JCB has unveiled a number of new products, including the 42-tonne 420X and 52-tonne 520X X-Series crawler excavators.
The manufacturer has also returned to the ADT market with a 12.5-tonne capacity hauler, launched four soil compactors, a Dual Drive nine-tonne site dumper, and a 3CX backhoe loader aimed at owner operators and smaller fleets.
The business has also made its hydrogen-engined machinery commercially available for the first time with the launch of the 3CX Hydrogen backhoe loader and G60RS H generator set, along with a refuelling solution to make zero carbon hydrogen power on construction sites a reality.
The 520X is JCB’s heaviest crawler excavator and the company’s largest model. Powered by a 298kW (400hp) Cummins X12 diesel engine, compliant with EU Stage V emissions legislation, the machine has an operating weight of 52-57 tonnes, depending on specification.
Twin variable displacement hydraulic pumps deliver a dipper tearout force of up to 279kN, with bucket tearout of up to 318kN. The machine features larger diameter hydraulic cylinders, to deliver the additional power, along with twin slew motors.
The machine uses the JCB CommandPlus cab, featuring a 10” full colour monitor. High-definition cameras provide all-round vision and the machine benefits from 14 LED working lights.
The 420X model, meanwhile, is based on the 370X, taking operating weight to 42 tonnes and engine power to 240kW (321hp). The 420X features 50-tonne class track motors, providing 21% more tractive effort than the 370X, while a 40mm larger slew ring helps to deliver additional stability and durability in repetitive swing cycles.
Following testing and trials with customers across the UK, JCB is making its hydrogen engine technology available to the world. The company invested more than £100 million on the development of its hydrogen engine technology, that has now been fully Type Approved for use in non-road mobile machinery across the EU.
The 3CX backhoe loader provides customers with a zero-carbon solution that doesn’t rely on an electrical power supply or lengthy charging times. JCB explained the machine delivers the same 55kW of power as its diesel counterpart, driving through the same transmission and hydraulic systems. Power output and torque are identical to the diesel alternative. The only noticeable difference for operators is the mounting of three hydrogen storage tanks, made of aluminium and wrapped in carbon fibre, that are located on the cab roof.
JCB has partnered with HYKIT, a new hydrogen equipment company, to develop an on-site refuelling solution. Mounted on a trailer, or in multiples on a larger truck, the refueller contains enough hydrogen for a week’s worth of backhoe loader use.
JCB has also created its first hydrogen-powered generator set. The G60RS H is built into the same enclosure as the standard diesel 60kVA rental set. It develops 58kVA with an output frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz.
The company has previewed a return to the ADT sector, with the 715 dump truck. This 9.3-tonne, two-axle machine, offers a 7.1m3 body capacity capable of handling up to a 12,750kg payload. Available with a selection of tyre types, the 715 is powered by JCB’s 448 Stage V diesel engine, delivering 129kW (173hp) and 690Nm of torque. This drives through a JCB eight-speed auto powershift transmission with active torque lock to heavy-duty ZF axles. Maximum travel speed is 40kph.
One site dumper that is ready for customers is the 9T Dual Drive. This nine-tonne model uses technology similar to JCB’s Dual Drive backhoe loaders, with a swivelling operator seat that allows the driver to face the direction of travel at all times.
The site dumper is powered by JCB’s 55kW DieselMAX engine, driving through a hydrostatic transmission and two-speed transfer box. Maximum travel speed is 30kph.
Following the launch of the VM118D, Europe’s first 12-tonne single-drum soil compactor powered by a Stage V engine last year, JCB has unveiled the larger VM128D and VM138D. Weighing in at 12.1-tonnes and 13.2-tonnes respectively, the two larger models share much of their modular design with the 11.9-tonne VM118D. However, while the lighter model uses a 55kW JCB 430 diesel engine, the larger compactors are powered by JCB’s 448 diesel, delivering 97kW of power.
In addition to the three larger models, JCB has launched two compact soil compactors, the VM58D and VM78D. With operating weights of 5.4-tonnes and 7.1-tonnes, these two models are said to share almost their entire rear section, with a high degree of parts commonality. They are powered by 55kW JCB by Rehlko diesel engines, meeting Stage V emissions regulations with no requirement for exhaust fluids or SCR after-treatment.
With JCB’s 3CX Plus and 3CX Pro backhoe loaders now offering 81kW (109hp) engines and Dual Drive technology, the company has gone back to its roots to deliver a new JCB Sitemaster. Powered by the 55kW (74hp) diesel engine, the Sitemaster is intended as an entry-level machine for entrepreneurs keen to get into the plant business.
The machine has a single specification, with servo levers and a six-in-one front bucket as standard. It is also benefits from JCB’s Smooth Ride System of loader arm suspension, an extending dipper arm and a return-to-dig function. The 3CX Sitemaster is being offered at £55,000, or £271 per week, through JCB Finance.
