Cablemaster lays it on

Two new innovations seen on JCB's stand at last week's Hirex are set to revolutionise traditional methods of trench cutting for the burgeoning cable laying industry.

Instead of diamond saw and mini-excavator applications, JCBs new ICX Cablemaster removes the road surface with a high speed articulated rock wheel or top cutter mounted on a rear quickhitch, replacing the backhoe arm of a conventional 1CX backhoe loader.

Shifting the counterweight to the rear of the machine enables the front to be fitted with general purpose or 6-in-1 shovels, creating a skid steer for reinstatement or loading of excavated material.

Cablemaster has servo-operated controls for direction and loader functions claimed to minimise operator fatigue while the skid steer system makes it highly manoeuvrable in confined spaces.

Visibility of the cutting area and direction of travel is enhanced by the operator being seated in a sideways position. Its weight and low centre of gravity make the Cablemaster very stable and it does not 'bounce' when taking the first cut.

Optionals include a weatherproof and insulated cab and a dust suppression system.

A new narrow dipper has also been developed by JCB for use on its 1CX backhoe loader, enabling it to dig narrower trenches.

It will allow 152mm wide trenching to a depth of 1.8m and offers precision excavation for such jobs as service pipe and cable laying with minimal ground disturbance and less backfilling. By using a spacer kit, the narrow dipper will also accept 230mm and 305mm standard buckets for maximum machine utilisation.

Also on show were a new trio, the JCB Demolition Pick, a lightweight breaker which can be powered by both the 38kg Micropack, light and portable enough to enter the most inaccessible spots and the Electropack hydraulic powerpack which can be run off a 240v single phase supply or an optional 110v supply.

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