LATEST JCB SKID-STEER AND TRACK LOADERS OFFER HUGE FUEL SAVINGS

The unique Powerboom and side-door access layout of JCB’s skid-steer and compact tracked loaders makes them among the easiest – and safest – machines of their type for daily duties on farms and other rural enterprises.

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But the latest ‘large platform’ models are not only even easier to operate thanks to new controls and an implement quick-hitch option, they are also more economical.

An improvement of up to 9% in fuel economy is credited to JCB’s new high-performance Ecomax T4 engine, which now powers five wheeled skid-steer models with lift capacities from just over 1 tonne to almost 1.5 tonne; and four tracked loaders rated from just over 1 tonne to 1.45 tonne lift.

In addition, a new air filter design with a high-efficiency active scavenging system, allows JCB to extend air filter service life to 500 hours when the machine is operated in typical farm conditions.

JCB Agriculture Managing Director Richard Fox-Marrs said: “Fuel, servicing and other running costs are more important than ever in the overall ownership cost of agricultural machinery, so anything that keeps them down is welcome. The previous JCB Dieselmax engine was up to 16% more fuel efficient than some competitor machines, so now we are moving further ahead.

“At the same time, the engine is compliant with Euro Stage 4 / US Tier 4 Final emissions, yet has no diesel particulate filter (DPF) or any other exhaust after-treatment that needs to be serviced in some way,” he adds. “The lack of extra hardware has also enabled our designers to maintain the high rearward visibility for which the JCB skid-steer and track loaders have become renowned.”

In addition, the larger models are now being fitted with piston pump hydraulics for on-demand variable flow and pressure compensation that reduces demands on the engine and general wear and tear.

It also delivers the optimum hydraulic performance to simultaneously use the boom and attachment dump and crowd services.

To drivers, ease of operation is important – and the latest models deliver in this respect, too, with new electro-hydraulic controls, an electric quick-hitch for in-cab implement change-over and a reversible cooling fan that clears dust and debris at the push of a button.

The electro-hydraulic control lever system is already proven on JCB’s small platform skid-steer and compact track loaders covering 600kg to 930kg lift capacities. It gives the operator a choice of three levels of response to control movements – from slow modulation for fine trimming work, a medium setting, which could be used for pallet handling or to minimise spillage of loose materials from a bucket, and a fast-response setting for loading and similar repeated quick cycle work.

The optional electric quick-hitch makes it quicker and easier to switch between a bale spike, feed bucket, muck fork and the other implements in the extensive JCB Agmaster range. Also, the chances of hydraulic oil leakage during attachment change-over are reduced.

“The single PowerBoom loading arm design of our machines gives the operator safe access through a full size side door, rather than having to climb over dangerous attachments to get in and out,” points out Richard Fox-Marrs, JCB Agriculture Managing Director. “Even so, apart from being more convenient, implement quick-hitch contributes to safety because the operator remains in the cab – which is no hardship when it’s a third larger than on competitor machines.”

He also points out that according to official comparison standards, the tilting design of the JCB cab results in significantly better service access than on other skid-steer and compact track loaders.