Excavator lifting technology improves — but it does not replace the lift plan
Select Plant Hire is fitting Xwatch safety systems to around 30 new JCB machines, bringing rated-capacity indication, height limitation and slew limitation to more of its excavator fleet.
Machine controls are becoming smarter
Select Plant Hire is adding Xwatch safety technology to around 30 new JCB machines entering its fleet. On excavators the systems can provide rated-capacity indication together with height and slew limitation, helping operators work within defined restrictions around overhead hazards, restricted areas and lifting operations.
Why planning still comes first
Electronic safety aids strengthen the control measures available to a lifting team, but they do not replace a lift planned by a competent person. The plan still needs to establish the actual machine configuration, lifting point, load weight, radius, capacity, ground conditions, travel requirements and operating restrictions.
- Use the OEM chart for the actual machine and configuration.
- Plan to the actual working radius, not an optimum theoretical position.
- Record height and slew restrictions where used.
- Verify rated-capacity and safety systems before lifting.
- Keep the AP approval and lift-plan audit trail.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.