Xwatch Safety Solutions

19/06/2026

A good one to finish the week on.👇
Last week, Xwatch engineer Tom Dacosta was at McHale Komatsu Chester-le-Street fitting Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon XW5 systems to two JN Bentley Komatsu Europe PC138 excavators.

The 13–14 tonne class is a mainstay of hire fleets. These are the machines that end up on a bit of everything: housing, civils, utilities, roadworks and general groundworks. The PC138’s short-tail design also makes it a sensible choice where room is tight.

But tight sites tend to mean more to watch: buildings, boundaries, overhead services, other plant, lifting work and people moving around the job.

That is where XW5 comes in. The system provides height and slew restriction, along with rated capacity indication for lifting duties, helping the operator work within the limits set for that particular job. It uses proportional hydraulic control, so the machine is managed smoothly as it reaches those limits.

XW5 can also work alongside Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon MC1 machine control where 3D avoidance, virtual boundaries and depth control are needed.

Two tidy installs from Tom, with both PC138s now ready to leave McHale with the right safety kit already on board.

Not a bad way to round off the working week.

17/06/2026

Flannery Plant Hire ’s latest rubber duck gets the Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon treatment 👇

Another tidy install completed for Flannery Plant Hire, with Xwatch engineer Tom Dacosta fitting an Xwatch XW5 system to this Komatsu UK Ltd PW98MR rubber duck. McHale Komatsu

The XW5 is Xwatch’s full safety system, designed to help operators manage height, slew and rated capacity. It allows safe working limits to be set around the machine, helping to reduce the risk of contact with overhead services, nearby structures, people and other site hazards. It can also be integrated with 3D machine control and avoidance technology, making it a strong choice for machines working in tighter, busier and more controlled environments.

Flannery and Xwatch share a long-standing relationship built over many years of close collaboration. With hundreds of systems installed across Flannery’s fleet, this partnership is firmly rooted in experience, trust, and a shared commitment to improving site safety.

Flannery is not only a valued user of Xwatch technology but has consistently led the way in its support and adoption, championing the latest innovations in the market. Flannery was among the first to adopt the new Xwatch Mk2 system, with Patrick Flannery sealing the deal with Xwatch at bauma 2025.

Dan Leaney Global Sales Director at Xwatch Safety Solutions, said: “Flannery has been with Xwatch for a long time and has always taken a very forward-thinking approach to safety technology. Seeing another machine leave the yard with Xwatch fitted is always a proud moment, especially when the relationship goes back years and covers hundreds of systems. Tom has done a great job on this install, and the Komatsu PW98MR is a brilliant example of where the XW5 really comes into its own.”

12/06/2026

Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon to exhibit at UK Plant Expo 2027

Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, has confirmed it will exhibit at UK Plant Expo 2027, a new two-day B2B plant event taking place on 11 and 12 June 2027 at the Heart of England Showground in Warwickshire.

The event will bring together manufacturers, dealers, plant hirers, contractors, operators and technology providers for two days of live digging, working demonstrations and active displays.

Built around the UK Plant Operator of the Year competition, UK Plant Expo 2027 will have a strong operator-led focus, with the event designed to support the industry in becoming safer, smarter and more sustainable.

For Xwatch Safety Solutions, the new show provides another opportunity to meet the people who own, operate, hire and manage construction machinery every day.

Dan Leaney, Head of Global Sales at Xwatch Safety Solutions, said: “UK Plant Expo 2027 gives us another opportunity to meet plant hirers, contractors, dealers and operators in a live working environment.

“Xwatch systems are designed for real site conditions, so events with live machinery and practical demonstrations are a good fit for us. Safety technology is always easier to understand when people can see how it works around the machine.”

The company’s attendance at UK Plant Expo 2027 will give visitors the chance to learn more about the latest Xwatch technology, including its next-generation systems and the growing role of telematics, data and machine control integration in improving site safety.

Want to know more? Click here👇

Xwatch Safety Solutions to exhibit at UK Plant Expo 2027

10/06/2026

Number seven is in the bag for Blackwood Plant Hire Limited👇

Another Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe SK210-11 has had the Xwatch treatment, with Blackwood Plant Hire’s seventh machine in this latest series now fitted with an Xwatch system at Molson Equipment Darlington.

Blackwood has fitted many Xwatch systems over the years, so this latest install continues a long-standing approach to practical machine safety across its fleet.

The machine was supplied through Will Morris at Molson Darlington, with the system installed by Xwatch engineer Derek Mitchell.

Jemma Dycer - Hopkins (IOSH), Sales and Operations Manager at Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon, said: “Blackwood Plant Hire has been a long-standing supporter of Xwatch, with hundreds of systems fitted across its fleet over the years. This latest Kobelco is the seventh in this particular series of machines, and it is great to see that commitment to practical, operator-focused safety continuing. Thanks to Blackwood and the team at Molson Darlington for their continued support.”

A great bit of teamwork between Blackwood Plant Hire, Molson and Xwatch Safety Solutions.

02/06/2026

WR57 srl partners with Xwatch! Great video - there is something so wonderful in the sound of the Italian language!

27/05/2026

Buckhurst Plant Hire backs practical fleet safety👇

When a machine is working across a busy hire fleet, safety has to be practical, consistent and easy for operators to work with.

That was the thinking behind this Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon XW5 installation, carried out by Xwatch engineer Billy Hughes on a JCB 220X for Buckhurst Plant Hire.

