UK launch of JCB midi excavators
JCB’s new range of midi excavators will be launched to the UK market at the Executive Hire Show as the company prepares to meet a massive growth in demand for the compact machines. The first models unveiled as part of the new line-up are the 8.5-tonne 86C-1 conventional tail-swing model and the 85Z-1 zero-tail-swing model – both have been designed to grab a larger share of a market that is expected to grow by at least 16% over the next four years.
At the Executive Hire Show (11-12 February 2015) JCB will display the 86C-1 model on their stand. One of the major advantages of the new models is the JCB Diesel by Kohler engine, which requires no DPF, reducing cost of ownership for customers and offering ease of maintenance.
JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope said: ‘The compact excavator market is expected to increase to over 200,000 units by 2017 and with this new range, JCB are ready to seize the opportunities presented by such massive growth. We have undertaken the biggest benchmarking and customer evaluation exercise in JCB’s history to come up with a range that we believe is truly world-beating on all fronts: performance, reliability, cost of ownership, safety, durability, comfort and serviceability.’
Among the key features of all the new models are:
- Improved efficiency
- 30 degree tilting cab for excellent service access
- 500h greasing intervals
- 6% more spacious cab
- 11% extra visibility
- 100% steel bodywork for excellent durability.
The 86C-1 and 85Z-1 launch a completely new look for JCB midi excavators, with a revised H-design undercarriage, robust steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and powerful Tier 4 Final engines that deliver increased efficiency and lower operating cost.
High performance
The 8.5-tonne midi excavators are powered by all-new Stage IIIB JCB by Kohler diesel engines, delivering 64hp (48kW). And with no need for costly replacement diesel particulate filters, JCB say the engines are easy to maintain and offer reduced cost of ownership compared to competitive models, with increased fuel efficiency as no regeneration is needed. They drive industry-leading Bosch Rexroth hydraulic valves and Nachi slew motors and track drives and incorporate an additional patented reduced loss hydraulic system. Operating with reduced back pressure, eliminating parasitic losses, the hydraulic system puts less demand on the engine, reducing fuel consumption. All hoses feature O-ring face seal technology and are colour coded for rapid identification.
Safety
With their new range of midi excavators, JCB say they are leading the way on safety. The machines feature JCB’s 2Go hydraulic safety system, seen on the company’s larger JS excavators. In addition to the standard hydraulic cut-off that is activated by lifting the left-hand lever pod, the operator is required to activate the hydraulic system through a button on the right-hand console. This reduces the chance of operators working the hydraulic levers from outside the cab, improving safety on site.
The machines are available with a twin locking, factory-fitted quick-hitch system, incorporating flashing red LED warning light on the boom, indicating quick-hitch operation in progress.
Robust digging
The machines feature a sturdy kingpost design with widely spaced bearings to prevent wear. In addition, JCB midi excavators use a new graphite-based pin and bush design delivering 500h greasing intervals, for reduced daily maintenance and lower operating costs. The machines will also be available from the factory with a roto/tilt function installed ready for use with a number of rotating and tilting bucket mount systems. The digging equipment has individual hydraulic piping for easy maintenance and hose replacement. Twin auxiliary circuits will be available and operators will be able to programme individual hydraulic flow settings for attachments through the in-cab monitor, making it easier and faster to change between powered attachments such as breakers and grabs.
Operator environment
The sturdy JCB midi excavator cab, which is now built in-house, delivers 6% more space and 11% more visibility than on previous machines. The conventional, and zero-tail-swing models share the same cab structure, featuring flat glazing all round for ease of repair. A revised heating and ventilation system, with optional air conditioning, offers improved airflow throughout the cab, improving operator comfort and rapidly clearing windscreens in colder months.
The ROPS/FOPS cab is available with optional FOGS guards at level 1 and level 2, while the large cab door sits within the counterweight slew area, even on the zero-tail-swing model. The machine features ‘auto idle’ that can be set by the operator to activate after 2-30 seconds without using the levers. There are also two digging modes, including an ECO mode for maximum efficiency, or a Heavy mode for increased productivity, tailoring the machine’s performance to the application.
The cab incorporates an ergonomic switch layout and a new full-colour LCD display screen, with an additional monitor for a rear-view camera. There is plenty of in-cab stowage and the machines come with a 12V phone charger and a cup holder.
Rapid travel
The midi excavators sit on an all-new H-pattern track frame, with an open design and sloping side frames for easy cleaning. The tracks, with longer frames, deliver improved strength and stability and both machines can be ordered with steel, rubber or road liner (GeoGrip) tracks. Tracking speeds have been increased from a maximum of 4.2km/h to 5km/h, allowing faster repositioning on site and cutting downtime.
The machines also benefit from a completely redesigned dozer blade and arms. The blade profile has been optimized for smooth material flow and there is no requirement for strengthening gusset on the rear, allowing easy cleaning of the machine. Blade edges are angled to prevent damage and a four-way tilt adjustable dozer will be available as an option, all controlled with an electro-hydraulic dozer control lever in the cab.
Reduced ownership costs
The JCB 86C-1 and 85Z-1 feature 100% pressed steel body panels, delivering sturdy component protection and easy repair. The midi excavators benefit from improvements in their SAE service and maintenance rating, thanks in part to the tilting cab and repositioned components. With lower fuel consumption and 500h greasing, JCB say that ownership and operating costs will be reduced.
The new JCB compact excavators have a cab structure that can be tilted by 30 degrees to allow access to hoses and hydraulic components, for repair and maintenance. JCB have also improved the grouping of components to reduce maintenance times. In addition, the machines have removable side skirts and in-fill panels for maximum service access, along with improved access to the cooling pack.
Another feature for greater fuel economy is that the engine rev/min automatically drops below the idle speed when the operator’s arm console is lifted, also reducing noise levels.
