JCB launched new 8014, 8016 and 8020 CTS mini excavators at bauma 2013, building on the success of the 8018 CTS unveiled at Intermat in 2012. The three machines incorporate many of the benefits first seen on the 8018, including increased productivity and lift capacity, a revised dozer design and improved hydraulic controllability.
Among the more than 30 improvements on the models are:
- Stronger kingpost with top-mounted boom ram and steel bushes for increased durability
- Increased lift capacity with up to a 52% improvement in load holding capacity
- Slim box boom with up to 11% increased digging depth
- Best-in-class serviceability with tilting cab
- Solid cast counterweight for improved protection
Strong Excavator Design
The three mini excavators feature a slim line fabricated box boom that give a rugged, robust appearance to the front of the machine. The boom and dipper provide excellent visibility to the digging area and all hoses are routed through the inside of the fabrication, providing maximum protection from trench sides.
The boom cylinder is mounted on top of the boom, for increased protection and the kingpost, dipper nose and bucket link now feature steel bushes for increased durability. Double acting auxiliary hoses are standard on all models except the 8014 CTS, where they are available as an option.
Maximum digging depth has been increased on all three models, by 11% on the 8014 and 8016, and by 3% on the 8020 CTS. The redesigned kingpost has also resulted in a reduced swing radius, of 4% on the two smaller machines and 6% on the 8020.
The biggest benefit for customers however is in lift performance, with the load holding capacity increased by a massive 52%, thanks to a new hydraulic valve block. Lifting performance over the dozer is increased by 30% on the 8014 CTS and 8016 CTS and by 22% for the 8020 CTS, in direct response to customer feedback.
Operator Comfort And Control
The operator environment is among the largest on the market for 1.5 to 2 tonne mini excavators. Powered by a 14. 2kW (19.2 hp) engine, the machines have a triple section gear pump as standard on the 8104, 8016 and 8018, with a variable pump on the 8020 CTS. The variable hydraulic pump can also be specified as an option on the 8016 and 8018 CTS models.
All models feature the new valve block with longer spool travel for improved controllability. The valve also ensures straight line tracking whilst using the boom circuits, making it easier to reposition the machine. All four mini excavators have short pitch tracks as standard to improve operator comfort when travelling. The two smaller excavators have single speed tracking, while the 8018 and 8020 CTS get twin-speed tracking, manually controlled on the 8018 and with automatic kickdown for the 8020 CTS.
The track levers have been improved to make track control more precise, while the functionality of the foot pedals has been swapped to put the boom swing on the right pedal and the auxiliary control on the left. The two-speed tracking control is mounted on top of a revised dozer control lever, while the dozer profile has been redesigned to improve material roll and is the same length on all models. Swing-out extensions on the 8018 and 8020 are now hinged on the dozer blade with a single locking pin for ease of deployment and storage.
Ease Of Access
The mini excavators are equipped with a cast steel counterweight for maximum protection. Steel engine canopies provide a robust and durable rear end to the machine, with easy access to regular service and maintenance points. JCB mini excavators feature a tilting cab, with a 17% improvement in tilt angle, allowing improved access to major service items and to hydraulic hoses, cutting downtime and reducing ownership costs for customers.
JCB’s Chief Innovation Officer Tim Burnhope says, “As we saw with the successful introduction of the 8018 CTS last year, having close consultation with our customers and listening to their requirements, has led to more than 30 detailed improvements on our 1.5 to 2.0 tonne mini excavators. These many improvements will continue to reduce ownership costs for the customer, boost productivity and improve comfort and controllability for the operator on site.”
