High performance and comfort in a compact package

JCB Agriculture presents an all-new compact wheeled loader at the Agritechnica show – November 12^th to 18^th in Hanover, Germany – that combines proven powertrain components with JCB’s renowned flair for cab design, control features and layout.

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The new JCB 403 Agri is a 0.3cu m rated articulated chassis loader capable of working efficiently in confined locations in and around buildings across a wide range of rural enterprises – from pig and poultry units to dairy farms, plant nurseries and equestrian centres.

Features of this all-new loader include:

• Compact four-cylinder Kubota engine generating 26.5kW (35.5hp) and 92Nm torque

• All-new two-range hydrostatic driveline with choice of 20kph or 30kph top speeds

• Open or manual diff locks in heavy duty axles to suit hard surface and soft ground operation

• All daily service checks carried out beneath the one-piece, rear hinged engine hood

• Choice of open platform with ROPS/FOPS protection or fully glazed and sound-proofed cab

• New joystick controller and armrest with one-hand shuttle and high/low operation

• Choice of standard or high lift loader arms with parallel lift and hydraulic quick-hitch

• Patented lift arm design to dissipate stress loads throughout the front chassis structure

JCB Agriculture Sales General Manager John smith saaid: “The new JCB 403 Agri is the result of an intensive and detailed design, engineering and development project to produce the ultimate 0.3cu m compact wheeled loader for performance, durability and operating ease.

“With parallel lift, hydraulic attachment pin operation and joystick hydraulics and transmission control all standard, this is also a very well-equipped compact loader. And one look at the modern controls and instrumentation emphasises the style and high quality standards achieved throughout the machine.”

The new JCB 403 Agri joins two larger models in the compact wheeled loader range from JCB Agriculture, the 0.8cu m JCB 407 and the 1.0cu m JCB 409, which have proven the durability and smooth operating characteristics of the Rexroth hydrostatic drive also used in the new machine.

Coupled to a fuel-efficient 1498cc Kubota V1505 diesel engine with peak outputs of 26.5kW (35.5hp) and 92Nm torque, the transmission provides two speed ranges to suit different applications and situations. High torque and fine speed control are the main characteristics of the ‘low’ transmission range, which are essential for digging into materials and for precision control and placement of loads, while eager acceleration to a top speed of 20kph – or 30kph as an option –is provided by the ‘high’ range for moving around yards and travelling from site to site.

Inching control operated by the brake pedal enables the operator to draw on the loader’s hydraulic power to breakout and lift materials without causing unnecessary wear to the braking system and transmission. On the move, power and torque are channelled through robust ZF axles with open differentials or optional manually-operated diff locks front and rear for machines frequently used off hard surfaces.

The JCB 403 Agri has the predictable steering characteristics, tight turning circle and accurate loader placement inherent with an articulated chassis, while the robust articulation joint also provides generous oscillation of the front and rear chassis sections over rough and undulating ground.

Up front, buyers have a choice of loader arms – the standard design provides a good all round combination of breakout force, lift capacity and a load-over height of 2.6m (8ft 6in), while the extended arms option provides 2.8m (9ft 2in) of lift height for stacking and loading into high-sided bins or trailers.

Both designs are patented for the way stresses are dissipated throughout the chassis and both give true parallel lift – ideal for handling with pallet forks and to minimise spillage of loose materials from a bucket. A number of quick hitch couplings are available with hydraulic pin locking for attachment change-over from the driving seat installed as standard equipment. A two-stage electronic isolation system prevents inadvertent release of attachments.

The loader arm cylinders are supplied by a 40.5-litre/min gear pump hydraulics package that provides quick responses and also an adjustable constant flow of oil to powered attachments such as bucket feeders and animal bedding dispensers.  

While JCB 403 Agri loaders operated mainly indoors can have the open canopy platform and ROPS/FOPS protection frame, the new cab available for the first time on a JCB wheeled loader of this size provides all-round protection from the elements, dusty working environments and potential hazards.

The fully glazed structure makes the most of the new loader’s dimensions to provide ample working space for operators and easy access through a large door with ideally-positioned grab handles and substantial steps. Yet a JCB 403 Agri with cab is still less than 2.2m tall and only 1.1m wide when narrow tyres are fitted, enabling it to access the tightest confines of farm and other buildings.

The operator is faced with a modern colour instrument display that provides all key information without detracting from forward visibility and the tilt steering column ensures a perfect driving position.

A new control panel to the right-hand side carries rocker switches, an oddments storage tray and the new joystick controller, which in addition to operating the lift arms and any attachment also has switches for selecting forward-reverse and the high-low transmission ranges – so the operator can keep one hand on the joystick and the other on the steering wheel at all times.

Numerous adjustable air outlets keep the cabin well ventilated and there are wipers front and rear to maintain the cab’s great all-round visibility.

When it comes to daily checks and routine servicing, the JCB 403 Agri’s one-piece hood hinges rearwards to give clear access to either side of the engine bay, where the air filter, battery, fluid reservoirs and electrics are housed. Together with the engine coolant radiator, these components are all protected by a cast counter weight styled to match the bigger machines in JCB’s comprehensive wheeled loader range, while also housing recessed light clusters and a recovery towing pin.