JCB rolls out first electric wheel loader

JCB’s new 403E wheeled loader is the company’s first fully electric wheel loader with a 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which JCB claims is the largest capacity in its class.

Coupled with high efficiency electric motors and optimised traction and hydraulic systems, the 403E is capable of completing a full day of standard work, or around four to five hours of work in a mixed duty cycle on a full charge.

The 403E has a built-in charger that allows connection to a range of on-site power sources. A 110V socket will fully charge the batteries in 12 hours, while a 230V industrial or domestic plug will charge the battery pack in just eight hours. JCB’s off-board rapid charger can also be used with the 403E, delivering a full charge from a three-phase supply in just two hours.

The machine is equipped with two independent electric motors, one for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. The drive motor offers 33.4kW of power and comes with three driving modes, which the operator can toggle between using two buttons on the top of the joystick.

Hare Mode has a maximum 20km/h drive speed for travelling around the site while Tortoise Mode is limited to 8km/h for improved speed modulation. This contributes to improved battery life with no compromise to lifting performance.

Snail Mode has a 5km/h maximum speed that can be adjusted in 0.5km/h increments through a new rotary controller and the multifunction display. This delivers precise speed control for precision driving and inching.

Drive is transmitted through an integrated drop-box to ZF axles, which can be supplied with open differentials or with differential locks for maximum traction. The loader is offered with a choice of narrow or wide wheels plus the option of agricultural or industrial tyres, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Carried over from the 403 diesel model, the loader arms are available in standard and high-lift configurations. The standard lift arms deliver a pin height of 2.9m, while the high-lift model achieves a 3.1m pin height.

Both loader arm set-ups come with a hydraulic quick hitch as standard and the loader arms provide a true parallel lift capability.

The 403E offers a tipping load of 972kg with pallet forks, within a transport weight of just 2671kg. A heavy-duty counterweight is available as an option, increasing the tipping load by 118kg and the transport weight by 121kg.

The machine has a single joystick with a proportional auxiliary controller on top. An optional second auxiliary roller can be provided, allowing the operator to access all loader functions from one lever for faster operation.

The machine has a 20kW high-efficiency hydraulic pump motor and the hydraulic system offers two operating modes, controlled by a rocker switch on the main console. Shovel/bucket mode provides dynamic response, while the fork mode delivers increased precision control.

A programmable constant-flow auxiliary feature is also standard, to power motorised attachments, with the operator setting the flow rate through the main display and rotary controller.

The 403E is offered with a fixed or folding canopy initially, with a fully glazed cab available as an option from Q3 in 2023. There is a new multifunction digital display, controlled by the rotary controller to the right of the loader joystick.

The operator can use the rotary controller to set auxiliary hydraulic flow rates, inching travel speeds and other settings within the display. The monitor also provides all critical machine operating data, including driving mode, state of battery charge and travel speed.

JCB says the 403E wheel loader emits zero engine emissions and is quiet and comfortable to operate, without any compromise on productivity compared to diesel-powered models.

There are currently no dates set yet for an Australian release.