JCB PRESS LAUNCH

With a gap in their mini excavator portfolio requiring filling, JCB has just launched a pair of 2.5-tonne class excavators designed from the ground up to provide cost effective ownership, ideal for the rental sectors.

The recent launch held at JCB’s Rocester Headquarters and at their Kevin Quarry demonstration ground, showed off the 25Z-1, a zero tailswing model that replaces the previous 8025 ZTS, while the 26C-1 is a conventional counterweight replacement for the 8026 CTS. Powered by a 24.7hp EU StageV Kohler engine, both machines are both DPF and SCR free. The arrival of both excavators completes JCB’s range next generation range of mini and midi machines designed to be more user friendly, more robust, and more productive.

One of the major design factors on the new excavators is their operating weight. The 25Z-1 tips the scales at 2,550kg, while the 26C-1 weighs in at 2,675kg. With an overall width of just 1,500mm, either machine can be towed behind a van or a 4x4 on a 3.5-tonne trailer, making it easy to move the excavators between job sites.

As an ideal plant hire machine, the 26C-1 and 25Z-1 have both been designed with sturdy pressed steel panels and flat glass to allow for cost effective maintenance and repairs to be undertaken. Designers have also ensured the cab door, when open, sits within the protective radius of the bodywork ensuring it stays clear of accidental damage.

Reducing maintenance costs has been further improved with hoses routed through the boom away from damage. Improved dig-end geometry with 500-hour greasing intervals and a new, lightweight bucket design have also been included on the new models. All daily check points are grouped together for ease of access whilst the machine performs an automatic health check at first key-on each day.

The new cab has been designed to allow for easy and safe access and egress and thanks to its square shape, allows for ample leg room for even the tallest of operators. The front screen is split 66/34 with the lower section able to slide and lock into the higher screen before it can be slid into the cab roof. Not only does this prevent damage, but it also improves the forward visibility from the seat. The auxiliary pedal has been removed from the floor to a roller on the joystick and a newly designed flat floor covering aids cleaning. Both machines benefit from an improved Next Generation operator environment, with a premium suspension seat, an ergonomic switch layout, a 4” digital multi-function screen and a rotary controller. The screen displays engine rpm, coolant temperature and fuel gauge on the lefthand side at all times, while additional information can be customised by the operator to the right of the screen.

The screen contents are controlled by the rotary dial and can be set to display engine/service hours, auxiliary flow status, lift overload status, hydraulic oil temperature and pressure. The operator can use the various menus within the screen to adjust auxiliary flows, windscreen wiper frequency and auto-idle activation times. To aid routine maintenance, JCB service engineers can also access diagnostic information through the monitor.

Alongside the two new mini excavators the company showcased their latest electric model, the 3TE, 3-tonne capacity dump truck. Modelled on the equivalent diesel version with a heavy-duty swivel skip design, the 3TE does away with the traditional hydraulic pump and engine featured in the diesel powered 3T-2 model and comes with an electric motor that connects to a drop box, to provide full-time all-wheel drive. A 22.3kW electric motor delivers drive to the drop box, while a second 16.1kW electric motor powers the machine’s standard hydraulic circuit, for steering and skip lift, via a hydraulic pump.

The dumper is powered by a 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is capable of providing full shift operation in normal use. Like all JCB electric machines, the batteries can be recharged from conventional site electrical supplies, with 110V and 230V cables available. In addition, for those requiring a fast charge in just two hours, the optional JCB Universal Charger can be used. Carrying a full 5-year warranty, the batteries have been fitted into the frame of the dumper to ensure they are extremely difficult for thieves to remove.

"With the ability to specify a full road pack of lights, indicators and number plate holder, the 3TE is an ideal solution for street works teams wanting an emission free, large capacity dumper."

Alongside the minis and dumper, JCB added the CT380-130 and CT430-140 tandem vibratory rollers to its compaction range, completing a line-up of sub 5-tonne machines.

Both machines are powered by the latest EU Stage V JCB by Kohler diesel engine, providing 49.6hp. The Kohler is easily accessed thanks to a tilt forward engine canopy providing ground level access to all fill and service points.

The new models are designed for ease of use, low maintenance and to offer a simple, robust compaction solution for the rental industries. The CT380-130 has an operating weight of 4.1-tonnes and generates an operating linear load of 15.8kg/cm whilst the larger CT430-140 weighs in at 4.5-tonnes and offers a linear load of 16.4kg/ cm. Both models offer the same frequency of 50-60Hz and a 0.50mm amplitude. Manual offset of the drums ensures that kerbs and ironwork can be followed without the risk of damage whilst the automatic vibration control avoids over-compaction at layer ends.

The compact machine launches were concluded with a StageV engine upgrade for the 270-skid steer, the 270T compact tracked loader and the JCB Teleskid 3TS-8W large platform skid steers, delivering increased performance, reduced fuel consumption, improved handling and upgraded operator comfort. Benefitting from an easy-access cab, the JCB skid steers and compact track loaders showcase the company’s design flair and ingenuity perfectly.

The 3TS-8W Teleskid revolutionises this sector with its ability too load high-sided vehicles and place materials over objects with ultimate ease and safety thanks to its extending arm.

"JCB also unveiled a number of key improvements to its backhoe loader range as the company brings new levels of productivity and efficiency to a machine recognised across the world for its legendary versatility."

The introduction of Dual Drive, available as standard on 3CX Pro and 4CX Pro machines with servo controls, Dual Drive allows the operator to reposition the machine while facing the excavator, without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position. Particularly useful when undertaking repetitive backhoe operations, the operator can simply drive the machine along the job site while looking at the work area to the rear of the machine.

A roller switch on the left-hand servo lever controls the steering, while the right-hand lever has a forward-reverse selection switch. The two pedals in front of the operator are used to control the throttle and the brake system. A 7” monitor, positioned at the rear of the machine next to the side console, provides a wide-angle view to the front of the machine, while facing to the rear thanks to a bird’s eye camera positioned on top of the cab.

JCB has also adopted a single lever 6-in-1 loader control lever as standard on all manual control machines, allowing operators to control the loader and transmission with one hand and the steering with the other, without the need to use the column shift. A switch is incorporated into the loader lever for transmission directional control, in addition to the standard column shift control.

To simplify angle setting of the 6-in-1 shovel for grading work, JCB has introduced a Return to Grade function on all servo control machines. With activation through a switch on the side console, the operator simply opens the clam shovel, before moving the loader lever to the right with the system automatically stopping the bucket rotation when it reaches the optimum angle for grading.

With widespread adoption of laser levelling systems across the industry, JCB has added a 2D laser receiver mount to the front loader torsion box into which a mounting pole can be installed and extended to suit various types and sizes of receiver. This allows the operator to set grade depth and to grade more accurately while reducing time taken and fuel used.

Finally, JCB’s integrated quickhitch with forks has been upgraded with a 220mm wider fork carrier, to improve stability of wider loads. The forks now sit outside of the carrier frame, making it easier to reach the forks and to stow after use. A twin camera and screen option are now offered with the integrated forks, for improved visibility when rehandling materials. An anti-misting camera has been integrated into the quickhitch frame, providing improved visibility of the forks and the load, especially at ground level. A second camera, mounted in the roof, allows the operator to see the quickhitch bar, making it easier to change attachments, while a 7” colour screen to the right-hand side of the front console can be switched to show the feed from either camera.