BT Jenkins: JCB 220X busy beach day

BT Jenkins were carrying out work for East Devon Council re-levelling, reprofiling and regrading pebbles on the beach from winter storms that had occurred, ready for spring and summer. The bright blue and sunny skies certainly indicated that these months were approaching. They would also be repeating this process on the nearby, Beer beach the following day. It was a glorious day, to be met on site by Simon.

I had the pleasure of being introduced to BT Jenkins skilled Operator Shaun. Shaun was on-site operating the JCB 220X, showcasing its impressive power, strength and precision while moving and relevelling pebbles on the beach.

The JCB 220X is part of the JCB XSeries range with a max operating weight of 24,743kg, an engine power of 129kW, max bucket capacity of 1.25m3, a max dig depth of 6,694 mm and conventional tail swing.

Operator skill is a frequent conversation amongst my colleagues, one that is spoken about with the upmost of respect. I have been fortunate to visit Kevin Quarry at JCB HQ, watched many JCB machine Demonstrations carried out by their Demonstration team. However, there was something very different about seeing an Operator in the field, their focus and the sheer responsibility of the contract work at the tip of their fingers. Shaun was able to regrade and relevel the pebbles on the beach with ease looking very comfortable in the cabbed machine. When asked about his own experience operating the machine he said ‘It’s nice to grade with, comfortable, has power behind it and the cab is quiet. Nothing bad to say about it’.

The JCB 220X aims for exceptional comfort for the machine operator, with low noise level to rival the best in the business. It has a spacious JCB CommandPlus cab, features an industry-leading Grammer seat as standard and double cushion viscous mount that aid the low in-cab noise of 67Cb(A).

The JCB 220X not only aims for comfort it aims for greater performance and control. Years of research and development, as well as listening to thousands of Operators, helped to create this machine with outstanding qualities. The boom float feature allows for smooth grading along hard surfaces that improve breaker efficiency by applying the correct amount of pressure. Shaun has been the operator of BT Jenkins 220X on a number of projects. When asked about his favorite, he said ‘One of my favorite projects I worked on when Operating the JCB 220X, was wood clearing at Stover golf club. I was clearing tracks and trees which was a nice job to do with the machine, I could do it with ease’. The JCB 220X is a versatile machine that can be used for a variety of applications.

Since joining Holt JCB as a graduate in August 2022, I have experienced a steep learning curve about the essence of business, lessons no text book, lecture or seminar can truly capture. The industry I have chosen, is incredibly raw and honest. I am exposed to Customers who through sheer graft, determination and growth mindset have built successful businesses. They do not fear change, instead embrace it. In such a short time I have been exposed to Customers passion and desire to move with technology whilst respecting the traditional skills and knowledge required to out-perform expectation.

My site visit to BT Jenkins with Simon and Shaun was an opportunity for me to witness first hand all of these qualities. When I consider that BT Jenkins Ltd was established in 1960 and have been part of CJL Construction ltd since 2017, I can understand why their strength of reputation is one that needs to be and is respected by the Team at Holt JCB and why they are clearly such a valued customer. They are a true Earthworks Contractor example of “cradle to grave” excellence across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. 60 years of industry experience is accredited to the ability to evolve, focusing on the Customers’ needs and developing a successful business model that utilises expertise within their team. This is certainly a business model to be proud of and one that continues to go from strength to strength. Their 60 years’ experience brings business sense, understanding the need for continued re-investment, aspiring to be what their customers have come to expect; which is leaders in their field. There is no doubt in my mind that they take pride in their reputation as a professional contractor offering a personal service, to a wide range of loyal clients. The respect and engagement, which I experienced myself in the company of both Simon and Shaun is testament to this. Their customers include regional and national contractors, county and local authorities and landowners. This has created for BT Jenkins a portfolio of loyal Customers, repeat business and cemented a reputation where new Clients know they are a business to trust.

Rob Sprankling Holt JCB’s Territory Manager for East Devon, Dorset and South Somerset has a positive relationship with BT Jenkins. Rob and the team at our Exeter depot look forward to continuing to support their growth plans. Andrew Shields Holt JCB’s Managing Director when asked about BT Jenkins explained ‘We are delighted BT Jenkins have added a JCB 220X to their already impressive fleet, a real testament to the JCB X series range. We look forward to developing a strong relationship with Russell, Simon, Shaun and their team of skilled Operators over many years to come. They are an incredibly well-respected company within our Territory, so to have their product endorsement is not something our Team at Holt JCB take for granted. I appreciate the opportunity to thank them publicly for their commitment to Holt JCB.”

Thank you for taking the time to read my first “Site Sunday”. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to spend time with Simon and Shaun of BT Jenkins. Thank you Russell for the opportunity.