JCB launches all-new agri telehandlers

JCB has announced the launch of its Series III telescopic handlers featuring improvements in lift performance, safety and driver comfort.

The new range comprises three new models – the 532-70, the 542-70 and 560-80 that all offer up to 200kg increased load capacity over their predecessors, JCB said.

There are several variants available – namely AGRI (including AGRI TorqueLock 4), AGRI Super and AGRI Pro, providing operators a choice of features and equipment levels. Customers can also choose from a range of options including LED lighting packages, towing hitches and front-end implements from JCB AGRI’s range of attachments.

Power units on the new models are the same – the 4.4-litre and 4.8-litre JCB EcoMAX engines provide 109hp, 125hp and 145hp. But there is a new 40km/h TorqueLock 4 powershift transmission with four-speed torque converter lock-up for the 109hp engine to provide more performance and better fuel economy when travelling and towing than the regular 30km/h four-speed transmission.

The six-speed JCB Torque Lock auto powershift and unique JCB DualTech VT hydrostatic/powershift transmissions, which are both capable of 40km/h, remain unchanged.

The biggest difference on the new generation of telescopic handlers is the Command Plus cab which, beyond initial production, will be manufactured in a brand-new $A22.5million JCB Cab Systems factory being constructed near other JCB manufacturing and assembly plants in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.

For one, the cab size has been increased by 12 per cent to provide more space and comfort for operators.

JCB also claimed it has been able to cut in-cab noise levels by a whopping 50 per cent to an impressive 69dBA thanks to a fully-clad interior which also serve to raise the quality and feel of the cab.

The company also introduced uniformity in its controls across its range of machines meaning the same control layout, same adjustable Dynamic Tilt Away steering column and same ventilation layout can be found in the Series III telehandlers as well as JCB’s Fastrac tractors and wheeled loaders.

This makes it easy for operators who are already familiar with JCB machines to quickly grasp the operation of the new-generation telehandlers. They use JCB’s familiar electro-hydraulic joystick to operate the boom and attachment, transmission forward/reverse and auxiliary hydraulic supply to the boom end. The previous array of rocker switches has given way to clusters of durable rubber membrane switches.

JCB has also increased visibility on the Series III range machines by introducing a unique one-piece multi radius curved glazing that combines the windscreen and roof window. This provides a continuous field of vision from the low-set bottom edge of the glass to the top edge above the operator’s head.

There are now four wipers and washer nozzles that help keep 92 per cent of the glass clear of rain, dust and dirt, with a fifth wash/wipe cleaning the rear window.

A new ventilation system provides a 10 per cent increase in airflow volume performance, JCB said.

There are also now increased storage within the cab such as a new lift-out bin located behind the seat for documents, light hand tools and the operator’s lunch bag. There are bottle and drinks cup holders – the latter with a drain to the outside to deal with slops and spills. Shallow trays are placed at the rear adjacent to 12V USB ports for charging devices and connecting to the multimedia system.

A dedicated mobile phone holder above the new 7-inch tablet-like instrument display positions the device where it can be used for satellite navigation guidance, and for hands-free calls using the Bluetooth connection, a microphone integrated in the right hand cab pillar cladding and two speakers behind the operator.

The bonnet enclosing the mid-mounted JCB EcoMAX engine and its compact exhaust after-treatment system is now all yellow to align with the rest of the JCB agricultural equipment range and carries a waistline stripe displaying the model identity.

Permanent ‘JCB’ branding appears for the first time, pressed into the side of the lower engine cover and on to the service access panel at the back of the machine.

For more information, visit jcbcea.com.au.