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

Fri 10 Feb 2017

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

The new and improved JCB products just kept coming at this latest action packed press launch and among the new machines was the new TM320 telescopic wheeled loader which has been designed specifically for the construction and industrial markets. This machine which is operated from a central driving position offers exceptional all-round visibility whilst offering the reach and lift versatility of a conventional telescopic handler.

The TM320 is powered by a 4.4-litre version of the award-winning JCB EcoMAX engine, developing 93kW (125hp). The EcoMAX engine meets EU Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions compliance using JCB’s highly-efficient selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. There is no requirement for a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF) to compromise the engine installation and potentially add to machine servicing costs.

The new machine which sits alongside the existing TM320 Wastemaster in the range has a 3,200kg lift capacity with a 5.2m lift height and features a four-speed Powershift transmission.

It was the tail end of 2015 that we were present for the official unveiling of JCB’s new 3CX Compact backhoe loader. The machine has now received a number of upgrades for 2017 most notable to be the availability of a high-flow auxiliary hydraulic circuit which will deliver up to 120 litres/min of flow to power a range of loader mounted attachments like the road planer seen below.

Other enhancements to the 3CX Compact include, second step options for easy access into the cab, multi-function front loader control, Powerslide option allowing easy movement of the digging boom without causing any ground damage, skid steer style attachment hitch to increase work tool availability, additional in cab storage compartment, dipper mounted hydraulic pipework re-routed to prevent damage, and a shovel storage device on the nearside of the machine.

Since its official launch in March 2016 the JCB 110W Hydradig has been a phenomenal success, so much so that the company are currently sold out until March this year. JCB report that initial demand for the Hydradig concept from within Europe has already far exceeded expectations, with customers quick to adopt the machine’s versatility and multiple tool carrying abilities.

For 2017 the “game changing” Hydradig is being upgraded with a Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV compliant JCB EcoMAX diesel engine, equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). This highly efficient engine, which delivers a powerful 81kW (108hp), uses a Urea-based Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) additive that is injected into the exhaust system to reduce potentially harmful oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by 88%. With the installation of JCB’s proven EcoMAX Tier 4 Final engine, Hydradig will now be made available in North American markets, where it is expected to prove equally popular.

JCB also rolled out another reincarnation of the 3CX backhoe loader with the PilingMaster, described by the company as an innovative piling solution delivering cost savings for customers. Developed in cooperation with ground engineering contractors across the UK the machine which has an operating weight of less than 12 tonnes will fill a gap in the market between pedestrian mini piling rigs and full size crawler machines.

Unlike a conventional rig, the Pilingmaster also benefits from a front loader, with joystick control, that can be used to remove unwanted material and to clean up the site after piling. This can remove the need for a second machine on site, cutting cost for the contractor.

The JCB Pilingmaster delivers up to 1.25 tonnes of head torque, working with piling diameters of 350-600mm in diameter to a full drilling depth of 14m. With a typical 450mm auger, the machine is capable of producing up to 150 linear m/day of pile, making it a highly productive rig for its weight and size. The machine can also reduce piling mat requirements which can reduce set-up costs and offer 360^ovisibility for maximum safety on sites.

JCB also unveiled one example of its 30 tonne + heavier excavators which have now been installed with /Tier 4 Final engines. The six-cylinder MTU 6R1000 has already been well proven in JCB’s largest wheeled loader the 457 and fits well in the JS300 which was demonstrated at the event and the JS330 & JS370 models.

I was fortunate to get hands on with the new JS300LC and will be reporting on it in more detail in my "First Drive" article for Earthmovers Magazine.

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