Stage V engine for JCB 457 wheel loader
Up to 10% fuel saving and reduction in particulates as previous MTU engine is replaced with Cummins power
JCB have updated their 457 wheel loader to meet the upcoming EU Stage V emissions legislation, moving from the previous Tier IV final MTU power unit to a Cummins engine, as currently used in both the JCB 427 and 437 models.
In European markets, the 457 will now be powered by a QSB6.7 diesel engine equipped with a single-module after-treatment system containing a diesel oxidation catalyst, selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC).
The move brings an increase in overall engine power from 192kW (258hp) to 210kW (282hp), although the 457 will be equipped with two power modes that can be activated from the cab, allowing the operator to reduce the engine’s output to 167kW (224hp) for lighter operating duties. Moreover, the machine will now be supplied as standard with a five-speed Powershift transmission, in place of the previous four-speed unit.
JCB say this combination will deliver a better range of speeds to suit a wide range of applications and operators will also benefit from reduced fuel consumption of up to 10%, as the loader will be able to operate both in low-power mode and with optimized efficiency through the use of better-spaced transmission ratios.
In addition, the 457 will feature an auto engine shut-down feature, that can be adjusted by the operator, resulting in further fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and prolonged service maintenance intervals.
The 457 machine will continue to use JCB’s Command Plus cab, but will benefit from improved KAB seating, in both the Deluxe and Super Deluxe specifications. JCB have also taken the opportunity to focus on external build quality, with improvements to the engine canopy fit, mudguards, rear grille latching and cooling pack sealing. Also, the steering now benefits from end-damping, to improve ride comfort, and the wide-core cooling pack that was previously an option on the 457 becomes standard equipment on the revised loader.
New options for the loader include a roof-mounted, forward-facing camera, for use with larger buckets. This comes with a secondary colour screen in the cab, alongside the standard rear-view monitor. Also, longer high-lift loading arms are available for use with lighter materials.
Though staying with Cummins as engine supplier, JCB have also taken the opportunity of EU Stage V compliance to boost the power output of their 437 model, which now delivers 145kW (195hp), up from 136kW (183hp), and will also benefit from a low-power mode, whilst the 427’s engine delivers 123kW (165hp).
Like their larger stablemate, these two smaller loaders will also be supplied with a five-speed Powershift transmission and an automatic engine shut-down facility, as standard, to improve fuel efficiency and further cut emissions. Both will also be offered with the forward-facing camera option and will benefit from the build quality fit and finish improvements seen on the larger 457 loader.
