Celebrating a 25th anniversary usually calls for a party – but for DAB Civil Engineering Contractors Ltd, the milestone was marked with an order for three JCB X Series excavators.

The Leicester‑-based contractor reached 25 years in business at the end of 2025 and chose to celebrate the occasion by further strengthening its long‑-standing relationship with JCB.

Supplied by Watling JCB, the 140X tracked excavators join a fleet that has been dominated by JCB machines for a quarter of a century.

DAB has operated JCB 140X models for the past three years, deploying them across housebuilding, commercial groundworks and large infrastructure projects.

Owner/Director Dan Doherty said: “We choose JCB because of the consistent innovation of its products and their build quality. They are user friendly and we only receive positive feedback from our operators. We receive excellent service from Watling JCB and we are happy to partner with another Leicester-based company.”

Owner/Director Mick Merrigan added: “We have run 140X models for three years now and have had nothing but positive comments. Operators have praised the machine in terms of cab comfort, stability, smooth control and power. It was a simple decision to buy three more.”

Established in 2000, DAB Civil Engineering Contractors Ltd, supported by DAB Plant Hire & Sales Ltd, specialises in civil engineering and groundworks across the UK construction sector.

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The new larger DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models follow the path of innovation set by the DX230LC-9 and DX260LC-9

Develon has expanded the company’s Series 9 Smart Crawler Excavator range with the launch of the new larger DX360LC-9 37 tonne and DX400HD-9 42 tonne models, adding to a new unique and innovative excavator platform built on full electronic hydraulic (FEH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence. The new models join the 23 tonne DX230LC-9 and 26 tonne DX260LC-9 models revealed for the first time at the Bauma 2025 Exhibition and launched across Europe during last year.

Powered by the Develon DX08V engine providing an output of 227 kW (304 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1995) and a maximum torque of 1230 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm, the DX360LC-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7512 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 11,113 mm.

The Develon DX08V engine is a new feature, replacing the previous Scania engine, at the heart of the DX400HD-9, providing an output of 254 kW (341 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1995) and a maximum torque of 1460 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm. The DX400HD-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7512 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 11,113 mm.

New groundbreaking design

Develon Series 9 excavators represent a fundamental shift in how operators interact with heavy machines. For example, by moving from hydraulic pilot controls to a sophisticated FEH system, Develon has unlocked a suite of smart features designed to increase job site safety and precision while lowering the barrier to entry for newer operators.

Like all Series 9 machines, the new DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models achieve this goal by combining 10 (ten) ground-breaking technologies and will redefine and set new industry levels of Productivity, Safety, Operator Convenience and Sustainability.

“This represents much more than just adding our next generation of excavators – it’s about setting a new standard for the whole industry,” says Stephane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon Excavators in Europe. “With our new Series 9 range, the machine is no longer just a tool — it’s an intelligent partner. By combining FEH controls with AI-powered safety and a tablet-style interface, we are giving our customers a level of control and site awareness that was previously impossible.”

The intelligence behind the power

Develon Series 9 excavators feature several industry-leading innovations:

• AI-powered safety and intelligent E-Stop: The new smart around view monitor (SAVM) camera system uses artificial intelligence to identify humans in the work zone. With the addition of a new radar system that detects objects up to 6 m away, the machine can automatically trigger an intelligent E-Stop to halt the excavator’s swing or travel if a person is detected in the danger zone set at 4 m distance.
• Operators can set Virtual Wall digital boundaries to prevent the excavator boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles.
• Full electronic hydraulic (FEH) precision: The shift to FEH allows for stick steer travel via joystick thumbwheels. FEH controls also allow for greater customization, including joystick sensitivity, response time and joystick button layout, for operators to maximize precision.
• Smart-ready grading: Every Series 9 excavator is factory pre-equipped for 2D and ready to be upgraded to 3D systems, featuring built-in IMU sensors for ‘plug and play’ compatibility with providers like Trimble and Leica.
• 12-inch touch screen: A vertical tablet-style touch screen replaces the traditional monitor. It offers a customizable, split-screen interface where operators can monitor 2D grade systems, AI camera feeds and machine vitals simultaneously.

