UK contractor invests in excavator safety systems

UK contractor Careys has invested in 35 Xwatch XW5 safety systems for its new Hitachi excavators.

The XW5, which will work on any type of hydraulic excavator, creates a safe working envelope around a machine by providing automatic limits on boom height, slewing movements and rated lifting capacity indication. Limits are controlled using proportional soft-stop hydraulic valves.  

Careys staff receive training on the Xwtch system. (Photo: Careys)

The system has already been tested on a Hitachi excavator at the Wembley headquarters of Careys, where the company’s service engineers received training.

Careys said the investment is part of a long-standing effort to improve health and safety and aligns with the Safe Home Every Day (SHED) programme it launched in 2009.

Jim Murphy, Careys Plant Manager, said a key feature of the system was its simplicity and ease of use, adding: “We were keen to organise training on the new XW5 system for the company’s service engineers so that we could, with the help of Xwatch and Hitachi Connected Technology, provide nationwide support for our site teams.”

Designed for use in construction equipment such as telehandlers and excavators, the XW5 is part of Xwatch’s wider XWSeries.

Dan Leaney, Xwatch Sales and Operations Director said: “ Everyone deserves to arrive ‘Safe Home Every Day’ and we are extremely proud that Careys has chosen the Xwatch Safety Solutions XW5 for its new Hitachi fleet.

“We look forward to continuing to support Careys and provide training for the company’s service engineers.”