The Stage 3A/Tier 3 JCB 444 Dieselmax engine sets a new benchmark in excavator reliability and in some cases delivers 24% improvement in fuel efficiency.
The Dieselmax engine replaces the Isuzu unit and has been fitted to the 11-18 tonnes range of tracked excavators, as well as 15-tonne JS145W and the 17-tonne JS160W wheeled excavators.
JCB has also announced it plans to fit 4.8 litre Stage 2/Tier 2 JCB Dieselmax engines to power all 20–22 tonnes JS excavators.
The 20-24 tonne weight range is the largest market segment for excavators and accounts for just over one-third of all machines sold, mainly overseas.
JCB has also rung the changes to its cab design.
The front windscreen with the split between the top section and bottom section of glass is now 125mm lower in response to customer feedback.
It’s now a 70/30 split, providing the operator with much improved visibility of the digging area.
A positive seal has also been created between the top and bottom sections to prevent dust getting into the cab.
The bottom section of glass can be removed easily and conveniently stored within the rear window stowage area, again improving visibility to the digging area.
The front upper corner of the cab has been shifted forwards to accommodate a flat glass panel, instead of curved glass. This makes replacement much easier and less costly.
Both the upper and lower sections of glass are laminated for additional protection and scratch resistance, as is the new roof glazing, which was previously polycarbonate.
The wiper mechanism is now mounted in the roof in a steel pressing and is equipped with an isolator switch for when the windscreen is raised.
Other cab improvements include a more spacious storage area behind the operator’s seat for tools.
For all models below 24 tonnes, Roll Over Protection will be integral to the cab – achieved through internal strengthening of the cab and machine structure.
Externally, the ROPS cab will look the same as the non-ROPS cab, however a data plate inside the cab will highlight to the operator that it is the ROPS-protected version. For all models over 24 tonnes, a bolt-on ROPS cage will be fitted on to the machine.
For demolition specification machines Falling Objects Protection is available for all models for both front screen and roof screen. This can be factory-fitted or retro-fitted without the need to make any modifications to the cab structure.
New-look JS machines come with an all-black counterweight, complete with yellow chevrons on the corners, delivering a more rugged appearance. The new JCB livery looks very prominent in the middle of that vast expanse of black on the counterweight.
Side access doors have been updated and strengthened, again adding to the durable and robust look of the machines. The upper structure side skirts on all models have also been strengthened, greatly reducing the potential for impact damage.
The colour scheme on the side panel next to the access door has changed as well. The black of the cab has been brushed back onto the metal, giving more prominence to the JCB livery on the side of the machine and blending the cab more elegantly with the rear.