Introducing a new era of earthmoving

Develon is taking job site productivity to the next level with the Series 9 range. These next-generation crawler excavators provide smart technologies and performance and versatility features to help operators work smarter and more efficiently. Together these provide up to 10% greater fuel efficiency and up to 7% increased engine output to allow operators to move more material with less overheads.

“We’ve built on the success of our existing excavator platform with the new Series 9 machines, which are engineered with a full electric over hydraulic control system, replacing traditional mechanical pilot controls to deliver up to 10% greater fuel efficiency,” says Stephane Dieu. “A new smart around view monitor camera system, Advanced Lift Assist, remote smartphone starting and factory 2D grading system help keep operators safer and more productive.”

Increased operator productivity

With greater lifting power, the Series 9 boosts excavator operators’ productivity throughout the workday. Advanced Lift Assist, a new optional feature in the Series 9 machines, displays the excavator’s current lifting capacity and alerts operators to potential tipping hazards. Advanced Lift Assist is an industry-first technology that uses a lifting force table to highlight risk zones during manoeuvres and on slopes or uneven ground.

“Our new Advanced Lift Assist uses a colour-coded arrow system on the monitor to show operators how to work safely in various terrains,” says Stephane Dieu. “This factors in the machine’s tilt to verify safety even when operators are working on slopes, allowing operators to work confidently without the risk of rollover.”

The excavator breaker assist feature prevents blank firing, protecting internal components from unnecessary wear while reducing the physical strain on the operator. With auto breaker, constant button pressing is eliminated for smoother operation in demolition applications.

The excavator’s new optional weighing system helps operators easily monitor production levels and manage volumes to make sure dump trucks are loaded to the proper and safe capacities. Plus, the new stick steer feature lets operators steer the tracks using the joystick, which simplifies movement in tight spaces.

The newly designed joystick gives operators the ability to personalize controls for maximum comfort and ease. It enhances movement with options like stick steer and thumbwheel steer, in addition to traditional levers and pedals. This flexibility ensures smoother, more precise operation that is tailored to the operator’s preferred style, making every task easier to manage.

Advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) technology is used to continuously monitor critical components like hydraulic oil, engine oil and main pumps. This smart system predicts maintenance needs to help minimize downtime and lower service costs. The premium option includes the controller, pressure sensors, vibration sensors to provide diagnosis, and abnormality detection functions for the main pump, swing motor and swing reduction gear.

Available through the My Develon fleet management app, a Bluetooth^®-enabled digital key lets operators unlock the cab and start the engine without a physical key.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

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Grant discusses its Aerona 290 air-to-water heat pump range that combines R290 refrigerant efficiency with quiet performance and sophisticated controls for impressive low-carbon heating.

With F-gas phase-out legislation on the horizon and the Future Homes Standard set to ban fossil fuel heating in new builds, change is coming to the way homes are heated. This is where the Grant Aerona 290 delivers the low-carbon heating solution housebuilders are looking for.

One of the biggest advances in heat pump technology in recent years has been the adoption of R290 refrigerant. With its ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3, R290 refrigerant is more environmentally friendly compared to other traditional heat pump refrigerants. The Aerona 290 is Grant UK’s fifth generation of air source heat pumps. Available in five heating outputs, ranging from 4kW up to 15.5kW, it has an eye-catching design with a durable, powder coated black coating. The entire range also has Quiet Mark accreditation due to its sound-reducing features, such as acoustic cotton sound insulation in the casing, and resulting ultra-low noise levels.

Every Aerona 290 model is MCS certified, has an ErP rating of A+++ (35ºC water flow temperature) and excellent Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) values of up to 5.08 which means for every kilowatt of energy they use, an Aerona 290 gives significantly more energy to the heating system. This makes it both more sustainable and energy efficient that traditional fossil fuelled heating systems.

But what really makes the Aerona 290 stand out from the crowd is its controller. The Aerona Smart Controller allows for intuitive control of the heat pump system. It is easy to set the heating and domestic hot water schedules and enables remote access for both the homeowner and installer. When installed with the Aerona WiFi Hub and through a supporting app, homeowners can adjust their settings when away from home. Meanwhile, installers can access a dedicated web-based platform to remotely access and monitor the Aerona 290 and wider system, viewing error codes, performance data and core settings – a great help when it comes to diagnostics, servicing and maintenance.

