JCB previews new 480 and 490 wheeled loaders at Hillhead 2026

JCB is previewing its largest, most productive, wheeled loaders to date, at the Hillhead quarry show near Buxton. The 480 and the 490, both engineered to meet EU Stage V and Tier 4 Final emissions standards, will deliver payloads of 8,000kg and 9,000kg respectively.

By offering two payload variants, each with standard or long arms, JCB can tailor the machine to meet the exact requirements of a diverse range of customers and job sites across the market.

The 480 and 490 redefine JCB’s large wheeled loader models, offering power with economy, strength with control. Built for heavy-duty applications in quarrying, waste handling, ports and construction applications, they feature reduced fuel burn with increased productivity.

Key features include:

• 250kW Stage V diesel engine delivering 1.695Nm of torque
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard delivering fuel efficient performance
• Fully programmable electro-hydraulic controls for precise operation
• JCB UX user experience with 10” touchscreen
• Patented loader end available in standard and high-lift loader arm options

The JCB 480 and 490 deliver a new level of performance and productivity, thanks to a patented loader arm design that blends the high breakout performance of a traditional Z-bar linkage, with the precision and visibility of a tool carrier arm design.

Compact bucket link packaging, without the forward protruding Z-link, allows for the use of oversized low-density buckets. Wide angle, high-torque bucket rotation is maintained across the complete working height, providing excellent levels of material discharge when tipping off steep loading ramps.

Standard and high-lift loader arms are offered, with a pin height ranging from 4,445mm to 5,000mm at maximum lift. This makes it possible to load into high-sided trailers, hoppers and crushers with ease. The loader arms also feature sealed and lubricated pins and bushes, in heavy-duty castings, to ensure longevity on site.

The machines are powered by a Stage V/Tier 4 Final compliant Cummins X12 diesel engine, delivering 250kW (335hp). This is backed by up to 1,695Nm of torque, at just 1,400rpm, providing plenty of low-end tor que to assist with bucket loading. The power is delivered through a standard ZF Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), that offers adjustable rimpull for optimal traction in all ground conditions.

The operator will benefit from the new, intuitive ‘single pedal control’ transmission, which controls machine travel speed and torque. Meanwhile, the intelligent hydraulic boost function meets the constantly changing hydraulic demand from the loader’s front end by automatically adjusting engine output. This connected system ensures that the engine remains in its most productive and efficient operating zone, leaving the operator free to concentrate on the task at hand.

The transmission has four virtual gear modes and features hill-hold and automatic park brake settings for smoother start/stop operation. There is an integrated transmission brake, with automatic engine exhaust braking, to reduce axle brake wear.

In the cab, operators benefit from JCB’s Command Driving Position which comes with fully-programmable electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, mounted in the air suspension seat frame. The seat comes with heating and cooling functionality, along with electrically adjustable lumbar support and adjustable dampers, for all-day comfort. The EH controls allow for precise operation with minimal effort for the operator and the machines have adjustable smart detents to improve operator efficiency.

The cab features JCB’s UX user interface, with a 10” full colour touchscreen. This provides control of all machine functions, including optional systems such as auto-greasing, object detection and on-board weighing systems. The cab roof has flush-mounted beacons on each corner, to provide clear warnings to other machines and operators from all sides. The 480 and 490 also benefit from an object detection system, with auto-braking, to prevent accidental impact on site.