14/06/2010 Qld contractor ‘returns to JCB’ Photo caption 1: Wes Henshall, of JCB Construction Equipment Australia’s Mackay branch, pictured catching up “on the job’’ with Ashley James, Ash-Jan Excavations, to check on the workings of his JCB JS220 excavator. QUEENSLAND construction contractor Ashley James remembers driving JCB machines way back in the mid-70s and he “always wanted to get back into them’’. That opportunity came in his own business, Ash-Jan Excavations, which is based in Mackay, a couple of years ago, when he purchased a 22-tonne JCB JS220 excavator. Ash-Jan Excavations has been operating for seven years, undertaking a range of civil construction projects throughout central Queensland, from Rockhampton to Bowen. It also has carried out maintenance and clean-up work in the mining industry. Ashley said he previously had Hyundai, Case and Komatsu excavators, but being especially impressed with JCB in the past, he acquired a JCB machine as soon as the opportunity was presented. The JS220 is fitted with a 176-horsepower Isuzu turbo-charged engine, offering more power and torque, greater reductions in fuel consumption and reduced noise and vibration than alternatives – all while meeting the stringent emission regulations. Maximum dipper tear-out is 14,610kgf, while maximum bucket tear-out is 15,800kgf. “It is the right size machine for our work and is smooth in its operation,’’ Ashley said. “It has tonnes of breakout power and its hydraulic system is way ahead. There is a lot more speed in the hydraulics than with the other machines, which were all of the same size.’’ The multi-function hydraulic system in the JS220 allows simultaneous, smooth control of all excavator functions. It also ensures straight line tracking at all times, whether other functions are 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 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 16L/hr on real heavy, hard rock country. It normally runs at 14L/hr,’’ Ashley said. JCB’s proven Advanced Management System (AMS) controls all major functions of the JS220, which has four operating modes including Auto, Economy, Precision and Lifting. Auto mode automatically switches between maximum power and economy for optimum fuel efficiency. Ashley said he generally operated in Auto mode. “It gives you the acceleration when required and if you stop, it automatically idles down. I find it better to work with.’’ “The lifting mode is also very good and there is a factory built-in break-away, so if you blow hoses, nothing drops away.’’ The AMS also alerts drivers if there is a problem and records all key operating data, which is valuable for tracking the machine’s use, diagnosing any problems or re-selling. Like all JCB auto tracked excavators, there is cushion control to the boom and dipper as well and this is continuously employed, unless deactivated by the driver. An addition to standard ram end damping, it works to cushion the shock loadings to the machine and boosts comfort for the driver. “The operator comfort with JCB is far superior. I spend anything up to 12 hours-a-day in the machine so comfort is critical,’’ Ashley said. “The view from the cab is good too. “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.’’ Ashley’s machine is serviced through JCB Construction Equipment Australia’s Mackay branch and he is pleased to report that he has encountered no major problems with the JS220. For further information on JCB’s tracked excavator range, contact your nearest JCB Construction Equipment Australia branch or phone 1300 JCB CEA.