The engine of innovation

Fred Bell, JCB’s business manager for the waste and recycling industries, looks at what machine manufacturers are likely to be focusing on in 2016. 

Whether for materials handling, recycling, or quarrying, machine manufacturers – like JCB – are always looking to innovate to meet the changing requirements of their customers and ensure they conform to all relevant legislation. That might mean developing engine performance and reducing emissions, or looking to improve operator comfort and safety.

Lowering emissions
Stage IV/Tier 4 Final – the engine emissions regulations for off-highway machines – aims to reduce the hazardous exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in the EU and North America. The regulations have been driving engine development for some time now and will continue to be a primary focus for many machine manufacturers in 2016. The standards introduced a very stringent Nitrous Oxide (NOx) limit of 0.4 g/kWh, which has triggered the widespread use of NOx after-treatment (typically urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction) on affected categories of engines.

At JCB we are proud of our record in innovation and we are happy to report that most of our machines are now Stage IV/Tier 4 Final compliant. The new JCB EcoMax Stage IV/Tier 4 Final engine range requires no Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to meet the latest standards. This offers real advantages for users, as there are reduced operating costs with no DPF components to maintain and service. The lack of bulky DPF components also mean a smaller engine package, hence a more effective machine design.

The EU is already preparing for the next stage of engine standards, so further innovation will be required in order to meet these new challenges. . Proposals for Stage V emission limits for engines in off-road mobile machinery are being developed with a provisional planned introduction date of 2019. These standards will be applicable to diesel engines from 0 to 56 kW and to all types of engines above 56 kW. These stretching targets give manufacturers operating in the EU further impetus to develop engine performance and reduce emissions in the coming months and years.

Keeping safe
As well as the environmental benefits of reducing emissions, the health and safety of those working in the materials handling, recycling, or quarrying industries is of paramount importance. Whether it is loose materials or large containers; hazardous substances or heavy machinery; slips, trips or falls, there’s a lot of potential danger at work sites.
Manufacturers play a vital role in helping to increase safety for employees and visitors to sites through the design and development of new machinery. There are many protection features that can enhance operator safety and minimise any damage to machines, even when working in harsh environments.

With that in mind, we’re delighted that JCB’s 35D 4x4 Wastemaster Plus Teletruk is in the running for a safety award at the Fork Lift Truck Association’s Awards for Excellence 2016. Voting closes on 15 January 2016, so if you haven’t already and want to vote, please don’t delay! The versatile Teletruk features a range of new safety features, including greater operator protection and better visibility.

You can be sure that there will be further developments in the field of health and safety throughout the year.

Whichever machines you use, you need to know that the manufacturer is meeting its legal requirements, listening to your needs and keeping your employees safe, so that you can concentrate on running your site and business to maximum effectiveness.
www.jcb.com