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JCB Sparks Excitement with New Electric Models

by Nick Drew  |  Mon 23 Nov 2020

JCB Sparks Excitement with New Electric Models

With the government rapidly trying to funnel us all down the electric vehicle route as part of its 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, machinery manufacturers are all embracing the electric technology and JCB has been at the forefront of such developments for some time now having already launched its 19C-1E electric mini excavator last year.

The new electric machines revealed for the first-time last week consist of an electric version of their popular HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier, an electric one tonne high-tip site dumper powered by lithium-ion battery technology and its first ever electric Loadall telehandler model.

On the product side JCB has launched a range of power packs to support its growing line of fully electric machinery including a new rapid Universal Charger compatible with current and future E-TECH electric models, and a fully glazed cab on the 19C-1E electric mini excavator.

Let’s take a look at the most significant machines revealed.

Site Dumper goes Electric

JCB is launched its first ever electric site dumper with the unveiling of a one tonne high-tip model powered by lithium-ion battery technology. Designed to work indoors, underground and in emissions-sensitive areas, the 1TE electric dumper is an ideal partner for JCB’s market-leading 19C-1E electric mini excavator.

The 1T-E site dumper is described as a durable, compact machine with a full steel skip and heavy-duty articulated chassis. The machine replaces the individual wheel motors of the hydrostatic 1T-2 with conventional drive axles and a drop box, to provide full-time all-wheel drive. A 7kW hydraulic motor delivers drive to the drop box, while a second hydraulic pump is used to power the machine’s standard hydraulic circuit, for steering and skip lift.

The power is supplied by two 5kWh lithium-ion batteries, capable of providing full shift operation in normal use. The batteries can be recharged from conventional site electrical supplies, with 110V and 230V cables available. In addition, the optional JCB Universal Charger can be used to rapid charge the batteries for extended operation.

Designed primarily for European and North American markets, the 1TE delivers zero emissions at the point of use and low noise levels, making it ideal for indoor, underground and emissions-sensitive working sites. A ROPS frame is standard, along with LED amber and green lap-belt beacons. The dumper also comes with powerful LED working lights, providing maximum visibility in low light conditions. Productivity and performance are identical to the conventional diesel model, both in travel speeds and in tipping cycle times. The machine offers a maximum payload of 1,000kg and a maximum load over height of 2,392mm.

First Electric Loadall 

The biggest news on the day was the reveal of JCB’s first ever electric Loadall model as the expansion of its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines gathers pace.

More than 43 years after the company pioneered the concept of telescopic handlers, the wraps have now come off the 525-60E, a full electric version of the popular Loadall. Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, the 525-60E offers a zero-emissions load handling solution to construction, industrial and agricultural customers.

JCB Chief Innovation Officer Tim Burnhope said, “JCB has taken a pioneering lead in the move to electric propulsion in construction, agricultural and industrial machinery, having successfully introduced the 19C-1E mini excavator and the 30-19E Teletruk to the market. As world market leader for telescopic handlers, the launch of the JCB 525-60E Loadall takes equipment electrification further into general construction, industrial and agricultural markets, offering a zero-emissions load handling solution with no compromise in performance or productivity. We are very excited about the prospects for this machine.”

Electric Dumpster Model

JCB’s electric version of the popular HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier makes the machine suitable for urban and indoor applications which require low noise and zero exhaust emissions.

It also comes with the brand-new optional ride-on SmartStep for enhanced versatility, safety and operator comfort. The feature isolates power to the tracks if the operator steps off the step while moving, but still allows power to the skip and hydraulics. When the SmartStep is folded up, all hydraulics are enabled and the operator can walk behind.

The E-Dumpster is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged using a standard 240V or 110V electrical supply. Maximum recharge time is just two hours, making it possible to top up the battery when not in use during the working day or overnight.

Designed to meet the needs of contractors and rental companies, the E-Dumpster provides a zero-emissions carrying solution for indoor work, tunnelling applications and other urban sites requiring zero emissions equipment. With no internal combustion engine, service and maintenance requirements are also greatly reduced, boosting uptime and availability.

We are looking forward to getting “hands on” with these new items in due course once Covid restrictions have been eased, in the meantime checkout this video from JCB.

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