News

Going electric

Plant hire firm Lynch is using a new battery-powered JCB 19C-1E mini-excavator on preparation work for the HS2 project. The firm was involved in early tests of pre-production models and clearly liked what it saw.

A spokesman for the company said, “We are very pleased with the performance of the JCB electric mini. We were also proud to play a part in the evaluation of the model and are delighted that the final design meets hirers’ needs to sustain battery life for a longer working period between charges. Indeed, it lasts a full seven-hour working day on our applications on just a single charge.”

This British-built innovative machine was supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB and is working inside a huge tented structure on behalf of the Costain Skanska joint venture, which is carrying out the HS2 enablement works at Euston.

Site foreman Ben Lennon said, “We’re involved with the demolition and excavation in the Euston area. We’re currently working underneath an encapsulation structure. We wanted to minimise the noise and the fumes so we’re using the JCB electric machine inside the tent.

“There are safety benefits with the electric machine – there’s no noise, no fumes and no emissions – while servicing and maintenance are a lot easier. Also, we don’t have to worry about the fuel. It’s able to do all of the same work that the diesel machines do. I think for an electric excavator JCB has managed to get it right.”