JCB has received a massive order for its Hydradig machines — 110W low-slung, wheeled excavators designed for urban operations — from UK rental company HE Services s following the launch of the machine at Bauma in Munich.
HE chairman Hugh Edeleanu visited the JCB stand at the show to see the Hydradig in action and immediately placed an order, which will be supplied through JCB dealer Greenshields JCB.
James Richardson, MD for excavator sales at JCB, noted: “The response to the Hydradig launch has been fantastic and to win a big order so quickly from a very important UK hirer is overwhelming. The level of interest is unprecedented.”
No stranger to innovation, Richardson previously worked with JCB in India, where he was heavily involved in the development of the emerging markets excavator, the JS205 — a machine built on the JS200HG chassis, but reinforced for the marble and granite mines of India.
The Hydradig can lift 1t capacity at maximum and turn through a full 360 degrees without outriggers thanks to its low-slung engine design that also minimises visual obstruction for the operator.
The machine also features a 4m turning radius, 3.5t towing capacity and 40kmph on-highway speed.
JCB chairman Lord Bamford, has stated: “The vision from the outset of the project was to design and engineer the machine to be first for visibility, stability, manoeuvrability, mobility, and serviceability.”
Edeleanu added: “I am hugely impressed with the JCB Hydradig and I see massive opportunities for it in the UK market. It’s not often that a truly innovative product comes along but the JCB Hydradig really does break the mould.
“The fact that it has been developed specifically for modern construction sites will really resonate with our customers.”
The JCB Hydradig goes into production next month.
