The innovation behind JCB’s DualTech VT transmission has been honoured by organiser of one of the world’s leading agricultural shows, picking up a silver medal at the Sima Innovation Awards.
The revolutionary transmission is an industry first that combines the benefits of hydrostatic and powershift. Its installation in JCB’s Agri Pro Loadall telescopic handlers is transforming the way materials are handled by agricultural customers.
Pictured holding the Sima award for innovation behind JCB’s DualTech VT transmission in AgriI Pro Loadalls is JCB France managing director Philippe Girard (left) and JCB chief innovation officer Tim Burnhope.
JCB France managing director Philippe Girard said JCB DualTech VT was a true innovation that incorporated a powershift transmission for fuel-efficient roading and towing and a hydrostatic transmission for precise control in the farmyard.
“It’s making the world’s leading telescopic handler even more productive and I’m delighted that this innovation has been recognised with a Silver Award from Sima,” he added.
The unique DualTech VT variable transmission has been developed by JCB’s own engineering team and is at the heart of a new range of premium-specification, high-performance telescopic handlers launched by JCB Agriculture: the JCB 531-70, 536-70 and 541-70 AGRI Pro Loadalls. The machines now have an advanced powertrain that brings together the proven power, torque and economy of the 4.8-litre JCB EcoMax engine and the exclusive new DualTech VT transmission.
JCB chief engineering and innovation officer Tim Burnhope said DualTech VT truly provided the best of both worlds, combining the low-speed controllability and easy driving characteristics of hydrostatics with the higher speed efficiency of direct drive powershift.
“The result is a machine range that is up to 25 per cent more productive than competitive models when handling,” he added. “Drawing on our expertise in both hydrostatic and powershift transmissions, DualTech VT is a massive achievement for our design and engineering team who have raised driveline technology to new heights.
“The new Agro Pro Loadalls offer unique features and driving characteristics making them perfect for farmyard, field and road.”
Key features of the new DualTech VT transmission include:
- fully hydrostatic drive providing fine stepless speed control up to 19km/hr from standstill;
- automatic switching to electronically-modulated three-speed powershift above 19km/hr for optimum power efficiency in higher speed field work, road travel and towing;
- Power and Economy modes to optimise performance, efficiency and running costs and minimise running costs;
- Flexi mode to provide independent engine speed and ground speed control; and
- selectable full-time four-wheel drive or Auto two-wheel drive at more than 19km/hr for optimum driveline efficiency and reduced tyre wear.
Thanks to these features, the new Loadall Agri Pro machines have exceptionally precise low-speed manoeuvring control and smooth, progressive response for loading and handling cycles, which the operator can adjust and fine tune to suit different applications and his personal preferences. At the same time, the direct drive powershift element of the transmission gives these new handlers the best climbing and high-speed towing ability. It all adds up to significant productivity gains across the board over existing competitive telescopic handlers.
The impact on productivity, especially for repeat loading cycles, is exceptional: up 13 per cent more than JCB’s current class-leading Agri Super handlers, and up to 25 per cent more than equivalent competitor machines.
“Combining the superior high-speed efficiency and towing ability of a JCB powershift transmission with the low-speed precision control advantages of a hydrostatic drive creates the ideal combination for operators who want maximum productivity and efficiency, and a premium driving experience,” Tim Burnhope added. “Agri Pro Loadalls deliver the best of both worlds in one machine.”
For more information visit: www.jcb.com.
