JCB has taken the opportunity to introduce a number of new features to its Stage V mini excavator portfolio. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more.
When it comes to JCB’s latest mini excavator entrants in the 4 – 6 tonne bracket, operators will welcome the emphasis on lower overall cost of ownership, return on investment, intuitive operation, maximum uptime and strong residual values. The revamped Series 2 Stage V models – the zero-tailswing 50Z-2, 56Z-2 and the conventional tailswing 60C-2 – share the same engineering DNA as their already popular predecessors, but with some significant upgrades.
All three are powered by a 1.7 litre, turbo-charged three-cylinder Stage V Perkins engine, delivering 34kW or 45.6hp. Thanks to Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), there’s no need for a diesel exhaust fluid, such as AdBlue. The engine has been matched to the hydraulic systems, with the further adoption of programmable auto stop, programmable auto idle, and a one-touch idle function. Moreover, the patented hydraulic system operates with reduced back pressure, reducing fuel consumption, and eliminating parasitic losses. In addition, thanks to a system where the engine RPM automatically drops below the idle working speed when the arm console is raised, fuel is conserved further still.
The Series 2 units benefit from a larger ROPS cab and the increased visibility that a revised front screen affords. There’s Bluetooth with hands-free capability and a 7in. colour screen provides programmable auxillary hydraulic flows in both low and high flow settings at the command of a driver’s fingertips. These can be set for up to 10 attachments, reducing downtime when swapping between work tools.
Rather than introducing another screen into the cab, an integrated rear-view camera can be routed through to the main display, whilst plenty of leg room is complemented by tracking pedals that have been redesigned so that the machine can be tracked forward when the operator’s heels are on the floor.
In transportation, there’s four tie down points on the undercarriage and a further four on the upper structure, and a fully bushed kingpost delivers increased durability, whilst there’s 500 hour greasing on all the pivot pins, and a 5-year LiveLink subscription.
Two meet growing customer demand in the 3.5tonne class, the Staffordshire-based manufacturer has also added the 36C-1 conventional tail swing and 35Z-1 zero tail swing to its mini line-up. The former is an entirely new addition to the compact portfolio and JCB is promising improvements in reach, stability and lift performance, whilst the 35Z-1 is ideal for operating in restricted spaces. Both are powered by a Stage V three-cylinder Stage V/T4 Final Perkins engine, delivering 18.4kW (24.6hp), again with no need for a DPF, and the
35Z-1 and 36C-1 also share the same new ROPS/TOPS operator space – available as a canopy, a cab with heater, or a cab with air conditioning.
Cab include Bluetooth radio, a 12V socket and two USB ports for mobile phone charging, whilst the machine benefits from LED work lights as standard and follow-me-home functionality. There’s also an immobiliser to prevent theft and JCB LiveLink telematics system is included.
For further information on the latest compact excavator solutions from JCB visit https://www.jcb.com/en-gb
