JCB is preparing to meet a growth in demand in the compact excavator market with the launch of an exciting new range of compacts.
The first machines unveiled as part of the new line-up are the 8.5 metric ton 86C-1 conventional tailswing model and the 85Z-1 zero tailswing model – both designed to grab a bigger share of the market.
Among the key features of these all new models are:
- Improved efficiency
- 30º tilting cab for excellent service access
- 500 hour greasing intervals
- 6% more spacious cab
- 11% extra visibility
- 100% steel bodywork for excellent durability
JCB’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “The compact excavator market is expected to approach 200,000 units by 2018 and with this fantastic new range, JCB is ready to seize the opportunities presented by this growth.”
“We have undertaken the biggest benchmarking and customer evaluation exercise in JCB’s history to come up with a range that is truly world-leading on all fronts: performance, reliability, cost of ownership, safety, durability, comfort and serviceability.”
The 86C-1 and 85Z-1 launch a completely new look for JCB compact 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 costs.
High Performance
The 8.5 metric ton compact excavators are powered by all-new JCB Diesel by Kohler engines, delivering 64 hp (48kW). 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 color coded for rapid identification.
Safest by Far
With its new range of compact excavators, JCB is 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 quickhitch system, incorporating a flashing red LED warning light on the boom, indicating a quickhitch operation is in progress.
Robust Digging Equipment
The machines feature a sturdy swing bracket design with widely spaced bearings to prevent wear. In addition, JCB compact excavators use a new graphite-based pin and bush design delivering 500 hour 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 and a thumb-ready arm option.
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 program 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.
Comfortable Operator Environment
The sturdy JCB compact excavator cab, which is now built in-house, delivers 6% more space and 11% more visibility than previous machines. The conventional and zero tailswing models share the same cab structure, featuring flat glazing all around for ease of repair. A revised heating and ventilation system, with optional air conditioning, offers greatly improved airflow throughout the cab, improving operator comfort and rapidly clearing windsheilds in colder months.
The 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 tailswing model. The machine features ‘auto idle’ that can be set by the operator to activate after 2 (30) second intervals 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 color LCD display screen, with an additional monitor for a rear view camera. There is plenty of in-cab storage and the machines come with a 12V phone charger and cup holder.
Rapid Travel Capability
The compact 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. Travel speeds have been increased by 19% to 3.1mph, allowing faster repositioning on site and minimized 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 plates on the rear, allowing for easy cleaning of the machine. Blade edges are angled to prevent damage. A four-way angle adjustable dozer has been designed specifically for the North American market and 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 compact 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 500 hour greasing, ownership and operating costs will be impressively reduced.
The new JCB compact excavators have a cab structure that can be tilted by 30o to allow access to hoses and hydraulic components, for repair and maintenance. JCB has also improved the grouping of components to reduce maintenance times. In addition, the machines have removable side skirts and panels for maximum service access, along with improved access to the cooling pack.
Another unique feature for greater fuel economy is the engine rpm automatically drops below the idle speed when the operator’s arm console is lifted, which also reduces noise levels.