26 Jun 25
Building on its 2024 switch, the firm has added 13 XW5-equipped machines and will now install Xwatch on every new excavator to give operators direct control and cut exposure to high-energy hazards.
JN Bentley, part of the global Mott MacDonald Group, has added 13 new Komatsu excavators to its fleet, each fitted with the Xwatch XW5 system. The order marks the next stage in the contractor’s wider investment programme and confirms that all new excavators entering the fleet will now be equipped with Xwatch.
Supplied by Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd, the UK distributor for Komatsu, the new machines follow JN Bentley’s 2024 decision to move away from a competitor’s safety system in favour of a more advanced and practical alternative. That first phase saw 20 Komatsu machines fitted with an integrated Xwatch and Leica Geosystems 3D Collision Avoidance solution – a system particularly suited to the high-risk environments of the utilities sector.
With over 2,500 employees and projects worth more than £500 million annually, JN Bentley has built a reputation for embedding safety at every level. The move to Xwatch was driven by operator feedback and a need for reliable, user-friendly control systems that reduce exposure to high-energy hazards on site.
Dean Holmes, Director at JN Bentley, said:
“We are continually seeking ways to invest in technology and equipment that not only ensures the safety of our people but also simplifies tasks for our plant operators and site-based teams. Last year, we identified that the Xwatch System would significantly improve our current offerings compared to our incumbent supplier and other available systems. We are now installing the Xwatch system on all new excavators entering our fleet, as we believe XW5 provides a robust direct control to help minimise our workforce’s exposure to high-energy hazards.”
The Xwatch XW5 system is a machine safety solution that creates a defined working area around the excavator. It monitors and restricts the machine’s height, slew (side-to-side movement), and lifting capacity, making sure the excavator stays within safe limits at all times. This helps protect both the operator and the site – whether the machine is working near overhead hazards, in tight spaces, or lifting heavy loads.
Delivered in early 2025, the latest 13 Komatsu machines are all fitted with the Xwatch XW5 – a comprehensive safety system that defines the machine’s working envelope. It controls height, slew, and rated capacity, helping to safeguard both operator and machine in line with site-specific parameters. The system’s flexibility allows it to be deployed across a range of project types and environments.
The XW5 uses electric-over-hydraulic integration and feather-touch proportionality to deliver accurate control in real-time. Movement restrictions can be configured to suit each job, reducing risk while maintaining efficiency – an important balance for JN Bentley’s diverse civil and utility project portfolio.
Jemma Dycer Hopkins, Sales and Operations Manager at Xwatch, commented:
“JN Bentley is a brilliant example of a contractor that takes safety seriously and invests consistently. Whether it’s the full 3D solution for high-risk utility work or a more streamlined setup for general use, they’ve shown real leadership – and it’s been a pleasure working alongside them and the team at Marubeni-Komatsu to support that approach.”
Xwatch engineer Tom Dacosta carried out all of the latest installations, with the new machines now commissioned and ready for live sites. With further units expected later in the year, JN Bentley is setting a clear standard for safety-led procurement, backed by trusted partnerships and practical technology.
