JCB Launches New 515-40 Compact Telescopic Handler

Small telehandlers have never really caught on in the American marketplace, but that’s not stopping JCB from “raising” the profile of the industry with key product launches. Often called telescopic tool carriers, these dune buggy-looking units utilize a long, telescoping, two-stage boom that takes pallet forks, buckets and attachments, working like a skid steer in elevated environments (construction, masonry, farming, municipalities and a host of other applications – primarily in Europe).

JCB has become one of the leaders of the compact market of telehandlers in

North America. And now the leading heavy equipment manufacturer is launching the most compact and maneuverable telescopic handler model the company has produced to date. This machine, the new JCB 515-40, is the result of an innovative design that keeps the machine’s overall height under 6 ft, making it perfect for use in more confined areas.

Small but mighty, the 515-40 is just 5 ft, 11 in. tall, 5 ft, 2 in. wide and 9 ft, 6 in. long and weighs 7,672 lbs. To achieve the lowest possible overall height, JCB challenged conventional design concepts and developed the 515-40 with an all-new, innovative, off-set single-spine main frame. As a result, the machine boasts a full-size cab with both easy accessibility and plenty of space for the operator. The new design enables the machine to break through a barrier that previously prevented many compact telescopic handlers from use in smaller workspaces. According to Chris Giorgianni, general manager of product marketing at JCB North America’s headquarters in Savannah, Ga., the extremely compact 515-40 can be effectively used at sites that could previously only be accessed by skid steer loaders.

“Our new 515-40 is small enough to provide the construction, agricultural and industrial markets with the many benefits offered by our telescopic handler range,” Giorgianni said. “This machine brings the maneuverability and power of the telescopic handler to nurseries, small farms, landscape contractors, building supply yards, warehouses and many other applications that can benefit from its 8 ft, 6 in. of forward reach and 13 ft, 2 in. of loading height.”

With a turning radius of just 9 ft and very compact dimensions, the JCB 515-40 can maneuver in even the smallest work environments. Equipped with four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive, a hydrostatic transmission and exceptional ground clearance, the machine can easily traverse the challenging outdoor conditions often found at a landscaping jobsite or on the farm. Its four-wheel drive system and hydrostatic transmission are designed to get the most power to each wheel. This is achieved by mounting the four drive motors in the axle hub, ensuring the power is exactly where the operator needs it. The drive train design ensures that the 515-40 is at home on the yard or running off-road in wet conditions.

The development of the new 515-40 compact telescopic handler is yet another example of the JCB’s continued dedication to helping its customers get the job done. For more information about JCB’s industry-leading equipment, visit them here at www.jcbna.com.

Key words: JCB, telehandler, telescopic handler, 515-40