JCB is launching the company’s first full electric wheeled loader.
The 403E is said to boast the largest standard battery pack in its class, with a 20kWh capacity, with productivity matching the 403 diesel model.
JCB said these batteries, coupled with electric motors and ‘optimised’ traction and hydraulic systems, deliver ‘class-leading’ performance, with the loader capable of completing a full working day, or 4-5 hours of continuous use in a mixed duty cycle.
In common with the JCB E-Tech range, the 403E has a built-in charger that allows connection to a range of on-site power sources. A 110V socket will fully charge the batteries in 12 hours, while a 230V industrial or domestic plug will charge the battery pack in eight hours. JCB’s off-board rapid charger can also be used with the 403E, delivering a full charge from a three-phase supply in two hours.
The machine is equipped with two independent electric motors, one for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. The drive motor offers 33.4kW of power and comes with three driving modes. Hare Mode has a maximum 20kph drive speed for the most dynamic performance and productivity; Tortoise Mode is limited to 8kph for improved speed modulation; and Snail Mode has a 5kph maximum speed, that can be adjusted in 0.5kph increments through a new rotary controller and the multifunction display.
Drive is transmitted through an integrated drop-box to ZF axles, that can be supplied with open differentials or with differential locks for maximum traction. The loader is offered with a choice of narrow or wide wheels, plus the option of agricultural or industrial tyres.
The loader arms are available in standard and high-lift configurations. The standard lift arms deliver a pin height of 2.9m, while the high-lift model achieves a 3.1m pin height. Both loader arm set-ups come with a hydraulic quick hitch as standard.
The 403E offers a tipping load of 972kg with pallet forks, within a transport weight of 2,671kg. JCB explained this puts the machine within EU trailer towable standards. A heavy-duty counterweight is available as an option, increasing the tipping load by 118kg and the transport weight by 121kg.
The machine has a single joystick with a proportional auxiliary controller on top. An optional second auxiliary roller can be provided.
The 403E is offered with a fixed or folding canopy initially, with a fully glazed cab as an alternative from later this year. There is a new multifunction digital display, controlled by the rotary controller to the right of the loader joystick. The operator can use the rotary controller to set auxiliary hydraulic flow rates, inching travel speeds and other settings within the display. The monitor also provides operating data including driving mode, state of battery charge and travel speed.
