JCB improves utility offering

JCB is improving the performance of key models in the telehandler, boom loader and mini excavator ranges

The telehandler models now offer higher performance, for lower fuel consumption. And 255 JCB has broadened its range with the addition of the 550-80, able to lift a 5tonne load to 8m, as well as the 540-20, with a maximum payload of 4tonnes and a maximum lift height of 20m.

The 535-140 telehandler is a key mid-range machine for the company and offers load-sensing hydraulics, further improving its efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Air flow through the engine bay has been improved to optimise cooling, while heavy duty axles and chassis ensure durability. Manoeuvrability is said to be good while safety is maximised due to a feature that prevents forward or reverse gears from being selected unless the operator is sitting in the driver’s seat.

The TM320 is the latest development of the firm’s versatile telescoping boom loader line. The high seat position provides good all round visibility while the pivot-steer with the cab on the rear chassis offers manoeuvrability. Bucket capacity has been increased by 100kg to 3.2tonnes over the earlier TM310, while the front axle has been moved forward 50mm to ensure stability and the centre joint has been reinforced for longevity. The 4.4litre Ecomax engine delivers 93kW and 550Nm of torque, an increased output over the earlier engine, while reducing fuel consumption by 5%.

The 8018 mini excavator is now going into production and offers a dig depth of close to 2.5m, while its low centre of gravity ensures stability. Power comes from a 14.2kW 299 Perkins diesel, protected at the rear by a steel engine cover with a gas strut assist that opens wide for maintenance access.

A novel development from JCB Attachments is a work tool application for the iPhone. This is intended to make it easier for customers to locate, choose and purchase the right attachments for their JCB machines. The free download incorporates a dealer locator, an attachment finder by machine type or product group, a Light Equipment viewer and an enquiry function that will send a message directly to the customer’s local JCB dealer.

The customer can search for an attachment for a specific JCB machine, or look for the correct machine to power the attachment. In either case the JCB app takes the customer through the selection process, with pictures of the machines and attachments along with product specifications and features.
With the Light Equipment range, that includes hand-held breakers, pumps, earth drills, compaction plates and hydraulic powerpacks, the process is the same, allowing the customer to search for individual tools, providing working weights and operating parameters in clear, easy to read pages with individual photography and specifications.

At each point in the process the customer can tick a box to indicate interest in the attachment or tool, requesting more information from a dealer. The customer can either send the enquiry to the closest dealer, using the iPhone’s GPS system to determine the three nearest outlets, or they can use a preset dealer as a default for all enquiries.

All information requests are logged, including details of the dealer to which the enquiry has been sent. The tool also includes contact details for all JCB dealers in the UK and Ireland, providing customers with telephone numbers, e-mails and addresses that can be uploaded to the phone book within the iPhone. The customer can find directions to a dealer outlet, or e-mail the dealer direct.