Built on the foundation of the company’s best seller and most popular machine, the HMK 220LC, the TX version features a specially constructed boom which can be hydraulically rotated 45^o to both sides, and a specially profiled ripper bucket which works well in the tunnelling operation. The machine is also fitted with extra cab ROPS and FOPS, protection which has been designed to protect the operator in the event of any possible tunnel collapse.

Other additions include extra air filters to deal with the dusty underground conditions, additional lighting package and additional protective covers on the hydraulic rams.  

This past week I have continued to find new ways to approach jobs, and to make difficult tasks easy as my time with the Engcon EC15B tiltrotator entered its second week. Some of the jobs I have tackled included digging out for a service trench for the main gas and electric services. At one point of the job I had to excavate around a corner from the sub-station. This job was made all the more easier due to the fact that you can rotate and adjust the bucket as you dig around the corner of the trench, giving me so much more scope to tackle the job in a 14 ton excavator, where normally a smaller mini digger would have been required.

Another job I was assigned to last week was to reduce dig around the hose plots to facilitate for stoning up a scaffold margin. Once again the ability to rotate the bucket proved invaluable as I was able to tamp down the edges up tight against the brickwork saving my banksman a job with his shovel, which I am sure made him very happy! 

Next came the stoning up itself, once again being able to adjust the bucket angle with press of a roller thumb proved to be very useful indeed, making grading even easier.

Martyn Wright has expanded his company’s fleet of Bobcat excavators in the same year as Bobcat celebrates 25 years of success in the compact excavatormarket. From what began as an important diversification for Bobcat as the premier manufacturer of skid-steer loaders, has produced a range of compact excavators that today sets the standard worldwide for performance, quality, reliability and durability.  The Bobcat range currently comprises 13 different models of compact excavators with operating weights from 1-8 tonne, including both conventional and zero tail swing designs.

Martyn uses the Bobcat E26, E10 and 335 excavators in every area of his business including the recycling and waste handling work carried out at the company’s facilities at Islip near Kettering.  He generally works within a 20 mile radius of Kettering, but the transportabililty and high performance of the new E26 model will be very advantageous for an upcoming project requiring construction work across the country. 

Martyn Wright said: “The relationship with AMS Bobcat has been superb.  We have been looked after throughout the duration by Clive McQuinn from the company, who has stopped at nothing to ensure that we get the best possible sales and service support.”

The 308E CR SB (Compact Radius Swing Boom) is the direct replacement for the outgoing D Series model which has been a very successful product and in my opinion was a superb machine to operate. This new model has been totally redesigned from the ground up, with a major focus on improving machine stability and of course, the increasingly important exhaust emissions.

The 308E is powered by a Cat C3.3 engine which generates 50kw (67hp) and meets the latest stage IIIB emissions regulations. It has an operating weight of 8,210 kg (18,099 lbs) and can attain a dig depth of 4,724mm. Engine horsepower is boosted by some 17% compared to the old D Series model, which translates into faster hydraulics which improves travel speed, grade climbing and further enhances machine manoeuvrability.

I climbed into the cab to put the machine through its paces on the extensive demo plot at the Desford facility. My immediate first impression was the cab interior was much larger than the D Series. This is something most major manufacturers appear to be addressing these days, as a major gripe with fellow machine operators I meet on a daily basis, is the lack of space inside many mini and midi excavator cabs. Being vertically challenged myself I never have a problem, but I am sure you will agree this cab interior is pretty substantial.

Caterpillar’s excellent team of demonstration operators and product specialists, put on a great show as usual, and a stunning team of gymnasts gave the whole event an Olympic feel in what is a massive year for sport in the UK.  This clip really gives you a taste of the action on what was a massive launch of new products from the American giant. Enjoy!