British manufacturer innovates compact (tele-)wheel loaders and telehandlers

Thus, the mid-range wheel loaders have been given a makeover by JCB. The refinement is mainly under the hood, where the 4.4-liter power unit has been replaced by JCB's 4.8-liter DieselMax. This complies with Stage V emission values and is available in several power variants. In the 8.7-ton 411, power remains unchanged at 81 kW (109 hp), but the 413S and 417 gain horsepower. The 417 now boasts 97 kW (130 hp) - up 4 % - and delivers 550 Nm of torque. The 413S adds another big power boost, with 112 kW (150 hp) and 600 Nm of pulling power. The S version features a six-speed JCB Powershift transmission, good for a top speed of nearly 50 km/h. Optional limited slip differentials are available on the front and rear axles for optimum traction.

The compact wheel loaders, which are also available with the addition Agri, feature an extremely comfortable Command Plus cab. For better all-round visibility, the exhaust design has been modified. Articulated steering with final damping adds extra refinement to the driving experience, while the standard rearview camera with separate screen enhances safety. To save fuel, an Auto Stop system is provided, where the engine automatically shuts off after a period of idling. There is a choice of three types of load frames, which in the case of the 417 results in a load height of 3.3 to a maximum of 4.2 m.

Compact and strong

One segment down, the manufacturer upgraded the 403 to a Plus version. The ultra-compact wheel loader with an operating weight of 2,711 kg has been made twice as powerful. The 1.7-liter diesel engine with Auto Stop delivers an output of 36 kW (50 hp) and travels at either 20 or 30 km/h as desired. There is a choice of three loading frames, with the extended variant guaranteeing a loading height of 2.8 m. The new hydraulic system provides 60 l/min of flow for the work section. An additional auxiliary circuit for hydraulic attachments is optionally controllable via a button on the joystick. Despite a width of only 110 cm on narrow tires, the 403 Plus definitely stands its ground and, for heavy-duty applications, can even be equipped with double locking on the robustly designed axles.

A new feature from JCB is the 8-speed Powershift automatic transmission for the new line of telehandlers. This features TorqueLock in the top three gears and, on the TM420S (option on TM320S), even in every gear. This top-of-the-line model boasts a 129 kW (173 hp) powerplant, which enables it to travel up to 50 km/h. The TM320 (130 hp), TM320S and TM420 (150 hp) also now feature more powerful engines, which meet the most stringent emission requirements. Lift capacities and heights remain 3.2 tons and 5.20 m for both 320 models and 4.1 tons and 5.45 m for the TM420(S), respectively. The TM320S and TM420S also come as Pro Edition with upgraded styling and standard equipment. All four Telemasters feature JCB's new Command Plus cab with expanded display and factory installed rearview camera.

Variable transmission

Finally, JCB is launching a new range of telescopic handlers with more powerful engines that meet Stage V standards and is also offering the unique DualTech variable transmission on additional models. The award-winning transmission combines hydrostatic drive at lower speeds with mechanical Powershift power at higher speeds, for ultimate performance and versatility. Henceforth, DualTech VT is not reserved for specific models within the Series III telehandlers, making the special technology accessible to more users, even those of the smallest type among JCB telehandlers, the 532-60 Super. The upgrade applies to all machines from 109 to 150 hp and also includes an Auto Stop function and a top speed of 40 km/h on the 6, 7 and 9.5 m models.