JCB’s first ever dedicated waste materials handler - the JS20MH - has rolled off the production line and gone straight into service with one of the UK’s leading recycling and renewable energy companies. FCC Environment has bought the first of the brand new models to further increase operational efficiency at its Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) facility in Norwich. And already the company has ordered a 2nd JS20MH due for delivery in the next few weeks.
The JS20MH has a newly designed chassis featuring a centralised slew turret offering increased 360º stability over conventional wheeled excavators – making it ideal for companies like FCC Environment.
David Simpson, Head of Fleet and Plant for FCC Environment, said: “We chose this new JCB materials handler to pre-sort and load the feedstock waste at the input end of the RDF production process more effectively. The machine’s ability to selectively sort the feedstock material prior to loading, and also achieve the desired production rate, set it apart from the other material handlers on the market. The long reach and high rise cab make this machine ideally suited for this type of handling operation.”
Alistair Smith, Group Plant Manager, FCC Environment, added: “The JCB JS20MH is the best in class for ground level reach, loadover pin height, swing torque and a competitive lift performance.”
Rik Kiddle, JCB’s General Manager for Waste, Recycling, said: “The JS20MH is a dedicated waste materials handler designed entirely with the demands of the waste and recycling industry in mind. With over 35 Wastemaster models, JCB has one of the widest ranges of machines in the world for the waste and recycling industry. The addition of the JS20MH will help us build on the global success we are experiencing in providing solutions for customers in this sector.”
The FCC Environment RDF facility will complement the existing material recycling facility (MRF) on the Norwich site, enabling FCC Environment to offer customers a fully integrated waste treatment service, including recycling and energy recovery from their waste as an alternative to landfill disposal.
While Energy from Waste (EfW) capacity comes on line in the UK, RDF produced at Costessey will be transported to EfW facilities in Europe where there is currently surplus capacity. The purchase of JCB’s Wastemaster is an important step for FCC Environment as it continues to invest in market-leading technology and introduce the appropriate waste treatment infrastructure across the business to support its customers’ recycling and recovery needs.
The JS20MH is aimed at public and private waste management companies handling municipal solid waste (MSW) in civic amenity sites, transfer stations, materials recycling facilities (MRFs) and also specialist material recycling companies.
Joining JCB’s established JS200W Wastemaster - a conventional wheeled excavator adapted for the needs of scrap and waste handling industries - the JS20MH will capitalise on the company’s expertise in the production of high performance, reliable and durable wheeled excavators and will share the engine and hydraulics with the latest JS160W model.
However, as a result of the newly designed chassis, the JS20MH has true material handler characteristics, aided further by a slew gear box which delivers increased slew accuracy while loading. Purpose-built for the waste and recycling environment, the machine features a hydraulically raised cab for loading containers, giving improved vision and safety on site.
Powered by the 97kW (130hp) JCB Dieselmax engine and fitted with a 5.7 metre straight boom, the JS20MH will be tailor-made for excellent material handling performance. The dedicated 5.7m straight boom can be fitted with either a 4m ‘goose neck’ dipper for maximum reach, or a 3.6 m material handling dipper for maximum attachment functionality - each creating a smaller rig than the JS200W Wastemaster. The maximum achievable pin reach is approximately 9.5 metres.
An intelligent reversible fan gives optimum cooling performance, a Turbo II air pre cleaner provides additional engine filtration and a wide core radiator is also built in. Front and rear light guarding and an air-conditioned cab for enhanced operator comfort come as standard, while cab guarding and red and white chevrons on the machine’s rear end for machine protection and on-site safety are optional.