JCB Announces Updated to JS Excavator Line

JCB has announced its latest phase of new developments in its global range of JS excavators – including the first ever machine to be fitted with JCB’s new six-cylinder engine.

As a leading global equipment supplier JCB designs, engineers and manufacturers equipment to meet the individual requirements of customers around the world and over the past 18 months has been introducing a host of new and upgraded JS excavators, with a range of engine solutions to satisfy emissions standards worldwide.

New developments unveiled for the first time include:

• The launch of JS160, JS180, JS190, JS200, JS210, JS220 and JS235HD and JS145W models with Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim engines
• The launch of a Tier 2 JS360 with JCB’s own six-cylinder engine offering 30% fuel savings
• Straight boom and long reach arms for demolition models
• Improved cab environment with new LCD monitor
• Increased JCB LiveLink functionality

Additional Stage IIIB Line-Up

JCB has broadened the range of excavators equipped with the latest EU Stage IIIB/US EPA Tier 4 Interim engines, with the addition of the JS160LC, the JS220LC and the wheeled JS145, all powered by the JCB Ecomax diesel engine. The company is also unveiling the Stage IIIB JS240NLC and the JS360LC, both powered by Isuzu engines.

The JCB Ecomax engine achieves the latest emissions standards through the use of innovative engine design, high pressure common-rail fuel injection and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The engine has no requirement for an expensive diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) or any other kind of exhaust aftertreatment.

Both the 4.4-liter and 4.8-liter JCB Ecomax engines achieve up to a 10% fuel efficiency improvement compared to the previous models, combined with increased response to operator demand for smoother machine operation. The engines meet the Stage IIIB emissions standard without the need for any exhaust gas aftertreatment and as with all JCB Ecomax engines, the clean burn technology results in there being no requirement for a costly, and bulky DPF, reducing operating costs and maintaining excellent visibility over the rear of the excavator.

All of the JS models benefit from a revised cab interior with significantly lower noise levels. The cab incorporates a new 7 in. full colour multi-function LCD display that is easy to read in all light conditions. The monitor provides the operator with customisable home screens, allowing them to display the information that they require to operate most effectively. Selection of the machine’s working modes has been simplified with a colour-coded bar on the display clearly showing which mode has been selected. A Power Boost function is available in all work modes, increasing performance when required.

JCB’s LiveLink telematic solution is enhanced with the introduction of these models. Through the fully electronic engine control, JCB LiveLink provides fleet owners and managers with remote fuel consumption data for each machine, allowing managers to see mode choice and engine power use from the office.

Machine security is enhanced through the option of ECU matching, allowing companies to match the LiveLink control unit with that of the machine. If the LiveLink telematic unit is tampered with, it prevents the machine being started through communication with the engine control. Managers can also change access PIN codes for the machines remotely through LiveLink, ensuring that equipment is only used by authorized personnel on site. 

First Appearance For Six Cylinder Dieselmax

For less regulated countries the 33 tonne JS330LC and the 36 tonne JS360LC can now be ordered with the JCB 672 six-cylinder diesel engine. Initially only available at Stage II/Tier 2 emissions levels, the 7.2-liter engine offers up to a 30% fuel saving compared to previous models, with no loss of productivity. The machine also benefits from the cabin upgrades seen on Stage IIIB models, with the large full colour monitor. In addition the machine features JCB’s innovative 2GO system, which requires the operator to press a switch on the main console as well as lowering the hydraulic cut-off lever, before the machine’s hydraulics become active, improving safety on site.

Demolition And Recycling Equipment

JCB is increasing the number of specialist booms and work equipment offerings available to demolition and recycling industry customers. This includes a straight boom for the JS260XD to provide increased horizontal and vertical reach compared to a standard monoboom. The straight boom offers an additional 350mm pin-to-pin distance, equating to more than 2 m of additional vertical reach.

The JS360LC XD features added protection for the machine and the operator, including an XD cage for the cab, heavy-duty undercarriage and side impact protection. With a modular three-piece demolition rig the machine offers 21 m of reach from the ground to the bucket pin. In addition the modular boom construction allows the customer to rapidly change from high-reach equipment to a standard digging boom for site clearance work, adding to the versatility of the 36 tonne machine. 

The JS360LC XD can also be specified with a hydraulic tilting cab to provide the operator with improved visibility of the working area, plus a heavier counterweight to offset the improved work equipment. An overload warning system is incorporated to indicate when the machine reaches its operating limits and as with all JCB demolition excavators the machine can be supplied with multiple LED lights to allow work in all conditions. 

JCB’s specialist JS20MH materials handler can now be ordered with a scrap magnet installation from the factory. The machine offers customers a choice of hanger solutions, from chains to grabs and dedicated oil flow to the generator from a PTO-driven gear pump ensures that the magnet remains fully energised even when multi-functioning.

JCB is also set to offer long reach booms for the JS145, JS180, JS220, JS260, JS330, JS360 and the JS460. This broad range provides customers with maximum reach at ground level of 13 to 24 m, providing the ideal solution to a number of applications, including waterway maintenance, dredging and other deep digging tasks.

In addition, the JS145W wheeled excavator will be the first JS model to be available with a factory-supplied tilt/rotate attachment. Powered by a dedicated hydraulic supply and using a proportional control in the servo lever head, the tilt/rotate attachment uses market-leading technology to increase the JS excavator’s versatility.

Using a tilt/rotate bucket mounting the operator can carry out a broader range of attachment movements without having to reposition the machine. Customers can also opt for lever steering on the JS145W, which allows the operator to move the excavator at low speeds using proportional controls in the levers to steer the wheels. This reduces relocation and positioning time and boosts productivity for the customer.

The machine also benefits from the adoption of lever steering, allowing the operator to move the excavator at low speeds through the servo levers, rather than having to engage the steering wheel, reducing repositioning downtime and further boosting productivity.