Improved comfort and control for mid-range JCB loaders

JCB upgrade their 411 and 417 wheel loaders with new levels of information, control and comfort

JCB have upgraded two of their mid-range wheel loaders with new control and information features, including the ability to perform routine service checks from the CommandPlus cab. The JCB 411 and 417 loaders, which are now powered by Tier 4 Final engines, adopt many of the features first seen on the company’s flagship 457 loader.

The 8.7-tonne 411 and 9.4-tonne 417 are designed and equipped primarily for hard-surface applications, operating in bulk stores and carrying out routine handling and loading tasks. The agile machines have a commanding driving position that makes it easy to position and manoeuvre them in the most restricted working environments.

The loaders are powered by a 4.4-litre JCB EcoMAX engine delivering 81kW (109hp) in the 411 and 93kW (125hp) in the 417. Both versions of the award-winning engine are fitted with an efficient selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Together with a ‘clean’ combustion process, this achieves EU Stage IV/US Tier 4 Final emissions requirements without a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF). 

A larger, wide-core cooling pack is installed and buyers can opt for the new hydraulically driven fan, which adjusts its speed according to ambient temperature to optimize cooling and fuel efficiency. This can be set to periodically reverse the airflow to clear debris.

Torque-proportioning differentials are standard in the machines’ heavy-duty JCB axles, with optional limited-slip differentials front and rear providing additional traction for loaders that are working predominantly off road. The ability to disconnect drive through the brake pedal releases engine revs for optimum hydraulic performance, while reducing brake wear and fuel consumption. The 411 and 417 are equipped with a four-speed Powershift transmission, capable of achieving up to 40km/h.

The spacious CommandPlus cab brings new levels of information, control and comfort to the JCB 411 and 417, with excellent visibility and improved sound suppression. Windows demist faster on chilly mornings thanks to a climate-control air-conditioning system that provides improved ventilation and airflow distribution. 

Two levels of cab specification are available. Standard equipment includes an adjustable steering column, air-suspension seat, windscreen roller blind, heated external mirrors and a 12V power socket. With the High Spec option, operators benefit from a deluxe seat, twin roller blinds, and removable rubber mats in the storage compartments either side of the instrument display.

They also get a second information screen with integrated remote camera display and CommandPlus Control, which allows in-cab adjustment of auxiliary oil flow, the optional boom suspension system and timing intervals for the reversing fan, if fitted. There is also a ‘help’ feature that details the function of control switches, which is particularly useful for occasional and seasonal operators.

Operators can perform daily routine service checks from within the cab, such as engine oil and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels, which not only saves time but also encourages operators to regularly make these important checks.

A choice of new joystick and multi-lever controls for the hydraulic system caters for varying operator preferences. Both designs are seat-mounted as standard and they include a thumb-operated forward/reverse shuttle switch and provide proportional control of all loader functions.

New LED lighting options, which have a significantly longer service life, can be selected instead of either standard or halogen lights to provide operators with even better visibility around the machine when working in the dark.

The 411 has a gear pump hydraulic system producing 123 litres/min at full output, while the 417 has a load-sensing flow-on-demand installation with up to 156 litre/min available. Apart from supplying oil to the articulated steering cylinders and four-wheel power braking system, the pumps power the loader arms and a standard or quick-hitch implement carriage that can work with a wide range of equipment from JCB Attachments.

The JCB 411 has JCB High Torque lift arms as standard, providing 3.36m of load-over clearance with the quick-hitch fitted and a full-turn tipping load of just over 5,000kg with a general-purpose 1.2–1.6 cubic metre bucket fitted.

Three loader arm choices are available for the JCB 417, giving up to 4.2m clearance for loading an intake hopper at a concrete batching plant or loading high-sided lorries. Full-turn tipping load capacity is around 3,900kg in that configuration, with up to 5,800kg capacity available with a quick-hitch on the standard arms, which will clear 3.3m.