JCB reaches for the sky with a raft of new products (Part One)

Tue 07 Feb 2017

JCB reaches for the sky with a raft of new products (Part One)

The enthusiasm that JCB exudes at these events is infectious to say the least, even when launching something as mundane to me, as a new range of scissor lifts and access platforms the excitement was at fever pitch as the covers went up to reveal the first new products in the line-up. You can see the attraction for JCB to be moving into this market which is said to be worth around $8 billion annually. It is estimated that around 130,000 units of this type of equipment are sold every year.

First to be revealed were nine models of electric scissor lifts which according to JCB have been developed in secret over the past two years. The company announced that by the end of 2017 the newly launched JCB Access business will be offering a total of 27 new platforms, comprising of scissors, articulated booms and telescopic boom machines. Talking about the new range JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “The access market is a truly global market and offers immense opportunities for growth for JCB. It’s a market that is ripe for a new supplier with the ability to offer industry leading, round-the clock-product support. JCB’s 770 dealers with 2,200 depots can deliver the back-up that global customers expect.”

Earlier in the evening we were treated to a tour of JCB Power Systems factory which has just seen a further £10 million investment in the facility. JCB also pulled the wraps off a brand new 3.0 litre DieselMax engine the fuel-efficient JCB430. Talking about the new engine JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “The launch of the brand new three litre JCB430 DieselMax engine will build on the success of the JCB Power Systems business and takes the productivity and environmental performance of our engines to a completely new level, particularly on fuel efficiency.”

One of the most impressive features of the new three litre JCB DieselMax engine is its fuel consumption – using up to 8% less fuel than the already very fuel efficient 4.4 litre JCB engine. The totally new 3.0 litre fuel-efficient JCB430 DieselMax engine is also 30% lighter than JCB’s popular 4.4 litre EcoMax engine and has been designed specifically for mid-range construction and industrial equipment operating cycles. Features of the new Stage 3B/Tier 4 final emissions engine include a high torque, heavy duty design, automatic valve adjustors, no DOC, DPF or SCR (no need for DEF) and a heavy duty PTO. jcb-430-dieselmax-3-litre-engine-2

On the second day of the event we were back in the more familiar setting of the JCB Arena demonstration plot to witness the new machines and upgrades to existing models. Wheeled loaders took centre stage at the opening of the display of exciting new products, where we got our first glimpse of JCB’s new 403 compact wheeled loader.

The 2.5 tonne articulated chassis machine which features an all-new cab design is powered by a four-cylinder Kubota engine which offers a power output rating of 26kw (36hp)and features an all-new two-range hydrostatic driveline with a choice of 20kph or 30kph top speeds.

Also rolled out were upgraded versions of JCB’s mid-range wheeled loaders. The JCB 411 and 417 models are now powered by Tier 4 Final engines with no costly diesel particulate filter (DPF) and include many of the features first seen on the company’s top of the range 457 loading shovel including the stylish CommandPlus cab.

As well as the CommandPlus cab which offers increased space, new easy to use controls and lower noise levels, customers get a choice of high spec seats and two different cab trim levels. A New electric park brake is fitted and temperature-reactive reversible engine cooling fan options are also available.

The loaders are powered by a JCB EcoMAX engine delivering 81kW (109hp) in the 411 and 93kW (125hp) in the 417. Both machines are equipped with a four-speed Powershift transmission, capable of achieving up to 40kph. Torque proportioning differentials are standard in the machines’ heavy-duty JCB axles, with optional limited slip differentials front and rear providing additional traction for loaders that are working predominantly off-road. The ability to disconnect drive through the brake pedal releases engine revs for optimum hydraulic performance, while reducing brake wear and fuel consumption.

There will be a more in depth look at these launches in Graham Black's report in the next issue of Earthmovers Magazine, but in the meantime lookout for part two of my look at the highlights later this week.

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