A Touch of Class

by Nick Drew | Wed 21 Jun 2017

A Touch of Class

As requested by a number of blog readers in this blog post I re-visit my article on JCB's new MTU powered JS300LC hydraulic excavator which first appeared in Earthmovers Magazine.

Although not as surprising as JCB’s entry into the powered access sector the news that the Staffordshire based manufacturer had chosen to use Tier 4 Final engines from MTU in its heavy tracked excavator range, also surprised many of us who had gathered at their World Headquarters for the pre Conexpo product launch event. Many of us had expected to see a new 6 cylinder T4F JCB EcoMax but in an unexpected move the company had decided to put faith in the tried and tested MTU 6R1000 which had already proven to be a success in the company’s largest wheeled loader the 457. The 7.7-litre turbocharged and intercooled MTU power pack will be used in the JS300LC, JS330LC and JS370LC models with power output ratings of 180kw (241hp) in the JS300LC and 210kw (281hp) in the JS330LC and JS370LC models. Earthmover’s was given exclusive access to test drive a pre-production example of the JS300LC T4F model at JCB’s quarry in Staffordshire. At first glance the machine looks very similar to the outgoing T4i machine but there are some subtle differences to be noted. The machine which tips the scales at 33,487kgs has the same digging equipment as the old model offering the same working envelope depending on which dipper stick option you select from a choice of three. This example was fitted with a 3.1 metre stick which is the most popular version and was specced with heavy duty wear strips on the front of the arm and wear plates on either side, an XD demolition spec version is also available as an option as is a factory fitted heavy duty ram guard. The pick-up dimensions remain the same so end users can continue to use existing buckets and attachments.

The JS300LC is only available as a mono boom version but its two bigger brothers the JS330LC and JS370LC can be ordered with TAB (Triple Articulating Boom) set ups which are becoming increasingly popular on machines in Central Europe. This particular JS300LC was fitted with hammer pipework with shut off valves but a whole range of options including low flow are available on request. Advanced Tool Select system is available in cab via the monitor for adjusting oil flows to suit specific work tools. The same base X frame construction undercarriage is retained on the T4F model fabricated at the JCB Heavy Products facility using a mixture of well proven Berco and ITM components and features twin track guides as standard. The track frame features a good angle allowing for debris build up to drop off when dry of course, but when wet there are holes under the top rollers to allow debris to be poked down with a shovel as required. The big change in the undercarriage department comes in the specification of the KYB/Bonfiglioli track motors which have now been supplied as two speed motors as opposed to the earlier three speed versions, Product Specialist James McMillan explained why, “A lot of customers told us that they didn’t use the low speed “creep” mode on the older machines, those that did reported higher levels of fuel consumption so it was a sensible move to take out that option”.

Opening the rear offside door panel we discover the pump bay which is home to the Kawasaki heart of the hydraulic system. One thing you notice straight away in comparison to the old T4i model is that they have fitted a much larger heat shield to protect the vital components from the T4F after treatment system. This bay is also home to the fuel filters and water separator which have now been reduced from 3 down to 2. There is good service access all around the bay with hydraulic filter and pilot filter all close to hand and a fuel shut off tap is included resulting in minimal spillage when changing filters.

The counterweight is the same as on the outgoing T4i model in terms of size and shape and features the rear view camera as standard. There will also be the option to take the machine with a heavier counterweight offering an extra 800kgs for customers running bigger buckets and attachments, which I feel will be a welcome addition, but more on that later.

On the other side it’s the usual cooling pack scenario, with an AC condenser which can be swung out for cleaning. This model was also fitted with the optional fly screen mesh for added debris protection. The behind the cab compartment is cavernous with the batteries located underneath the floor and covered over leaving a vast area for strops, chains and tools if needed.

This compartment is also home to a new style of air filter. Replacing the old style filter is an ultra-web nano fibre technology air cleaner that delivers increased dust holding capability. The unit is said to be three times more efficient than a traditional style pleated filter, yet offers increased airflow. It is stronger and more durable and, with the option of a scavenger pre-cleaner, there is no requirement for a vacuator valve.

This machine in its Plus Pack variant was also fitted with the increasingly popular side impact protection system, which was always offered on JCB’s XD models, but with more and more customers asking for SIP but not wanting to go for the full XD heavy duty spec, this aspect will be available as a stand-alone option from now on. The major change on the right hand side of the upper structure is the extension of the platform to facilitate the fitting of the AdBlue tank. I was surprised to see that the side step access point that we have seen rolled out on the smaller JS models has not been introduced on the larger models, but according to JCB it was not deemed necessary on these machines, instead they get a much wider and longer step/platform where the operator can stand and rest a can of AdBlue as he climbs up to fill the tank.

