One of the first new JCB X Series tracked excavators to roll off the production line has been put straight to work on the doorstep of the JCB factory where it was built.

JCB took the wraps off the new generation of tracked excavator earlier this year following a £110 million investment programme.

The new machine competes in a global tracked excavator market where almost 190,000 machines are sold every year.

Now one of the first of the new X Series excavators to be made at JCB Heavy Products, Uttoxeter, has been purchased by Ashbourne-based civil engineering contractor PM Harris Ltd.

And it has been put to work carrying out groundworks at JCB’s own Compact Products and Earthmovers factories in Cheadle.

It is working alongside existing JCB tracked excavators and site dumpers from the PM Harris fleet as part of the company's contract to build new car parks and undertake drainage work for JCB.

JCB's X Series excavator.

PM Harris Ltd operator Wayne Goring said: "I've operated 360-degree excavators for nearly 19 years and this new JCB 220X is the best 20-tonne model I've ever experienced.

"It is the best machine JCB has ever made. What a dream it is to drive. It’s fast, powerful and smooth.

"The cab is amazing, with loads of room and a comfy seat. The computer and quick hitch are very easy to use. This machine will take some beating."

PM Harris Ltd director Paul Harris said: "We like to support a local, British manufacturer and have been using JCB equipment since we founded the business.

"In that time we've built an excellent relationship with our dealers who are great to work with and deliver on sales, parts and service.

"Another major advantage of choosing JCB is the LiveLink telematics system which proves extremely valuable to us for its security features."

The brand new JCB 220X was supplied by dealer Gunn JCB. It is a 20-tonne tracked excavator model and has been designed to provide maximum operator comfort, durability and reliability in operation.

PH Harris Ltd was established in 1975. The company specialises in groundworks and civil engineering services including road building, bridge building and demolition and has developed a series of long term relationships with leading construction firms enabling major projects across the UK.

Its extensive fleet - over 50 per cent of which is JCB equipment - includes backhoe loaders, site dumpers, compaction equipment and both tracked and wheeled excavators.