JCB unveils Stage V engines and equipment

In a live online event, JCB has launched a new range of Stage V-compliant diesel-powered compact construction equipment.

The new models will be variously powered by JCB’s own new DieselMax engines, and by engines produced for JCB by Kohler or manufactured by Perkins.

Unveiling the company’s new engines, telehandlers, excavators and generators, as well as upgraded teletruck and backhoe loader models, the company’s chief innovation & growth officer Tim Burnhope said, “Internal combustion engines will play a leading role in powering construction equipment for the foreseeable future.

“We will, though, need alternatives sooner rather than later, but until then, engines will need to offer a route to zero greenhouse gas emissions. We have set out to ensure that diesel can be part of the environmental solution, not part of the problem.

Burnhope added that “For the remainder of this decade, at least, clean diesel solutions will remain critical in building cities, infrastructure and transport networks.”

JCB’s new 3.5 tonne 36 C-1 excavator is powered by a Perkins Stage V engine

Ryan Ballard, JCB’s engine director within the Powertrain division, said the company’s challenge had been to meet Stage V’s particulate emissions standards without impacting on performance.

To do this, he said, diesel particulate filters were not enough and the company’s next generation particulate technology included a range of systems, controlled by a new engine control system. Importantly, he added, the system was “invisible” – requiring no operator intervention or additional service attention.

JCB’s new 430 DieselMax engine promises a 7% fuel saving and a 10% increase in torque, as well as a reduction in CO2 and “near-zero” particulate emissions.

The 448 DieselMax model promises a 5% reduction in fuel and similar emissions gains.

The upgraded Stage V-compliant equipment unveiled during the hour-long online event included:

• 531 and 540 Loadalls – with autostop technology, which stops the engine after three minutes of continuous idling
• The X series range of excavators – 140X, 150X and 220X – each with a 448 DieselMax engine and upgraded cab
• The upgraded JCB Teletruck, with a new Command Plus cab, lift capacities at full reach uprated by up to 200kg (depending on model) and a new JCB by Kohler 46kW engine
• Stage V G40RS generator, with a 10% power increase
• New Sitemaster and Pro models of the 3CX backhoe loader, with a six-speed autoshift transmission, said to cut travel time by up to 25%, and new safety features, including four LED beacons built into the roof
• A range of Dash-2 compact excavators – the 50 Z-2, 56 Z-2 and 60 Z-2 – with 1.7 litre turbocharged Stage V Perkins engines, including diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) and with no requirement for diesel exhaust fluid. The new models also boast programmable auto-stop and auto idle functions

The event concluded with the introduction of two brand new 3.5 tonne excavator models – the 36 C-1 and the 35 Z-1 (zero tail swing) – launched, said JCB, to meet new customer demand in this weight segment.

Powered by three-cylinder Stage V Perkins engines, both models feature a Bosch-Rexroth pump, which eliminates stalling to enhance engine output, and a closed-centre valve block.

JCB said models could be ordered with high-flow hydraulics (70 litres/min) as standard, or as a low-flow option.

Said to be compatible with all makes of attachments, both machines boast features including cabs with roll-over and falling object protection, LED work lights as standard and revised dozer blades and dig-end geometry.