Founded in 1993 by the Walsh family, Buckhurst has grown from a small yard with just a few machines into a nationwide hire business with five depots and more than 3,000 pieces of equipment. It is a business built on investment in quality kit, customer service and keeping machines ready for the demands of modern sites.

The JCB 220X is a serious 20-tonne class excavator, built for productivity, operator comfort and heavy-duty work. With the XW5 fitted, the machine gains an extra layer of control around height and slew movement, helping operators work safely around overhead hazards, tight spaces and restricted working zones. The machine is also fitted with Safety Shield Global for an extra layer of safety.

For hire fleets, that consistency matters. Machines can move from site to site and operator to operator, so the safety system needs to be reliable, clear and practical on the ground.

The message on the machine is a powerful reminder that site safety starts with people.✊

A tidy install by Billy and a great-looking machine heading out ready for work. Thank you to Buckhurst Plant for your trust in Xwatch.

26/05/2026

Moortown Group Limited continues with Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon 👇

Another smart Xwatch Safety Solutions installation completed by Tom Dacosta, this time on a JCB 145XR for Moortown Group.

The JCB 145XR is built for restricted job sites, sitting in the 15- to 18-tonne tracked excavator class and offering a 27% shorter tailswing than a conventional model. With its ultra-tight slew radius, it is well-suited to urban, highway and confined working environments where space is limited but performance still matters.

This latest Moortown machine has been fitted with XW4 technology, providing the operator with clear in-cab information on height, slew, and lifting limits. The display brings live working information together in one place, helping the operator stay aware of the machine’s position, load and working envelope while operating around site restrictions, structures, people and other plant.

Moortown Group is a well-established civil engineering and construction business with its own plant fleet, supporting major works across infrastructure, commercial and construction projects. It is also a repeat Xwatch customer, with systems now fitted across a growing number of machines in its fleet.

Moortown has used Xwatch systems on other machines in the fleet, so it is good to see another one fitted and ready for work.

The XW4 is designed to support safer machine operation without overcomplicating the job. It gives operators the information they need, where they need it — in the cab, in real time, on real sites.

A great-looking installation, a serious machine, and another example of Xwatch technology earning its place on modern construction plant.

Thanks to Moortown Group for its continued trust in the Xwatch team — and well done to Tom on another tidy install.

20/05/2026

Proof is in the pudding 😀

11/05/2026

Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon, is looking for an installation engineer to join the team.👇

This is a permanent role with UK and worldwide travel, supporting the installation and commissioning of Xwatch safety systems across construction machinery, including height and slew limiters, rated capacity indicators and more.

We’re looking for someone with experience in electrical and hydraulic systems, strong fault-finding skills, a practical approach to problem-solving and a clear focus on safety and quality.

The role will include site assessments, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting and customer handover, so good communication and organisation skills are important.

Experience in engineering, plant, electrical systems or technical support would be ideal. An NVQ Level 3 or relevant technical qualification would be a bonus, but it’s not essential.

You’ll receive a competitive salary, training, professional development and the tools and support needed to do the job properly.

Ready to join the market leader in safety innovation?

Send your CV to [email protected]

07/05/2026

Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon strengthens global training team with promotions for Adam Guilfoyle and Billy Hughes

Xwatch Safety Solutions has promoted two of its experienced installation engineers as the company strengthens its training capability in the UK and across its growing global network.

Adam Guilfoyle has been appointed Senior Product Support Trainer, while Billy Hughes has been promoted to Product Support Trainer. Both will now deliver technical training to Xwatch engineers, customers and partner companies.

The promotions mark an important step for both Adam and Billy, who started their Xwatch careers as installation engineers. Adam joined the company in May and Billy followed in July 2023. Since then, both have built strong reputations for their practical knowledge, hands-on approach and understanding of what engineers need when working on machines in real-world site conditions.

Their new roles will see them dedicated to training company engineers, helping to ensure that installation standards, product knowledge and technical confidence remain consistent as Xwatch systems are fitted to more machines in more markets around the world.

Jemma Dycer - Hopkins (IOSH) Dycer Hopkins, Operations Manager at Xwatch Safety Solutions, said: “Billy and Adam have both earned these promotions through their technical knowledge, work ethic and the way they support the wider engineering team. Both joined Xwatch as installation engineers, so they understand the job from the ground up.

“As the person responsible for deploying our engineers, I see first-hand how important good training is. It gives engineers confidence, helps maintain high standards, and ensures customers receive the level of support they expect from Xwatch.

“These new roles give Billy and Adam the opportunity to pass on their experience in a more structured way, whether they are training Xwatch engineers here in the UK or supporting customer and partner engineering teams around the world. It is a brilliant step forward for them both, and it strengthens the support we can offer as Xwatch continues to grow.”

Adam Guilfoyle, Senior Product Support Trainer at Xwatch Safety Solutions, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity. Having started as an installation engineer, I know how important it is to have the right training and support when you are out on site. Xwatch is growing quickly, and I’m looking forward to helping engineers build their knowledge and confidence.”

Billy Hughes, Product Support Trainer at Xwatch Safety Solutions, added:
“I’m really pleased to take on this new role. I’ve always enjoyed working with engineers and helping people understand the systems properly. It is a great opportunity to share what we have learned in the field and support engineers both in the UK and overseas.”

With Adam and Billy now focused on dedicated training roles, the company is strengthening the technical support available to its engineers, customers and partners worldwide.