JCB debuts electric telehandler

JCB’s expansion into the electric machinery market is gathering pace with the recent launch of its 525-60E fully electric Loadall telescopic handler into the global market.

The 525-60E has been designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, but offers a zero-emissions load handling solution to construction, industrial and agricultural customers, JCB said.

The 525-60E joins the 19C-1E mini excavator, 30-19E Teletruk and HTD-5E dumpster in the company’s E-TECH fully electric machinery range, which has been gaining traction both in Australia as well as overseas.

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“As world market leader for telescopic handlers, the launch of the JCB 525-60E Loadall takes equipment electrification further into general construction, industrial and agricultural markets, offering a zero emissions load handling solution with no compromise in performance or productivity,” said JCB Chief Innovation Officer, Tim Burnhope.

“We are very excited about the prospects for this machine.”

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Key features of the new Loadall include:

The 525-60E uses two electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system. The 17kW traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to JCB drive/steer axles. The 22kW hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum 80l/min of flow.

Flow is proportional to joystick position and the lift end is controlled by an electro-hydraulic valve block, with hydraulic regeneration on boom lower and retract.

The electric motors are 85 per cent efficient, compared to the 45 per cent efficiency of a diesel engine, JCB said.

Through extensive analysis of customer duty cycles via JCB’s LiveLink telematics system and on-site studies, JCB has been able to optimise the machine’s battery to meet customer requirements.

The 525-60E is powered by a 96V lithium-ion battery, allowing it to carry out a full day of work with one single charge, JCB said.

The traction drive motor utilises regenerative braking, instead of a traditional braking system that tops up the battery in the process. The brake regen function automatically switches off when the battery is fully charged.

The hydraulic system also regenerates flow while lowering the boom, hence reducing the power requirement and allowing the operator to get more done.

The 525-60E has the same on-board charger as other JCB E-TECH products, capable of recharging the battery in eight hours using a standard 240V, 16A electrical supply.

An optional JCB Universal Charger can be used for a rapid top-up during breaks, in as little as 35 minutes.

JCB’s E-TECH principals of low noise, low maintenance and zero emissions apply to the 525-60E, making it perfect for use on urban worksites, narrow work spaces and indoor locations where conventional diesel machines might struggle to meet safety, noise and emission requirements.

JCB said the in-cab noise level in the 525-60E is only 66.7dB, while the external level is 92.2dB. A white noise reversing alarm is available as an option, to warn site workers of machine movement.

JCB has retained the same spacious cab that the 525-60E’s diesel counterpart offers. The full-size ROPS/FOPS cab is fully glazed with heated front, rear and side screens for rapid defrosting and demisting, a heated suspension seat, and well laid-out controls for utmost operator comfort.

The machine also features JCB’s patented Load Control System that prevents it from tipping forwards during heavy load handling.

The 525-60E has a 3.7m outside turn radius, a maximum lift capacity of 2500kg, and a 2000kg maximum load at the full 6m lift height.

Cycle times are also the same as the diesel model, with a boom raise time of 9.9 seconds and bucket dump/crowd time of 4.5 seconds.

CEA, the Australian distributor of JCB equipment is currently evaluating the model’s suitability for the local market. We will keep you updated with further details as they become available.