JCB claims to be the only leading equipment manufacturer in the world to meet the latest EU Stage IIIB/US Tier 4 emissions regulations without the use of diesel particulate filters (DPFs), after-treatment or additives such as Ad-Blue. Instead it uses in-cylinder technologies that it claims results in a cleaner, more efficient combustion process. Furthermore the engines can run on standard oils, unlike those with after treatment that require costlier CJ4 oil.
Another benefit is that no extra space is needed around the engine for filters or treatment systems, so machines remain as compact as they ever were, with no compromise to manoeuvrability and visibility.
The JCB Ecomax has been developed following an £80m investment programme and has undergone over 110,000 hours of testing across a range of machines and applications.
The JCB Ecomax engine range will be fitted into machines spanning the 55kW (74hp) to 129kW (173hp) range, including backhoe loaders, telehandlers, wheeled loading shovels, the TM telescopic boom wheeled loaders, JS excavators, rough terrain forklifts and skid steer loaders.
On JCB 3CX and 4CX backhoe loader platform, the Ecomax will be available with a 55kW, 68kW or 81kW power rating. In each case, there is more torque than before and claimed fuel savings of 5%, 4% and 2% respectively.
Aside from the engine, the backhoe loader range also gets an uprated Powerslide system with a larger hydraulic ram providing increased side shifting capability at lower engine rpm. The previous chain mechanism has been replaced with a steel wire rope that JCB says will last longer. Other new options that are available on the machine include front shovel street pads, front shovel ram guards, removable rear light guards and hydraulic quickhitch.
On Loadall telescopic handlers, the Ecomax engine will be available in three power ratings depending on machine model and marker. The 55kW engine is aimed at the plant hire market, offering broadly comparable performance to before but lower fuel consumption. Larger 81kW or 93kW engine versions are targeted at owner-operators and contractors who are likely to appreciate the more significant performance boost.
The 68kW (91hp) Ecomax engine will initially be installed on three of JCB’s mid-range JS excavators, the JS115, JS130 and JS145. The new engine installation has been coupled with the optimisation of the machine’s hydraulic circuit and pump configuration which, when combined, has resulted in fuel savings of up to 10% and a 3dB(A) reduction of in cab noise.
The introduction of the 93kW Ecomax engine on JCB’s largest telescopic boom wheeled loader has also provided the opportunity to further improve its productivity with a 100kg increased lift capacity. This has been achieved by repositioning the machine’s front axle rather than adding counterweight. The new engine installation has been introduced in line with the standard fitment of a hydraulic variable speed cooling fan along with the introduction of a refined transmission with TorqueLock in 5th and 6th gears.
JCB will still source engines for a lot of machines elsewhere. Two new wheeled loaders at Bauma, the 427 and 437, replacing the 426 and 436, are powered by the Cummins QSB 6.7 litre engine. Features include a progressive clutch cut-off feature plus optional five-speed transmission, and automatic differential locking axles
These meet the regs through the use of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), but without any requirement for DPF or any exhaust after-treatment additives
“With the 427 and 437 wheeled loaders, JCB has taken our larger machines technology and applied it to mid-weight models, bringing new levels of productivity and performance to the loader market,” says chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope.
Inside the cab, styling has been revamped with darker mouldings and plastics, and new-look switches. The new instrument panel has analogue dials and LCD monitor. Climate control is offered as an option for the first time on this size of JCB wheeled loader. Customers can also specify a Grammer Actimo XXL seat option, with full adjustment, heating, armrests, lumbar support, backrest extension, headrest and air suspension for maximum comfort.
Bauma 2013 takes place in Munich, Germany from 15-21 April.
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