JCB updates X Series excavators with the launch of JCB UX

JCB has updated the interior of the X Series excavator operator’s cab, introducing a larger touchscreen display with an interface that will deliver a superior user experience.

JCB has updated the interior of the X Series excavator operator’s cab, introducing a larger touchscreen display with an interface that will deliver a superior user experience. Key features include: 10” colour touchscreen monitor with up to 25 user profiles; Saving of up to 15 attachment settings with a quick select key for easy access; Keyless start and updated rotary controller; Hot key set-up allowing operators to customise control levers.

With the first X Series models launched in 2018, JCB’s 131X, 140X, 150X, 210X, 220X and 245XR crawler excavators have rapidly become the excavator of choice for many plant hire and contracting companies.  A wider, strengthened upperstructure allowed JCB to install a larger, more comfortable Command Plus cab on the X Series machines. With comfortable Grammer seating, improved visibility, upgraded air conditioning and lower noise levels, the Command Plus cab has proven equally popular with operators.

For 2024, JCB has updated that cab, focussing on the human/machine interface with the new JCB UX operating system. The previous 7” display and rotary controller have been replaced by a new 10” colour touchscreen and updated switchgear and rotary controller as standard across the range. This display allows operators to create up to 25 user profiles, to save preferred customised lever and switch choices. Those profiles can be tailored to individual operators and transferred between machines of a similar specification, using a USB port within the cab. 

JCB has introduced keyless start on the X Series, with a short press of the button turning the display on or off. A longer press starts the engine, with a short press stopping it again. The monitor incorporates two trip settings, allowing greater analysis of fuel consumption and machine use. It can also be used to save hydraulic settings for up to 15 attachments in the attachments menu, with a quick select key to access the shortcut menu on the six-button pad.

Changes to the media manager function allow connection to a full phonebook allowing easy answering and dialling of calls while operating the machine, while the previous 12-button switch panel behind the armrest has been removed, with many of the functions now controlled through the touchscreen. This includes the selectable immobiliser password code input, which is now included on the screen rather than through the 12-button panel. Switchgear functions have been updated to allow faster access to the desired screen setting, while two buttons on the rotary controller pad now bring up dedicated climate control and media pages on the screen. For ease of use, there are still physical controls for cabin temperature, fan speed and volume control, though these can also be accessed through the touchscreen. Engine speed is controlled by an updated rotary rpm dial, with throttle settings of 1 to 9+, in addition to three work modes (Power, Eco and Lifting) .

The operator can pre-set a number of Hot Keys through the operator profile, including the buttons in the joystick levers as well as three hot keys on the switchgear panel. Simply drag and drop functions to the buttons on screen, or select from the options displayed. This includes the ability to switch between ISO and SAE lever patterns for the joysticks.

Quick hitch activation and locking has been further improved and the operator has the option to unlock the hitch without crowding the attachments by holding the rotary controller down for 5 seconds to unlock. For fleet managers and plant hire companies, it is possible to restrict the personalisation available to specific operators through an admin profile. This can be used to lock features on the monitor to prevent unauthorised use. High-definition cameras are used on the X-Series machines and there is now an option for a new 360° camera system, providing a bird’s eye view through the new monitor. The JCB UX interface also integrates with the new JCB INTELLIGRADE semi-automatic machine control system. This is a 2D system with semi-automatic grade control and 3D ready, in partnership with Leica Geosystems. A hot key has been assigned to enable or disable the semi-auto function. In addition, there is a new option to provide an additional service for a tilt-rotate attachment, providing even greater performance with a two-line tilt rotator. 

On the 220X, digging performance has also been increased with a larger bucket ram and updated hydraulic main control valve. The result for operators is an 8% improvement in tearout force from the bucket but still retaining great smoothness and controllability.