In the past, SSA used John Deere wheel loaders with conventional diesel engines that required periodic DPF regeneration—a process that can take a machine offline for up to 15 minutes—causing unacceptable interruptions to SSA’s fast-paced work environment.
In 2014, SSA turned to Darr Equipment, a JCB dealer in Southlake, Texas, to purchase five JCB 456 EZX wheel loaders. Because JCB wheel loaders feature a sealed-for-life Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and no replaceable DPF, there is no required regeneration to impact productivity. SSA’s staff was also quickly impressed by the spacious cabs of their JCB wheel loaders, as well as the improved fuel efficiency and one-piece hoods for easier service and maintenance. Today, SSA’s five original JCB 456 EZX wheel loaders are still going strong, each logging more than 10,000 hours with no major repairs.
Recently, SSA expanded its fleet with three new JCB 457 ZX wheel loaders with standard z-bar linkages and pin-on pipe clamps. After 200 hours of use, the new machines are using even less fuel and diesel engine fluid (DEF) than their predecessors. Being built on the same basic wheel loader platform as the 456 EZX, the 457 ZX models are simple for SSA employees to operate and service.
As demand grows for SSA’s oil and gas pipes, JCB wheel loaders are up to the challenge. To learn more about JCB wheel loaders, visit: www.jcb.com/loaderNA.