Two new 5-tonne excavators —the 55Z-1 and 48Z-1 — are set to join the JCB Construction Equipment Australia (JCB CEA) line-up.
The new mid-sized models share the same design as the larger JCB models, the company says, with 100 percent steel bodywork and a four-plate dipper arm construction. The two new models are available in zero tail-swing configurations for use in confined spaces.
“These machines were designed with performance in mind, providing our customers with best-in-class return on investment,” JCB CEA compact equipment national product manager Phil Withell says.
The digging ends of the machines are fully bushed, and JCB says this adds an extra 500 hours to greasing intervals. They have a longer main boom and a shorter dipping arm, increasing dump height by 5 percent.
They hydraulics have received an overhaul as well, with the system delivering nine percent more bucket tear-out force and a higher dipper arm tear-out force.
“The design upgrades are all about boosting the machines’ performance and productivity,” Withell says.
“We’re seeing significant fuel savings compared to other brands on the market, especially on tonnes of material moved per litre of fuel consumed.”
The operator’s cabs have also been improved with ergonomic, adjustable air-suspension seats. An AM/FM radio, 12V phone charger and heating come as standard. The machines can be air-conditioned as an optional extra.
The cabs also have a new display screen which gives access to a wide range of machine functions.
“One of our biggest improvements with these midis 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,” Withell says.
The machines are fitted with an immobiliser and can also be connected to JCB’s Livelink system. This combination alerts you to the machine being used, and you can then remotely authorise or deny use of the machine.