JCB Skid Steers — 2016 Spec Guide
Ten Side-entry Loaders Make for an Innovative, Safe Product Offering
In 1993, JCB entered the skid steer market with the first mono-boom, side-entry skid steer, a design based on the company’s telescopic handlers. Over the years, JCB’s skid steer line has evolved, going from the Series I and Series II machines to today’s New Generation models. The New Generation line, initially introduced in November 2010, includes both large and small platform models offering vertical or radial lift. Today, JCB’s skid steers are designed to compete within the active North American marketplace, as well as worldwide. JCB’s large platform machines — the 225, 260, 280, 300 and 330 — are powered by JCB’s Tier 4 Final Ecomax engine. As a result, these machines use up to 9 percent less fuel over the previous Dieselmax engine. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014, JCB launched its Tier 4 Final small platform models — the 135, 155, 175, 190 and 205. These machines are powered by the all-new JCB Diesel by Kohler Tier 4 engines.
In late 2015, JCB launched myCHOICE controls, a new controls operation software that gives operators the ability to adjust their skid steer and compact track loader travel and loader controls for optimal operation whether they’re performing finer, more precise work or faster, high-duty cycle operation.
Both the large and small platform models meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards without the need for any exhaust gas aftertreatment, says JCB. Currently, the large platform models are popular due to their versatility on more complex projects that would otherwise require multiple dedicated machines, like a compact wheel loader or compact excavator. JCB offers more than 31 attachment families that can help operators of any JCB skid steer quickly complete a wide variety of tasks.
The JCB skid steer’s most well-known and visually apparent safety feature is its PowerBoom — a single-arm boom that allows operators to safely enter the machine from a left-side-entry door, clear of any potentially dangerous attachments or under an unsupported boom. The PowerBoom also makes it possible for these machines to operate without a rear torque tube on vertical-lift models, further increasing visibility from inside the cab to 270 degrees. In fact, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recognized the many benefits of the PowerBoom side-entry design by rewriting their safety alert accordingly to exclude side-entry skid steers, says JCB.
Advice to Buyers
“When test driving a machine, buyers should pay special attention to whether the ride is smooth or rough,” says George Chaney, JCB North American sales manager for skid steers and compact track loaders. “A smooth ride, like the one provided by our optional SRS [Smooth Ride System] not only keeps the operator more comfortable but also cushions the loader arm, helping retain loads in the bucket and reducing spillage. That leads to greater productivity. I also tell prospective buyers to look for machines with a hydraulic quick-hitch. Not having to get out and disconnect and connect attachments can also really improve productivity over time.”
