JCB brings 13- and 15-ton X-Series excavators to North America

JCB today announced the availability of two new X Series excavators in North America, the 13-ton 131X and the 15-ton 150X. Like the 220X introduced in 2018, the two new X Series models result from JCB's four-year development program to create the industry's most productive, comfortable and easy-to-use large tracked excavators.

"JCB started the X Series revolution in North America with the 20-ton 220X. We've seen that machine quickly become one of our most popular excavator models, with operators calling it the best JCB excavator ever," said Ashby Graham, general manager of Product at JCB North America. "The new 131X and 150X provide construction, utility and rental buyers with 13- and 15-ton excavators that deliver the same gains in productivity, comfort and residual value."

The 131X is equipped with the 74 hp (55 kW) JCB EcoMAX engine that requires no replaceable diesel particulate filter (DPF) or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). The 150X is powered by the 109 hp (81 kW) JCB EcoMAX engine that requires no replaceable DPF. Other key features include:

• Wider, quieter JCB CommandPlus Cab for all-day operator comfort

• Modern styling with durable strike points to preserve residual value

• Higher-diameter pipework to boost hydraulic efficiency

More comfortable. Safer. Easier to use.

The 131X and 150X feature JCB's sealed and pressurized CommandPlus Cab which is 15 percent larger than earlier models and includes an integrated ROPS frame. With flat glazing and new cab mounts for improved isolation, in-cab noise is reduced to 67 dB(A), 68 percent lower than the previous JS131 and JS145 models.

A choice of comfortable Grammer seats is available with various heating and cooling options. Servo levers are mounted on the seat frame and move with the operator. Foot pedals, footrests and tracking levers are also redesigned for optimal comfort.

The all-new command pod houses ergonomically-designed switches and controls, and a 7-inch monitor delivers intuitive menus via an automotive-style rotary controller. Together, these components enable the operator to perform regular or repetitive operations more efficiently.

Optionally, X Series machines can be ordered to be tiltrotator-ready and/or wired for GPS and machine control systems from Topcon, Leica and Trimble.

Durable design and rigorous testing preserves resale values

JCB X Series machines benefit from an exhaustive testing program, including an automotive-style shaker rig that replicates 15,000 hours of tracking and vibration. Further, exhaustive testing on purpose-built electronics and electric rigs have verified the reliability of connections. Even the service access doors were tested for durability, with each door slammed more than 10,000 times.

The 131X and 150X take on the assertive X Series appearance and design improvements to protect the machines from damage and preserve resale values. The revised counterweight boasts purpose-designed impact points on the corners and along the lower edge. Service access doors are double-skinned with zinc-plated contact surfaces for improved durability. Adding to X Series durability, all models can be ordered with heavy-duty belly plates, side impact protection and a heavy-duty dipper arm with wear plates.

Also enhancing durability, the fuel and hydraulic tanks are mounted inside secondary body panels. And the hydraulic tank includes a new baffling system to reduce oil aeration and enable the 2,000-hour filter life; a 100 percent improvement on previous JS models.

Impressive power and maximum productivity

While the X Series excavators use JCB's long-proven boom and arm design, the larger bucket cylinder on the 150X delivers an 11 percent increase in bucket tearout force. Additionally, the power boost duration is increased from 3 seconds to 9 seconds, allowing maximum bucket and dipper tearout for longer periods. 

To match these improvements, the hydraulic oil cooler size is increased by 15 percent compared to earlier models, for superior cooling performance.

Additionally, the 150X is also equipped with a larger Kawasaki hydraulic pump that can run at lower engine speeds, allowing 6 percent more productivity from every gallon of fuel. And fine tuning of the Kayaba valve block to improve flow sharing has created an 8 percent improvement in productivity for grading operations.

The 131X benefits from similar performance enhancements and lower operating costs. JCB's Auto Idle and Auto Engine Stop features contribute to fuel savings of 5 percent compared to the previous JCB 13-ton model and up to 27 percent compared to competitor models. Performance is also improved, with breakout force increasing to 22,931 lbf (102 kN). Like the larger model, the 131X benefits from improved cooling efficiency by way of a larger, electronically controlled proportional engine fan.

Increased hydraulic efficiency

On both the 131X and 150X, all critical high-flow pipework is enlarged by 0.25 inches to reduce pressure losses. Like the larger 220X, pipework is attached to the boom with sturdy rubber clamps to reduce vibration. Auxiliary flow shut-off taps are also common across all X Series models.