A Scottish plant hirer and contractor expects to save thousands of pounds per machine when contracting, after adding eight fuel-saving JCB tracked excavators to its fleet.
Dumfries-based AMD Contract Services has purchased JS130, JS145, JS220 and JS290 tracked excavator models as it expands its plant holding.
The machines are already in use on a range of construction, groundworks and forestry projects, including a major wind farm construction project in the Scottish Borders for Galeforce and a forestry road formation project on the West Coast of Scotland, near Inverary.
Impressed by the fuel efficiency, the company has carried out a direct comparison between the new JS220, powered by the T4i-compliant JCB Ecomax engine and an existing 2010 machine. On exactly the same heavy-duty application, the new machine used six litres less fuel per hour – a trend which it sees mirrored across the fleet.
AMD Contracts Services Director, Fraser Dykes said: “The fuel economy on the new machines are incredible – up to 6 litres per hour when compared to previous models. We are saving approximately £4 per machine per hour. For our contracts division, which could typically complete 2500 hours per annum, that’s a saving on fuel of £10,000 in a year. It’s also a great sales message for our plant hire business – that customers could save so much on fuel when they select machines from us.”
The JCB JS220 is powered by the highly-efficient JCB Ecomax 4.8-litre diesel engine which delivers 129kW (172hp) and is equipped with 2,000 bar common rail fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and full electronic engine control, resulting in a 10% cut in fuel consumption and improved engine responsiveness. As with all JCB Ecomax engines, the clean burn technology results in there being no requirement for a costly, and bulky diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Fraser Dykes added: “We are equally impressed with JCB LiveLink system which allows us to monitor fuel consumption as well as every other aspect of our fleet’s performance. It makes a massive difference to our ability to make informed decisions and run the business more efficiently. It has even helped us resolve disputes over machine use when on hire in remote areas of Scotland.
“The final word must go to our dealer Scot JCB. The sales advice, service and ongoing backup are second to none and they have been with us for the long haul.”
AMD Contract Services has been a JCB customer for 45 years. In addition to the latest models, it runs an extensive fleet of JCB backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and articulated dump trucks. A leading provider of self drive and operated plant across Scotland, it also offers specialist contracting services to the construction and forestry industries.