Ganatra Plant & Equipment has introduced the JCB 345 LC heavy-duty excavator in Kenya and Uganda. Announced on Saturday, this 34,462-kilogram excavator is designed for large-scale construction, quarrying, mining, and infrastructure projects throughout the region.
The machine is powered by JCB’s 7.2-litre six-cylinder DIESELMAX engine, which produces 165 kilowatts (equivalent to 221 horsepower) and delivers peak torque of 960 Newton-metres.
According to the company, the engine is designed and manufactured by JCB, enabling equipment owners to manage servicing and warranty support through a single manufacturer network.
“The JCB 345 LC is well-suited to the scale of infrastructure and construction projects currently underway in Kenya and Uganda,” said Altaf Ganatra, Managing Director of Ganatra Plant & Equipment Ltd.
The excavator features a hydraulic system built around twin variable-flow piston pumps, optimising operational efficiency and fuel management under varying workloads.
With a digging depth of 6,570 millimetres and a 1,800-litre bucket, the machine is positioned for foundation excavation, trenching, and bulk earthmoving projects.
JCB states that the excavator is also configured for extended operations at remote sites, equipped with a 590-litre fuel tank and a hydraulic service interval of up to 5,000 hours.
For quarrying and mining applications, the 345 LC delivers a bucket tear-out force of 22,586 kilograms. Its reinforced boom and arm structures are designed to support demanding rock and aggregate operations in sectors that continue to expand across Kenya and Uganda.
Inside the cab, the machine features vibration-dampening mounts, panoramic visibility, digital monitoring systems, and ergonomic controls to enhance operator comfort and reduce fatigue during long working hours.
The excavator also includes a fly-mesh cooling guard and centrally positioned filters, which are designed for the dusty and high-temperature operating conditions common on many East African construction sites.
Additionally, the unit is fitted with JCB’s LiveLink telematics platform, allowing fleet operators to remotely monitor machine location, fuel usage, operating hours, and maintenance alerts through connected devices.
Observers say demand for larger and more efficient construction equipment is rising as Kenya and Uganda continue to invest in roads, urban infrastructure, mining, and energy projects. The launch of the 345 LC coincides with contractors across the region seeking equipment capable of handling larger project volumes while minimising downtime and maintenance interruptions.
