Editor at Large: Visiting JCB’s 2015 press product launch
Last week, the earth-moving equipment experts at JCB invited Compact Equipment, along with the U.S. trade press, down to its North American headquarters in Savannah to see new machines, discuss business and operate iron. This is the second time in about four months we’ve been down to Savannah to investigate new equipment from the British-based equipment manufacturer. The company has been very busy of late, with a keen eye on the American construction, ag, rental and landscape markets.
The 100C-1 Compact Excavator
JCB released a ton of new machine models, but its most impressive three were a heavy-duty, yet nimbly construction new 10-metric ton compact excavator, an innovative Tier 4 Final SCR solution and a gnarly track loader built for the difficulties of forestry work. Let’s start with the big digger. JCB is set to launch a 10 metric ton conventional tailswing compact excavator in the American marketplace (pictured above), dubbed the 100C-1, based on the frame of the recently released 8.6 metric ton 86C-1 compact machine, which we operated extensively on our last trip to Savannah. But, the 100C-1 has a more powerful engine, larger dig end and increased hydraulic capacity to boost performance.
The 100C-1 shares the latest JCB compact excavator appearance, with a revised H-design undercarriage, robust steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and a powerful Tier 4 Final engine. The machine is powered by a JCB Diesel by Kohler engine delivering 74 hp. With an operating weight of 21,458 lbs, the machine shares the same width and height over the cab as the lighter 85Z-1/86C-1, with an 18-in. rear overhang, 4 in. larger than the 8.6-metric ton machine. So it’s almost a midi excavator in strength, but a compact in size, which is a pretty clever idea.
Increased hydraulic pump capacity and larger hydraulic cylinders result in a maximum bucket tear-out force of 16,231 lbf and a dipper arm tear-out force of 9,510 lbf. Longer digging equipment provides the 100C-1 with a maximum digging depth of 15 ft, a dump height of 18 ft, 6 in. and a reach at ground level of 24 ft, 4 in.
One Can Solution
Of course, it wasn’t all about the new, nimble 10-metric ton excavator. JCB released skid steers, track loaders, backhoes and a lot of telehandlers. The company also launched one of the coolest Tier 4 engine solutions we’ve seen in a while. It’s called a “one can” SCR solution. According to JCB, it will use a compact selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit with a Urea-based additive on engines above 74 hp, and those technologies will be incorporated into a single exhaust muffler, in many cases replacing the existing exhaust. This provides what it calls a “one can” solution. The system will not use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), thus one can, and thus delivering the same compact overall dimensions for machine designers.
The SCR system will use just a 2 to 3 percent ratio of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to fuel, as the engine is already providing exceptionally clean exhaust gases, says JCB. JCB is basically touting it “has engineered a space-efficient mixing system for the SCR that offers a reduced exhaust flow distance between the engine and the catalyst.” Pretty impressive stuff.
New JCB 325T Forestry Track Loader
Of course, JCB’s one-armed skid steers and track loaders would not be left out. The company also launched its 325T ForestMaster at the event, a compact track loader designed specifically to deal with the arduous working conditions found in the forestry and timber industries. Featuring additional protection for both the operator and the machine, the 325T ForestMaster also incorporates a heavy-duty recovery winch. This specialized compact track loader is powered by JCB’s Ecomax Tier 4 Final engine, with no requirement for an expensive diesel particulate filter (DPF) or any aftertreatment.
Features include:
- • Recovery winch significantly reducing downtime
- • Front work light protection and FOPS guard for A/C and rear lights
- • Track tube guard plus hydraulic hose and auxiliary coupler guard
- • Lexan front screen with hinging front mesh guard plus Level 2 FOPS
The 325T ForestMaster benefits from a comprehensive protection kit, that includes an exhaust cover to prevent debris entering the engine bay, rear cab glass mesh, a left hand quarter panel guard and a steel tube guard for the auxiliary high flow circuit. In addition customers can specify front work light protection, a loader hydraulic hose and auxiliary coupler guards, air conditioning, FOPS guard with side protection, a cooling pack guard and a track tube guard.
The machine incorporates a full height side entry door, made possible by JCB’s innovative Powerboom design, which enables operators to easily enter and exit the cab without having to climb over dangerous attachments. In addition, the cab is supplied with a Level 2 FOPS guard with steel mesh on both the left and right hand windows and a Lexan front windscreen with a hinging front mesh guard for easy cleaning.
