Innovative Iron Awards 2021: JCB’s Electric Loadall Telescopic Handler
Big Lift, Zero Emissions: JCB Launches Its First-Ever Electric Loadall Telescopic Handler
JCB is easily one of the biggest and best examples of embracing electrification in off-highway equipment. Mid-November 2020, JCB held a global virtual product launch releasing everything from new electric excavators to telehandlers, continuing down its Road to Zero program. As part of that launch, JCB released its 505-20E, a full electric version of its popular Loadall, to North America in late 2021. The 505-20E offers a zero-emissions material handling solution for use in agriculture and commercial horticulture, as well as for landscaping, construction and industrial applications. Key features include: dual electric motors for drive and lift; brake regeneration boosting battery charge; regenerative hydraulics that increase efficiency; full shift operation capability; and a range of charging options, including on-board and off-board rapid charging.
The 505-20E uses two proven electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system. The 23-hp traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive drop box to JCB drive/steer axles. The 30-hp hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump while delivering a maximum 21 gpm of flow. Flow is proportional to joystick position and the lift end is controlled by an electro-hydraulic valve block with hydraulic regeneration on boom lower and retract.
The unit’s 96V lithium-ion battery is capable of providing full-shift operation. The machine has a 110V, 15A on-board charger capable of recharging the battery in eight to 11 hours. An optional JCB Universal Charger can be used for a rapid top-up during breaks, which can take as little as 60 minutes. The 505-20E delivers an in-cab noise level of just 66.7 decibels and an external level of 92.2 decibels. The 505-20E features a max lifting capacity of 5,250 lbs and a max lift height of 20 ft plus.
More Details
More than 43 years after the company pioneered the concept of telescopic handlers, JCB introduced the 505-20E at the end of this year, a full electric version of the popular Loadall. Extensive analysis of customer duty cycles, through JCB’s LiveLink telematics system and on-site studies, tests and evaluation, has allowed JCB engineers to optimize the machine’s battery to meet customer requirements. The 96V Lithium-ion battery is capable of providing full-shift operation.
The traction drive motor utilizes regenerative braking, instead of a traditional braking system, topping up the battery in the process. The hydraulic system also regenerates flow while lowering the boom, which reduces the power requirement and extends operating hours. The regenerative brake function automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged.
The 505-20E has been designed to meet the current and future needs of customers in a variety of industry sectors. It provides zero-emissions during operation for working inside barns, crop grading and storage sheds, greenhouses and polytunnels. Also, it complements the growing use of battery-powered professional landscaping machinery used by golf courses and specialist contractors. In addition, the new telehandler can draw on low-cost renewable energy on farms and other rural enterprises that generate their own green electricity.
A secondary benefit of electric operation is a significant reduction in noise levels. This makes the Loadall an attractive machine for operators behind the wheel, as well as for use in situations when working close to other people or animals, such as in vegetable and fruit storage centers, greenhouses, or fields. The 505-20E delivers an in-cab noise level of just 66.7 decibels, while the external level is 92.2 decibels, which means the machine can travel quietly through a field without disturbing the animals. A white noise reversing alarm is available as an option to warn workers of machine movement.
JCB continues to lead the charge in innovative electric equipment. Read more about the company’s electric initiatives right over here.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
