JCB unveiled an array of new developments to its Loadall telescopic handler range at Agritechnica 2015 that included an innovative Stage IV engine installation and new features for the machine’s Smart Hydraulics package. Together, they set new standards of fuel economy and productivity for loading and handling work.
The first JCB telehandlers for European markets with the new JCB EcoMAX Stage IV specification are the Loadall 531-70 and 536-60; the 536-70 in standard and LP (low profile) forms; the 541-70 and high-lift 535-95; and the high-productivity 550-80 and 560-80 bulk handling telescopics.
The new JCB EcoMAX Stage IV engine uses a compact, highly efficient selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for NOx reduction to meet stringent Euro emissions legislation and builds on the success of the highly efficient EcoMAX Stage IIIB power unit used in thousands of JCB machines.
JCB Agriculture’s managing director, Richard Fox-Marrs, said the Stage IV solution on JCB Loadalls was a terrific innovation that retained the range’s renowned visibility, manoeuvrability and productivity without compromise. In addition further hydraulic developments have also further increased productivity and comfort.
“Already, customers across North America are seeing the benefits of these machines that were introduced there earlier this year,” he added. “In addition, we’ve had a significant number of these handlers on endurance and evaluation with customers across Europe who, apart from periodically topping up the AdBlue reservoir when filling up with diesel, are otherwise unaware of the engine change.”
The EcoMAX Stage IV engine has the same power and torque characteristics as its Stage IIIB predecessors with outputs of 109hp, 125hp and 145hp and torque levels that ensure lively performance. Efficient combustion and an effective SCR system mean there is no need for a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or diesel particulate filter (DPF) with its regeneration and servicing requirements.
The SCR system is incorporated into an exhaust silencer now housed beneath the bonnet, replacing the externally mounted exhaust silencer of previous Loadall handlers. Unlike solutions that have caused manufacturers to increase the wheelbase of their machines or enlarge the engine cover, the JCB EcoMAX Stage IV solution is simpler and ensures that JCB Loadalls retain their excellent all-round visibility and ease of serviceability.
Smart Technology
All Loadall Stge IV telescopic handlers feature JCB’s Smart Hydraulics package, which is delivering significant gains in productivity and fuel economy, according to real life customer data collected by JCB LiveLink telematics from more than 4, 200 Loadalls.
The data shows that during 2.5 million machine hours, Loadall handlers from the 2,600kg, 5.6m 526-56 to the high-capacity 66,000kg, 7.9m 560-80 consumed an average of just 5.97 litres/hr in a wide range of agricultural applications.
The benefits of JCB’s unique regenerative hydraulics system, which allows faster boom operation at lower engine speeds, are most evident in loading cycles when the boom lowers quickly ready to take on another bucketful of grain or forkful of manure.
Side-by-side comparisons using machines with and without the system show this can improve cycle times by as much as 20 per cent or reduce by 15 per cent the amount of fuel burned to move the same amount of material.
“These remarkable improvements will help farmers achieve the productivity gains and cost reductions that will help them cope with current financial pressures on agricultural businesses,” Mr Fox-Marrs said. “The Smart Hydraulics package is a typical example of our product improvement philosophy designed to deliver optimum efficiency for every faming application.”
A new high-flow auxiliary hydraulics option gives up to 105 lit/min flow at 190 Bar pressure – ideal for bale spreaders, sweeper brushes and similar implements with a high demand for oil and hydraulic power.
This feature joins other key improvements introduced with Smart Hydraulics, including the end of stroke damping on boom lift and retraction cylinders, and a new ‘auto’ mode for the boom’s Smooth Ride Suspension (SRS).
With ‘auto’ selected, SRS disengages when the handler is at low speed – for precise placement of a pallet or potato box, for example – and automatically re-engages when the machine exceeds 4km/hr. This avoids having to lower the boom with the machine stationary to engage the system and the operator can switch between the ‘off’, ‘on’ and new ‘auto’ modes on the move.
Also making the operator’s life easier are the Bucket Control System and auxiliary hydraulics pressure relief.
The Bucket Control System eliminates the need for an operator to make repeated joystick movements to shift sticky materials from a grab or bucket, to empty grain from a bucket with precision or to progressively shake grass or maize from a fork on to a silage clamp.
When engaged, the new function emulates the operator’s manual shaking action, with sideways deflection of the joystick determining the intensity of movement at the attachment.
When it is safe to change implements while the Loadall’s engine is running, the new auxiliary hydraulics venting system operated by a switch in the cab releases pressure at the couplings for quicker and easier attachment change-over.
For more information visit: www.jcb.com.
