NEW JCB 220X EXCAVATOR NOW AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA

6.13.18

JCB today announced the availability of its new 220X tracked excavator in the United States and Canada. The first of JCB’s new X-series range of tracked excavators, the 220X is the product of a four-year development program to set new industry standards for dependability, controllability and operator comfort in the 20-ton excavator class.

JCB 220X excavator features include:

• Central main boom mounting, for increased durability and greater digging accuracy.

• 15 percent larger cab with integral ROPS structure offering industry-leading operator comfort and reduced noise levels.

• An all-new command pod featuring ergonomically-designed switches and controls, with intuitive user interface.

• Reduced servicing with 250-hour greasing intervals on the boom and dipper and simplified, 10-checkpoint 500-hour service requirements.

“The release of the 220X marks the beginning of a new era for JCB excavators in North America. Every detail of this machine has been optimized for enhanced durability, reliability, ease of use and operator comfort” said Richard Fox-Marrs, president and chief executive officer for JCB North America. “The 220X is the result of JCB’s commitment to building a 20-ton excavator that is easier for the operator and the service technician, to boost productivity and reduce downtime.”

The most productive operator environment

The 220X cab is a completely new design, with an integrated ROPS frame, and is 15 percent larger than earlier models. New cab mounts improve isolation and work together with flat glazing to contribute the 220X’s low 68dB(A) interior noise rating.

Customers have the choice of three all-new Grammer seat designs, with heating and ventilation among the options. Servo levers are mounted from the seat frame and move with the operator. Foot pedals, foot rests and tracking levers are also redesigned for optimal comfort.

An all-new command pod to the operator’s right-hand side houses ergonomically-designed switches and controls. A 7-inch tilt-adjustable monitor provides intuitive menus and functionality and is accessed through an automotive-style rotary controller. Together these components are proven in factory testing to allow the operator to perform regular operations more efficiently.

Durable design to protect your investment

The upper structure of the JCB 220X is 8 feet 10 inches wide—8 inches broader than previous models—allowing the main boom to be mounted in the center of the machine. In addition to reducing stress on the slew bearing, this design facilitates greater accuracy when trenching and enables the use of larger buckets without impacting the tracks.

The upper structure features a pronounced, all-around impact guard, providing strong-yet-repairable protection for the service access doors. Similarly, the new recessed counterweight protects the rear end from impact damage. If a contact does occur, the bolt-on handrails and mirrors are easily replaced if necessary. All components are painted at a state-of-the-art paint facility to achieve excellent paint adhesion and coverage.

Extended service intervals, improved serviceability

Service intervals on the 220X are extended for reduced downtime. By using graphite-impregnated bronze bushes, the greasing intervals on the boom and dipper are extend to 250 hours. For scheduled 500-hour services, the JCB 220X requires just 10 checks, including high-grade engine oil and fuel filters. Additionally, the service intervals for the engine air filter and main hydraulic filter are extended to 2,000 hours.

When servicing and checks are necessary, large doors provide easy access to all service points; the hour meter, HVAC filter, cab air filter and single fuse box can all be accessed from ground level. Also, greasing points are grouped together for faster regular maintenance.

Increased hydraulic efficiency

The JCB 220X uses the proven JCB EcoMAX Tier 4 Final engine, outputting 173 hp (129kW). Kawasaki hydraulic pumps and Kayaba valves feature larger spools and the latest generation valve block for reduced hydraulic losses. One-inch diameter hydraulic hoses ensure greater flow without increasing oil speed, for reduced wear and increased hose life.

An optional boom float with two modes enables easier grading and reduces stress when operating a hydraulic breaker.

Advanced R&D, comprehensive testing

Development of the X-series excavators began with benchmarking leading competitors and the review of more than 1,000 requirements from customers around the world, followed by four years of design and development.

In addition to using computer aided engineering (CAE) to design the machines, JCB also used CAE to build the excavators virtually, to ensure the feasibility of the design. The virtual environment also allowed production line personnel to learn how to assemble the components even before parts were ordered from suppliers. JCB builds 42 percent of the machine as sub-assemblies off the main line—double that of earlier models—to enable additional quality inspections and reliability checks, and simplify the main production line.

JCB also implemented an exhaustive testing program, including the use of an automotive-style shaker rig. Electronic test rigs were employed to test every electrical component. Even the service access doors were tested for durability, with each door slammed more than 10,000 times.