JCB unveils next generation of 4-6 tonne midi excavators
Building on the successful introduction of next generation 6, 8, 9 and 10 tonne midi excavators last year, JCB is releasing four additional models, with operating weights of 4.8-5.7 tonnes. The midi excavators are available in conventional, reduced and zero tailswing configurations, to meet the requirements of customers across the world.
Key features include:
- 500 hour greasing intervals
- Improved cab instrumentation
- 18% increase in 57C operator’s cab capacity
- 11% improvement in visibility
- 9% boost to bucket tearout
- 5% additional dump height
- 2% more powerful bucket tearout force
Durable Performance
The four new models are; the 48Z-1, which replaces the previous 8045Z/8050ZTS; the 51R-1 to replace the 8050ZTS/RTS; the 55Z-1, which takes over from the 8055ZTS/RTS; and a completely new 57C-1 model. All four share the durable design proven on the larger machines in JCB’s next generation compact excavator range, with 100% steel bodywork and a sturdy four-plate dipper arm construction.
The dig end is 100% bushed, leading to extended 500 hour greasing intervals. JCB has also revised the pin pick-up points to work with a number of competitive bucket brands, while optional hydraulic or manual quickhitches can be specified for faster attachment changeover. JCB has developed a new range of ECO buckets, with a redesigned profile for easier filling and improved material retention.
The excavators feature a redesigned dig end, with a longer main boom and shorter dipper arm, to provide up to 5% greater dump height for easier truck and site dumper loading. The upgraded hydraulic system also delivers up to 9% more bucket tearout force and 2% higher dipper arm tearout, boosting performance and productivity.
Operator Comfort And Control
The excavators feature an improved operator’s cab, with the 57C-1 using the same structure as the larger 10 tonne machine. The cab is 18% more spacious and offers up to 11% more visibility, improving both comfort and site safety. Even in reduced and zero tailswing configurations, JCB’s midi excavators deliver impressive levels of comfort for the driver, with reduced noise and vibration levels and easily-replaced flat glazing throughout.
The biggest development in the cab is the adoption of a new display screen and control system, with an automotive style rotary controller allowing easy access to a host of systems and information. The operator can set auxiliary hydraulic flows for two separate attachments from the cab, while the menu mode button switches the rotary controller between throttle modes, including a one-touch idle function and menu mode.
The cab is also offered with a new membrane switch panel, to control auxiliary flow settings, working lights, beacon, wipers and JCB’s 2Go additional hydraulic activation safety system. As with JCB’s larger JS excavators, the midi machines now have nine power modes available, including Eco and for the first time an H+ heavy digging mode. The machines can also be ordered ready for tilt-rotator installation from the factory, with a programmable third auxiliary function.
Another innovation is the inclusion of an optional Safe Lift feature, complete with an integral Lift Overload warning system. An industry first at this weight, Safe Lift incorporates a green-amber-red graphic in the new monitor panel, with an audible warning that sounds if the machine approaches overload. Expected to be a popular option across Europe, the Safe Lift feature is included as standard when hose burst check valves have been specified, ensuring maximum safety for those customers that use the midi machines to lift pipes and other materials on site.
Productivity has been further enhanced with the adoption of an electro-hydraulic dozer control lever, with up to three buttons in the head to control two-speed tracking, dozer float and a four-way adjustable dozer blade where fitted. The sturdy, ergonomically designed lever has a large diameter and improved resistance, to deliver improved response and more accurate control on rough ground. Separate buttons in the control lever head activate the machines’ standard ‘auto kick-down’ two-speed tracking, along with optional dozer float and four-way blade control.
The new JCB midi excavators feature 20 improved standard features and 20 new options, to improve productivity and performance on site. The cab can be equipped with optional LED work lights that feature a ‘guide-me-home’ function, providing lighting for three minutes after the machine has been turned off to allow the operator to get to a position of safety when working at night. Other safety options include a green seatbelt in use beacon and seatbelt isolation.
Low Cost Of Ownership
All four excavators can be supplied with a choice of Stage IIIA/Tier 4 Interim Perkins engines, or Tier 4 Final engines from JCB by Kohler, to suit various territories. The Perkins engine delivers 35.7kW (48hp) and 143Nm of torque, while the JCB by Kohler engine produces 36kW (48hp) and 225Nm.
Access to the engine has been improved thanks to wide opening steel canopies at the rear and to the side of the machine. The new cab also features a removable floor section, requiring no tools, to access major hydraulic components. A fully bushed dig end with 500 hour greasing intervals also reduces downtime and daily maintenance, cutting total cost of ownership for the customer and increasing productivity.
The machines feature an open undercarriage design with sloping track frames for easy cleaning and to prevent the build-up of material. All models are available with JCB’s LiveLink telematic monitoring and location service, providing customers with machine working hour data, fuel level and consumption information and a host of critical system alerts.