Alongside the supply of a modern looking heat pump with exceptional performance, Grant UK’s Team is on hand to provide customer support every step of the way, from R290 heat pump product training and design and system specification support, to on-site technical assistance and help with the customer handover.

For more information on the Aerona 290 range visit www.rdr.link/dbh024

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The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published  in June, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in April were up +3.0% compared to April 2024. Volumes increased +3.4% year-on-year, while prices eased -0.3%. With one less trading day in the most recent period, like-for-like value sales – which take trading day differences into account – were up +8.2%.

Year-on-Year

Seven of the twelve categories sold more compared to April last year, with seasonal category Landscaping (+13.3%) well ahead of the rest. Workwear & Safetywear (+8.7%), Miscellaneous (+5.3%) and Heavy Building Materials (+3.7%) performed well. Timber & Joinery Products (+1.7%) also sold more but less than Total Merchants. The weakest categories were Decorating (-3.3%) and Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-3.9%).

Month-on-month

Value sales in April were +0.9% above the previous month’s sales. Month-on-month, volume sales were flat at -0.2%, and prices increased +1.0%. Just four categories sold more compared to March, with Landscaping (+15.6%) and Workwear & Safety (+6.0%) ahead the most. The two largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (+0.7%) and Heavy Building Materials (+0.1%) -– sold more but underperformed compared to Total Merchants. Decorating was down – 3.2%. With one less trading day in April, likefor- like value sales were +5.9% up.

Latest 12 months

Total value sales in the 12 months May 2024 to April 2025 were down -2.3% on the previous 12-month period (May 2023 to April 2024). Volume sales dropped – 1.5% and prices were -0.8% lower. Five of the twelve categories sold more with Workwear & Safetywear and Tools (both +5.3%) out in front, followed by Services (+3.5%), Miscellaneous (+0.8%) and Landscaping (+0.2%). Timber & Joinery Products (-4.2%) and Heavy Building Materials (-2.6%) declined more than Total Merchants. Decorating slipped -1.0%, while Renewables & Water Saving (-16.4%) was the weakest category.

Paul Edworthy, Commercial Lead: Builders Merchant Group, Dulux Trade and BMBI’s Expert for Paint commented: “The paint industry was initially optimistic about the prospects for 2025, but it has been an uncertain start to the year, with global turmoil overshadowing what was predicted to be a year of recovery for UK construction and housebuilding, in particular.

“The Construction Products Association Spring Forecast noted that any uplift in overall construction outputs this year will now be very gradual – just +1.9% growth is predicted from a low base. Private housing output, still challenged by affordability constraints and weak demand, is forecast to increase by just +4.0%. The industry had hoped for better in 2025, given Government commitments to housebuilding, and RMI has also had a sluggish start.

“But the year is not a write off. According to Aviva’s How We Live report, almost seven million homeowners plan to renovate their home in 2025. Wages are rising faster than inflation, and further rate cuts are expected. However, politics at home and abroad weighed heavy on consumer sentiment.”

The Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI)

The BMBI is a brand of the BMF. The BMBI report, which is produced and managed by MRA Research, uses NiQ GfK’s Builders Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data which analyses sales out data from 88% of generalist builders’ merchants’ sales across Great Britain. The full report is on www.bmbi.co.uk.

BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.rdr.link/dbe022

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Xwatch launches on-board plant system that detects animals and habitats on-site. Xwatch Safety Solutions has collaborated with Plant & Vehicle Services (PVS) and leading wildlife conservation organisations, to unveil the XwatchMole.

This cutting-edge technology integrates advanced telematics and thermal detection to survey the ground in real-time, identifying live dens and nests of protected species such as badgers, foxes, rabbits, and birds. Currently in trials, it has already provided valuable insights—and proven that even Sonic the Hedgehog is no match for its detection capabilities.

ClICK HERE to read more

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With an in-depth product test, the JCB 145XR reduced tailswing crawler excavator swings into action!

JCB’s X-Series of crawler excavators has been a major success for the company, eclipsing the performance and productivity of the previous generation JS models and gaining new customers across the country. Initially launched in popular 220X form, the 22-tonner was soon joined by the 131X, 140X and 150X, competing in the all-important 13-15 tonne sector. JCB’s first reduced tailswing X-Series model was the 245XR and this machine has now been joined by a smaller stablemate, in the all-new 145XR. Offering a 27% shorter tailswing than the popular 140X conventional model, the 145XR actually boasts the same dig end, bucket ram and undercarriage as the larger 150X, providing stability and lifting capability.

