JCB chooses ConExpo to launch new compact excavators

Wed 05 Mar 2014

JCB chooses ConExpo to launch new compact excavators

The first three machines being unveiled as part of the new line-up are the 67C-1 and 86C-1 conventional tailswing models and the 85Z-1 zero-tailswing excavator – all designed to grab a bigger share of a market which expected to grow by at least 16% over the next four years. These new CTS and ZTS models feature a dynamic new stylish look, which is sure to be popular with fans of the British made machines. Some of the features on these new models include 100% steel bodywork for improved durability, 30^o tilting cab for improved service access, no costly DPF system, 6% more spacious cab interior with 11% more visibility, 500 hour greasing intervals, and a 10% reduction in fuel consumption over previous models.

JCB’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “The compact excavator market is expected to increase to over 200,000 units by 2017 and with this fantastic new range, JCB is ready to seize the opportunities presented by such massive growth. We have undertaken the biggest benchmarking and customer evaluation exercise in JCB’s history to come up with a range that is truly world-beating on all fronts: performance, reliability, cost of ownership, safety, durability, comfort and serviceability.” The 67C-1, 86C-1 and 85Z-1 will launch a completely new look for JCB midi excavators, with a revised H-design undercarriage, robust steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and Tier 4 final engines that deliver increased efficiency and lower operating cost.

The three midi excavators are powered by all-new JCB by Kohler diesel engines, delivering 55hp (41kW) in the 6.7 tonne (14,770lb) machine and 64hp (48kW) in the two 8.5 tonne (18,700lb) models. These engines, which use up to 10% less fuel than the previous models, conform to the US EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IIIB emissions standards without any requirement for a diesel particulate filter (DPF), reducing cost and operating complexity for the customer and allowing improved engine packaging. The engines drive industry-leading Bosch Rexroth hydraulic valves and Nachi slew motors and track drives and incorporate an additional patented reduced loss hydraulic system. Operating with reduced back pressure, eliminating parasitic losses, the hydraulic system puts less demand on the engine, reducing fuel consumption. All hoses feature O-ring face seal technology and are colour coded for rapid identification. With its new range of midi excavators, JCB is leading the way on safety. The machines feature JCB’s 2Go hydraulic safety system, seen on the company’s larger JS excavators. In addition to the standard hydraulic cut-off that is activated by lifting the left hand lever pod, the operator is required to activate the hydraulic system through a button on the right-hand console. In addition the hydraulics can only be activated when the operator is seated and the seat belt is worn. This reduces the chance of operators working the hydraulic levers from outside the cab, improving safety on site. The machines are available with a twin locking, factory-fitted quickhitch system, incorporating fail safe systems, which demands the attachments can only be de-coupled at ground level via a positive pressure boom safe system circuit, eliminating the unhooking of attachments in mid-air, increasing on-site safety.

The three machines feature a sturdy kingpost design with widely spaced bearings to prevent wear. In addition, JCB midi excavators use a new graphite-based pin and bush design delivering 500 hour greasing intervals, for reduced daily maintenance and lower operating costs. The machines will also be available from the factory with a roto/tilt function installed ready for use with a number of rotating and tilting bucket mount systems, designed to meet the growing acceptance of tiltrotator systems in the UK, and in other regions where they are already widely used. The sturdy JCB midi excavator cab, which is now built in-house, delivers 6% more space and 11% more visibility than on previous machines. Both the conventional and zero swing models share the same cab structure, featuring flat glazing all round for ease of repair. A revised heating and ventilation system, with optional air conditioning, offers greatly improved airflow throughout the cab, improving operator comfort and rapidly clearing windscreens in colder months. The ROPS/FOPS cab is available with optional FOGS guards at level 1 and level 2, while the large cab door sits within the counterweight slew area, even on the zero tailswing model. The machine features ‘auto idle’ that can be set by the operator to activate after 2-30 seconds without using the levers. There are also two digging modes, including an ECO mode for maximum efficiency, or a Heavy mode for increased productivity, tailoring the machine’s performance to the application. The cab incorporates an ergonomic switch layout and a new full colour LCD display screen, with an additional monitor for a rear view camera. There is plenty of in-cab stowage and the machines come with a 12V phone charger and a cup holder.

The midi excavators sit on an all-new H-pattern track frame, with an open design and sloping side frames for easy cleaning. The tracks, with longer frames, deliver improved strength and stability and both machines can be ordered with steel, rubber or road liner (GeoGrip) tracks. Tracking speeds have been increased from a maximum of 4.2km/h to 5km/h, allowing faster repositioning on site and cutting downtime. The machines also benefit from a completely redesigned dozer blade and arms. The blade profile has been optimised for smooth material flow and there is no requirement for strengthening gusset on the rear, allowing easy cleaning of the machine. Blade edges are angled to prevent damage and a four-way tilt adjustable dozer will be available as an option, all controlled with an electro-hydraulic dozer control lever in the cab. I am looking forward to getting "hands on" with some of these new JCB models for a post on the Digger Man Blog in the not too distant future.

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