Exploring Innovation
In early June, JCB invited editors from Compact Equipment — along with 100 other journalists from around the world — to a press event at the company’s world headquarters in the United Kingdom. A number of new products and updates were announced, including the introduction of a new six-cylinder, 7.2-liter diesel engine (the JCB Dieselmax 672). The introduction of the engine represents an investment of around $68.5 million, said the company, and by the time the engine goes into full production later this year, its launch will have created more than 50 new jobs.
“In a relatively short space of time, we have become a major producer of engines and today more than 70 percent of JCB’s machines are powered by the engines we manufacture,” said JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford. “The move into six-cylinder engine production is a historic moment for our business and a natural step to take. We look forward to setting new standards in performance and fuel efficiency.”
Besides engine innovations, the press was also given a tour of the brand new JCB Innovation Centre — where all the magic happens and JCB “creates tomorrow’s products.” Tim Burnhope, JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer, said the company’s design mission is to create the best first impression, and the work being done in the Innovation Centre was definitely impressive. Before journalists arrived, the center got a full sweep through to ensure no secrets were released too early to the public.
They didn’t keep us in the dark too long though on new products. At a JCB demonstration, the new 8026CTS mini excavator was on full display. The 8026CTS is a 2.7-ton conventional tail swing excavator, which now sits alongside the JCB 8025 zero tail swing excavator. The 8026 is even more efficient than the 8025, due to the lower power rating of the three-cylinder, 24-hp (18-kW) engine, and it delivers an 8 percent efficiency gain, driving a “Nachi” variable displacement hydraulic pump. The 8026 has a lower center of gravity, and with its conventional tail swing design and redesigned undercarriage, delivers outstanding lift capacity and excellent stability, while offering better productivity, versatility and operator confidence.
The entire event at JCB’s proving grounds was definitely a fun experience. While seated under a large canopy, excavators and backhoes drove right up to our feet. JCB’s power and expertise could be felt as well as seen. The new 8026CTS mini excavator is a cool piece of updated equipment and will be a great addition to anyone’s fleet.
