Wraps come off robust new 30 tonne excavator

JCB is launching the JS305 crawler excavator, a robust 30 tonne machine for extreme environments and high productivity applications in Africa, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS and countries in South East Asia. Building upon the successful DNA of the popular JS205, the sturdy new excavator is easy to operate and maintain, boasting a high performance JCB six-cylinder diesel engine and proven hydraulic components.

Among its key features are: 
· Mechanical injection JCB Dieselmax 672 engine
· Up to 13% more fuel efficient than competitors
· Simple working mode control 
· No requirement for a laptop during maintenance
· World-class hydraulic and track frame components
· Latest excavator cab with colour digital display screen

Productivity and performance

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The JS305 is powered by JCB’s award-winning Dieselmax 672 six-cylinder engine. This 7.2-litre motor uses a mechanical in-line fuel pump, with a fixed geometry turbocharger and fixed cooling fan, to provide 165kW (221hp). In tests against leading competitors in the 30-tonne class, the JS305 proved 13% more fuel efficient, while delivering a 7% improvement in tonnes moved.

To ensure maximum performance in harsh operating conditions, the JS305 is equipped with latest generation air filter with a scavenge pre-cleaner as standard. This two-stage filter uses state-of-the-art elements that are three times more efficient than a traditional pleated air element. The dust holding capacity of the filter is increased by 175% over a standard filter, eliminating the need for an after-market pre-cleaner.

Engine oil and filter changes are set at 500 hours, while hydraulic and outer air filter service intervals occur at 1,000 hours. The air filter’s internal element can be changed at 2,000 hours intervals, with hydraulic oil changes set at 5,000 hours, for minimal downtime and reduced operating costs for the customer.

The JS305 has been designed with maximum uptime in mind. One feature is a throttle actuator with an external override facility that can be set independently of the in-cab controls. This allows the customer to keep on working, to meet their deadlines. The JS305 is equipped with six working lights as standard, to support machine operation around the clock. These light units are all protected by guards, to reduce the risk of damage and maintain safer working conditions.

The machine is equipped with a twin variable displacement hydraulic pump, ensuring maximum productivity in all operating conditions. Operators can choose between an Eco operating mode, that delivers the optimum balance between productivity and machine efficiency, or a Power mode for high performance and bulk excavating duties. In addition the operator can access an Power+ mode, that optimises engine speed and hydraulic output for maximum productivity.

Improved operator environment

The JS305 uses the same spacious, robust cab structure as the popular JS205, incorporating a modern display monitor that is simple to navigate. This colour monitor can be set to display a range of operating data and there is also no requirement for engineers to use a laptop to diagnose faults in the field on the machine. 

The display shows engine speed, the selected power mode, machine hours and breaker hours, time to service, any critical alerts, low/high travel selection and auto idle function selection. The monitor also records historical events for later service access, while it can also be used to diagnose engine and hydraulic temperatures, fuel level and battery voltage. In addition, the JS305 comes as standard with JCB’s LiveLink telematic machine monitoring system.

Operators benefit from standard air conditioning with auto temperature control, a full selection of mirrors to boost site safety and a mechanically adjustable suspension seat to keep them alert and productive. 

Robust construction

The JS305 is equipped with a heavy-duty monoboom and a choice of 2.5m and 3.1m long dipper arms. Both dippers are supplied with a heavy-duty wear plate on the underside to provide protection from rocks. The machine’s upper structure sits on a standard long undercarriage with nine lower rollers and two upper rollers on each track frame. The idler area has been strengthened to withstand the toughest of applications and the undercarriage uses a fully welded X-frame construction. Track pads are available in 600, 700, 800 and 900mm widths, with both 12mm and 15mm grouser depths.

A wide range of heavy-duty buckets is available with bolt-on side cutters and shrouds between the bucket teeth. The JS305 can also be used with the latest Contractor range of JCB hydraulic breakers and with a host of JCB attachments.

The JS305 has undergone many thousands of hours of testing in the field with customers, with constant feedback leading to increased reliability, operating efficiency and ease of use. Following the success of the smaller JS205, the JS305 provides customers in a wide range of territories with a new choice in the popular 30-tonne market. The machine delivers maximum productivity with the lowest total cost of operation, boosting productivity and return on investment for the customer.