JCB backhoes get engine upgrade

JCB has made its best-selling backhoe loader range even better by installing Stage IIIB/Tier 4i and Tier 4 Final emission standards compliant engines in the machines.

The new EcoMax engines have been tested for 110,000 hours in 70 different machines for its fuel consumption levels and greenhouse gas emissions.

"JCB Construction Equipment Australia (CEA) has tested the latest units in some of the toughest applications and harshest environments," says JCB CEA National Product Manager for Backhoes, Glenn McLeod.

"Each JCB engine has cutting edge combustion technology that delivers improved efficiencies and excellent fuel savings."

The engines do not require a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), allowing the backhoe loaders to retain their low bonnet line for visibility to the wheels and attachments.

Both the JCB EcoMax Stage IIIB/Tier 4i and Tier 4 Final engines boast new Auto Idle, Auto Throttle and Auto Drive (Automate) features as standard. These features allow operators to pre-set idle modes when switching between excavator and front loader operations to cut fuel consumption, engine noise and emissions.

"The new standard control panel featured on all Stage IIIB/Tier 4i backhoes allows operators to access a comprehensive menu and view fuel economy data too, and service intervals can still be carried out entirely from ground level without the need to remove side panels or climb access filters," McLeod says.

"All engine checks are carried out and reported automatically by the engine management system, meaning an end to daily under bonnet checks and faster diagnostics to a first time dealer fix."

Both models include JCB's remote monitoring system, LiveLink, with seven report screens available for operators to view machine utilisation, productivity, travel time, fuel usage, work modes, engine start, run time and carbon emissions.

"The engines are suitable across a range of applications, but particularly for local government and larger civil contractors due to the real time data that is available through JCB’s LiveLink," McLeod says.