JCB’s 145XR Continues the X-Series Success Story

JCB returned to Hillhead earlier this year with a few surprises up their sleeve, not least, the first appearance in public of the latest addition to the X-Series range the 145XR.

This machine is the second reduced tail swing hydraulic excavator to be launched by the Staffordshire based manufacturer following in the footsteps of the hugely successful 245XR model.

The machine is so new that even those of us in the media have not had the chance to get behind the levers so far, but hopefully that will be rectified at an upcoming press event.

Compact radius excavators are becoming increasingly popular with those companies who are engaged in the housing development sector, and that’s not surprising as the sites are getting tighter as the main contractors try to squeeze in as many houses as they can on the allocated land.

The 145XR for instance has a 27% shorter counterweight overhang when compared to its conventional tail swing brother the 140X. Having a short tail swing is one less thing for an operator to worry about when working in tight quarters, especially between two house plots when digging for drainage for instance.

Depending on specification, the 145XR weighs 15 to 18-tonnes and can be supplied with a monoboom or a two-piece triple articulating TAB configuration. The monoboom layout provides a maximum digging depth of 6,027mm with a 3m dipper, while the TAB boom has a maximum of 6,167mm. 

Power comes from JCB’s well proven Stage V Dieselmax engine, which offers an engine output of 81kW (108hp). The engine features auto-stop and auto-idle functions, which JCB says reduces fuel consumption and emissions when idling.

One of the big selling points on the X-Series machine is the fact that it offers a full-sized cab, something that most other compact radius options don’t offer, so the operator has all the creature comforts we have come to expect with plenty of room for his lunch bag and other personal effects.  

Checkout the promotional video from JCB.