Xwatch boosts safety and efficiency with Flannery Plant's JCB 245XR investment

Since hitting the safety scene in 2019, Xwatch Safety Solutions systems have revolutionised the construction equipment industry with their advanced yet easy-to-use solutions for improving safety and operational efficiency on work-sites.

Xwatch engineers Adam Guilfoyle, Billy Hughes, and Ryan Tudor are leading a significant project to equip 20 JCB 245XR machines with advanced XW5 systems. This initiative is part of Flannery Plant Hire's substantial investment in new machinery, with over £105 million committed this year.

Flannery Plant Hire was the first key plant hire company to support Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, when it began its operations in July 2019. Since then, Flannery has invested significantly in Xwatch, purchasing almost 300 XW4 height and slew control systems along with XW5 total protection RCIs (rated capacity indicators).

Over 45% of Flannery's fleet has Xwatch systems, highlighting their trust in the technology. This preference is a strategic decision based on customer service excellence and the ability to react swiftly.

The JCB 245XR machines, weighing 28,009 kg, are designed to operate in tight and congested environments such as highways and housing developments. Their reduced tailswing radius of 1.72m, 40% less than the previous 220X model, allows for safer and more efficient operations near buildings and road barriers.

The XW5 system improves the operational capabilities and safety features of the JCB 245XR. It provides a comprehensive, safe working envelope around the machine and the operator, managing height, slew, and RCI. Height control is achieved through feather touch ramped hydraulic slow down and soft stop mechanisms, which eliminate machine bounce and prevent overshoot or undershoot, thus protecting the machine and ensuring a safer environment for the operator and surroundings. Additionally, an optional chassis sensor can be installed to correct for terrain slope, further improving stability and accuracy.

Slew control is another critical component of the XW5 system. It addresses an often-overlooked aspect of site safety. It is a very handy feature in confined spaces where it is required to limit the excavator's slew to avoid damage to the machine and, of course, reduce injury if the operator were to hit a wall or other obstacle constraining the workspace. It is also important when working roadside or trackside.  By precisely controlling the slew, the system vastly improves overall safety.

The RCI (Rated Capacity Indicator) system is critical for these machines, ensuring the safe operation of excavators by continuously monitoring the load in real-time. These systems help maintain excavators' stability by preventing them from lifting loads that exceed their safe working capacity. By providing timely warnings to operators when load restrictions are approached, RCI systems protect both personnel and equipment from potential hazards.

With its advanced features, the XW5 system offers comprehensive safety and operational improvements, providing operators with complete peace of mind. This innovative system ensures all motions are controlled with precision, improving the machine's longevity and safeguarding both the operator and the surrounding environment. Flannery Plant Hire's investment in these cutting-edge systems reflects its commitment to improving operational efficiency and safety, setting very high standards on work-sites in the construction sector.

Jemma Dycer Hopkins, Sales and Operations Manager at Xwatch, commented on the collaboration: "Working with Flannery Plant Hire has been a great experience. Their commitment to safety and operational excellence aligns perfectly with our mission at Xwatch. Their investment in our systems highlights their trust in our technology and our ability to provide top-tier support."

Xwatch systems are also renowned for their reliability, providing operators with consistent performance and peace of mind. Adding to the confidence in the product, Xwatch offers a comprehensive 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term support and reducing downtime risks.

This combination of reliability, extensive warranty coverage, and rapid response capabilities makes Xwatch an indispensable asset in Flannery's fleet management strategy.

As the installation progresses, the expertise of Xwatch engineers ensures these machines are prepared to meet the demanding needs of modern construction environments. Investing in cutting-edge technology and machinery highlights Flannery Plant Hire's forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.