s infrastructure and prepping 168 houses and 37 apartments up to DPC level. While the 220X and a range of 140X machines handled the foundations, the 370X got stuck into the heavy work, digging out the sloping site for a massive attenuation tank.
Exceptional Performance
With more power, increased strength and durability, reduced fuel consumption and lower ownership costs, the JCB 370X is a major step forward for customers in the 35-40 tonne class. With fantastic operator comfort and control, the 370X delivers a heavy-duty excavator solution for sectors needing true power and precision.
The JCB 370X is powered by the latest Cummins L9 diesel engine, which is certified as EU Stage V. This 8.9-litre, six-cylinder, engine boasts a 14% power increase over the outgoing JS370, with 240kW (322hp) available at just 1,700rpm. The engine delivers this maximum power within a reduced operating rev range, to increase fuel economy and reduce overall noise levels.
As with all X-Series machines, the 370X benefits from the JCB Command Plus ROPS cab. As well as being one of the largest excavator cabs on the market, with 2.86m3 of volume, the Command Plus cab benefits from a heated air suspension seat and a reduced 69dB in-cab noise level.
The cab is further improved with a new 10” touchscreen monitor with a new user interface called JCB UX, while the switch panel incorporates more customisable hot keys, allowing further personalisation for the operator. Climate control, a radio with DAB option, keyless start and twin cameras for added visibility are all standard equipment.
Operator’s Perspective
Operator Simon Finch, who has been with Chandos for over a decade, knows his machines. Having taken the controls of both of the company’s larger models, he was eager to see how the 370X stacked up.
Simon said: “I’m a big lad and I like my bigger machines! They have made massive improvements in the cab on the X Series and I think this 370X interior has gone a step further in offering the operator a great place to spend their working day.
“I’ve got masses of room around me and I don’t feel claustrophobic as in some other machines. The controls are smooth and precise, and there is so much movement on the sticks and seat, you are able to get the right operating position with ease. The new screen on this machine is so simple to use and allows me to keep track on a range of information.”
The 370X also comes with some innovative features that make a difference in the field. Simon highlights the new JCB quick hitch as a game-changer: “One huge plus point is the new quick coupler which allows me to take off an attachment without the need to curl it towards the dipper.
Full Strength Fuel Saver
The JCB 370X is already proving its worth, especially when it comes to digging and heavy lifting. Chandos recently put the machine through its paces on a challenging site, and the 370X handled the tough ground with ease. The 370X is tailor-made for deep drainage and bulk earthworks and it is delivering serious power with surprising fuel efficiency.
“There is ample power available for digging and yet it is still a very able machine for finer work. We are currently using around 20 litres per hour. That’s a lot less than the old JS370 and well down on any other 40-tonne machine I have operated.” Simon concludes.
The 370X is proving a standout addition to the Chandos fleet on demanding projects like these. A big machine making a big impact.
And with more and more contractors already taking notice of the 370X - it looks like JCB has hit the sweet spot for the civil engineering sector.