The machine is offered with a choice of a monoboom, or a two-piece triple articulating boom (TAB). The TAB boom provides a 15.5% reduction in the total working envelope, matching a reduced front end swing radius with the smaller counterweight back end.

Despite that smaller turning radius, the boom manages a maximum digging depth of 6,167mm, while the monoboom and 3m dipper arm offer 6,027mm. It’s a similar story in terms of forward reach, with the TAB boom delivering a maximum of 9,230mm against the monoboom’s 8,801mm. Maximum bucket tearout force is a healthy 104.5NkN with either boom configuration.

The 145XR can be specified with an optional dozer blade, for those looking for ultimate stability and versatility. Around 30% of UK customers will go for the dozer, with a higher percentage in Scandinavian and German markets. Unlike some competitive short radius models, the 145XR retains the full CommandPlus cab, giving it the same operator space and comfort as other XSeries models. There are a choice of seating options, right up to a fully heated and cooled air suspension model. The most noticeable feature in the cab though, is the new JCB UX user interface, with its 10” touchscreen monitor.

Launched with the much larger 370X earlier this year, the JCB UX allows up to 25 different user profiles, that operators can preset to suit the way they drive. This includes setting joystick configurations and allotting tasks to each of the buttons and rollers in the servo lever heads. A panel of hot keys makes it easy to navigate and to alter the layout of controls.

There is improved mobile phone connectivity and the machine comes with twin safety cameras as standard. A full 360° camera system is offered as an option. Operators also benefit from standard LED work lights, with option packs taking the count to as many as 14 lights around the machine. As with all XSeries models, the 145XR can be prepared in the factory for a Leica machine control system.

In operation, the compact machine is remarkably quick off the mark. It is possible to tone down the controls through the JCB UX system, but the demonstration machine was certainly keen to move. That said, the hydraulic system is incredibly smooth, with no jerkiness, even at higher engine rpm. It is also possible to fine grade with ease, working multiple boom and bucket functions together to smoothly scrape the bucket across the ground.

In typical UK monoboom and long dipper configuration, with a decent size bucket in wet material, it is possible to upset the stability of the machine when working cross track. Work within the machine’s generous capabilities however and for such a compact machine it is easy to see how productive it could be in the hands of a more experienced operator. The power behind that productivity will be familiar to JCB customers, as the firm’s Stage V Dieselmax 448 engine is located within that rounded counterweight. This 81kW (108hp) engine runs at a slower 1,700rpm, boosting fuel economy by 10% compared to the previous JZ140. With Auto-Stop and Auto-Idle, in combination with multi-mode hydraulic control, the machine delivers more than enough power, with a new level of economy.

Despite the compact dimensions, it is still possible to get to the engine and its major service points, with wide opening access doors to each side and an engine cover on top of the machine that has a sunken standing platform to make life easier for technicians. All filters can be reached from ground level and the air conditioning condenser can be pulled away from the radiator cores for easier cleaning.

The excavator sits on heavy-duty track components and there are graphite bushes on key pivot points. This leads to 250-hour greasing intervals, reducing regular downtime. Hydraulic filter changes have been extended to 2,000 hours, resulting in 24% fewer filter changes over a 10,000-hour period, further cutting operating cost for the customer. The XSeries machine also comes with a fiveyear subscription to JCB’s LiveLink telematic remote monitoring offer.

The 145XR’s reduced tailswing makes it an ideal machine for a range of applications, including working within a road carriageway. The machine will be equally at home on a tight housebuilding site, where its lifting capabilities will be of use along with its digging ability. JCB has been promoting the machine as ‘Minimum Swing, Maximum Space’. Certainly, the rear-end of the machine could hardly be more compact and, in combination with the 150X tracks, there is very little overhang when slewing. The

Maximum Space refers to the operator’s cab, which remains unchanged from the firm’s larger, conventional tailswing models, which will be welcome news for drivers. In conclusion, the 145XR has followed the successful path laid by its larger 245XR stablemate, though it will probably find even more buyers than the 25-tonne machine. With all of the durability, productivity and reliability features that have already been seen across the X-Series line-up, the 145XR deserves to do well.

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