Utility unit from JCB

JCB has introduced a new utility version of its 8018 mini excavator to the UK market boasting industry specific safety features. Becca Wilkins reports.

The new 1,6 tonne machine from JCB has been launched in order to meet the increasing demand for improving safer working practices while installing underground utilities.

The utility 8018 retains its digging capabilities and 14,2 kW Stage III A compliant engine, but to prevent damage on site, the lower door window has been replaced by a steel panel and the rear counterweight has additional rubber protective strips.

Other measures to prevent damage to the new machine include the addition of protective guards to the lights mounted on the cab roof and on the boom.

The new model also includes two fold-down supports for the dozer blade featuring a nylon base that sits on the road surface while digging, preventing any damage to the asphalt as the dozer blade is pushed down. The support blocks can be folded up out of the way when the blade is required for dozing work.

Safety first

Edward Heath, general manager for JCB products said the features that have been developed on the new machine are specifically aimed at improving health and safety standards.

The new cab will be equipped with a weight-sensitive switch in the seat, to ensure that the operator is seated before driving the machine and four additional swivelling tie-down points are located higher on the unit's upper structure to prevent straps pulling on the sides of trailers during transit. The new utility 8018 is also available in a high visibility yellow colour scheme.

Options include a hand-held hydraulic tool circuit, which can be used to power breakers, pumps, road saws and a number of other JCB attachments.

JBC said customers who intend to continually use the machine with a boom-mounted breaker can also specify a heavy duty bushed kingpost, to further prolong service life and prevent downtime.

The 8018 is also equipped with all necessary wiring for customers to fit the EZiDIG service locator, from UK company Cable Detection. The wiring allows rapid installation of the EZiDIG sensor unit to the dipper arm, using high powered magnets, and the full in-cab display unit.

Rental market

The new machine is likely to prove very popular in the UK rental market according to Mr Heath.

He said, "When looking down the chain one further to actually see who the rental companies are working with and who they are renting to and what they are doing with the machines it has been revealed that a huge sector, nearly 20% are being rented by utility companies and we want to make sure that we are addressing their needs as best we can. In fact the utility market is the second biggest sector on the rental side."

Mr Heath said although JCB has currently packaged the new machine for the UK utility sector the machine will in future be introduced to Europe, with France, Italy and Germany being the next three target markets.