In front of the step we now have the usual tool box scenario, which as you might expect on a machine of this size has large storage capacity. The tool box is also home to the standard electric refuelling pump. Beyond the toolbox we now find a second lift up cover which gives the operator access to the 47-litre AdBlue tank. The tank features a dedicated key which should help to avoid any cross contamination by putting in the wrong fluids. Underneath the plastic DEF tank a spill tray has been fitted with a drain away pipe to prevent any damage to paint and metalwork which could suffer from the corrosive DEF fluid. According to JCB the DEF fluid is only used at a rate of 3% compared to fuel consumption, which should in theory mean that the DEF tank should only need topping up with every third tank of diesel. New additional handrails, which are now a standard factory fit guide your way up to the engine platform, in addition there is the option for a factory fit full boxing ring if required. There are quality components throughout the machine and as I climbed up to check out the real jewel in the crown, the Rolls Royce inspired MTU engine, I pass the KYB slew motor lurking down in the guts of the machine. Opening up the bonnet and I get my first glimpse of the 7.7-litre MTU powerpack which in this variant delivers 180kw (241hp) the same power output coincidentally as the outgoing Isuzu unit. The engine incorporates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) within the exhaust system, with dosing of the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) to reduce NOx emissions by an impressive 90%. JCB says that fuel savings of 5% should be achievable on the JS300LC and up to 10% on the two larger models. A strong footplate is fitted above the engine to stand on when checking the oil in the mornings and the water expansion bottle is neatly accessible via a lockable flap on the right hand side.

These excavators have been endurance tested in the extreme heat of Sudan and the extreme cold of Russia in their Tier 2 variants so very well tried and tested in some of the harshest environments in the world. Climbing into the cab and it’s probably fair to say that not a lot has changed from previous models of the JS range I have spent time on recently, but there have been a few tweaks. The full colour monitor now has a visual display informing the operator of his DEF fluid level, 2-Go JCB’s hydraulic isolation safety system has been retained and as part of the plus pack this machine featured an uprated heated seat with extra lumbar support and improved headrest.

I was delighted to see that the old round style track lever knobs have finally been replaced with the more conventional T-bar handles, which I feel are far more comfortable and convenient to use. These were first rolled out on the Plus Pack models but following feedback from customers will now be fitted as standard across the entire JS excavator range, sometimes in life it really is the simple little things that can make all the difference. There is also a welcome return for the front right hand mounted cup holder that was discontinued for a bit. The front window arrangement remains the same and is easy to use when raising the top section into storage in the roof. The lower portion can be lowered to allow some ventilation or can be removed and stored at the rear of the cab.

There are a wide range of customisable features that can be configured by using the various menus which include adjustment of the auto-idle time from 5 seconds up to 30 seconds and the ability to electronically switch from ISO control pattern to SAE via the monitor. I was ready to put this beast to work and got myself set up in the seat which I must say was very comfortable indeed. Having gone through the 2-Go start up procedure the engine sprang into life and what a beautiful sounding motor it is too! I tracked the machine off towards a heap of clay and rocks and instantly selected the H power mode button on the right hand console, on a machine like this I would expect no different so it was maximum power for me, the machine clambered up on the heap with no problems in traction on a damp misty morning in Staffordshire.

I set about flattening the pile to form a platform to work from and was instantly impressed with the machines smoothness in operation, a legacy from the machines primarily Japanese sourced hydraulic system components I suspect. It was not the fastest 30 tonner I have been on but machines of this size are generally not the most nimble when compared to their smaller counterparts. This pre-production machine was equipped with the old style JCB quick hitch and a heavy duty rock bucket which in all fairness had a lot of steel in it and was on the heavy side, this became very noticeable when I picked up a full bucket of the rock and clay combo and started to put the dipper out over the side carriage, it was at this moment that I realized that the machine really could do with the extra 800kgs option in the counterweight I mentioned earlier.

If your plan is to buy one of these to load trucks all day long I would seriously consider ordering the extra weight in the back as it will make a hell of a difference to the way the machine performs, it’s a small detail but one that will make a big difference in my opinion. As for the new engine well it appears to be something of a class act in this application, it just purrs away in the background but offers great power when it’s needed especially in the breakout department, it’s this touch of class that will make all the difference on this machine.

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