JCB gearing up for market growth

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The 85Z-1 zero-tailswing excavator

JCB is gearing up for massive growth in the compact excavator market with the launch of a new range of midis.
The first three machines being unveiled as part of the new line-up are the 67C-1 and 86C-1 conventional tailswing models and the 85Z-1 zero-tailswing excavator – all designed to grab a bigger share of a market which is expected to grow by at least 16% over the next four years.
Among the key features of all the new CTS and ZTS models are 10% lower fuel consumption, 30º tilting cab for excellent service access, 500 hour greasing intervals, 11% extra visibility and 100% steel bodywork.
JCB’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said, “The compact excavator market is expected to increase to over 200,000 units by 2017 and with this fantastic new range, JCB is ready to seize the opportunities presented by such massive growth. We have undertaken the biggest benchmarking and customer evaluation exercise in JCB’s history to come up with a range that is truly world-beating on all fronts.”
The 67C-1, 86C-1 and 85Z-1 will launch a new look for JCB midi excavators, with a revised H-design undercarriage, robust steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and Tier 4 final engines that deliver increased efficiency.
The three midi excavators are powered by all-new JCB by Kohler diesel engines, delivering 55hp (41kW) in the 6.7 tonne (14,770lb) machine and 64hp (48kW) in the two 8.5 tonne (18,700lb) models.