JCB Construction Equipment Australia is launching the new JCB 18Z and 19C mini excavators
The new JCB 18Z and 19C operating weights of 1.7-1.8 tonnes and are offered in four variants.
There are two upper structure designs, zero tail swing (18Z) and conventional tail swing (19C). In both cases they incorporate improved layouts for easier operator and service access. The 18Z will be a hit in Australia – a well-established industry segment where customers demand increasingly compact designs and more performance.
The 18Z is the lead unit in this foursome and will provide customers with a 1.7 tonne zero tail swing machine designed to meet the changing requirements and multiple applications expected of mini excavators that work in confined areas.
There are three 19C variants on offer which replace the successful and class performance leading 8018. The 19C conventional tail swing is available in canopy and cab mechanical versions as well as a high spec canopy machine with electro-proportional auxiliaries. The conventional tail swing configuration suits applications where machine balance in heavy dig end tasks is vital for optimum output.
Robust design
The machines share common design DNA, boasting improved durability with robust construction and ease of maintenance, to minimise downtime and boost work output for the customer. They have been engineered from the ground up to deliver reduced total cost of ownership and improved ease of use.
All-steel body panels provide maximum protection and are designed specifically for the rental and contractor segments. As well as adding weight in the right places on the machine, steel panels can be quickly and easily repaired if required which is vitally important in a hire fleet with optimum usage rates.
A common heavy undercarriage is used, with machined faces for improved fit and extended component life. All come with the retractable track frame offering widths of 980-1,330mm. A revised idler design delivers improved ride quality and reduces track stalling in loose material.
The machines use a next generation four-plate boom and dipper design, with machine matched dipper arm lengths of 950mm on the 18Z, 1,100mm on the 19C canopy versions and 1,344mm on the Cab Gravemaster variant. The 1,800mm main boom with top mounted ram provides maximum protection for the hydraulic cylinder.
Work Faster
The 18Z and 19C hydraulics give operators the capability to simultaneously multi-task any combination of excavator functions smoothly and with full power – means less time to complete the job.
JCB’s ROPS-compliant cab and canopy structures provide up to 24% more interior space, with improved leg and shoulder room, boosting comfort for operators. Redesigned track levers now come with T-bar controls, in line with larger models. The 19C EP incorporates the swing control and auxiliaries into the right-hand joystick, further improving space on the operator station floor. Dual-flow circuits with electrically proportional controlled auxiliaries are standard on the 19C EP providing precise attachment control.
Short-pitch rubber tracks come as standard. Sloping track legs reduce material retention, making it easier and quicker to clean the machine between jobs.
A redesigned dozer blade comes with easy to install dozer wings with increased lift height with the 19C runs the long-reach dozer arms.
Travel Safer
Ten sturdy tie-down points have been built into the frames, making the units easily adaptable to different truck and trailer tie down configurations. Safe and easy access to the tie down points means quicker turnaround times between sites.
The compact excavators are among the safest on the market, thanks to the designed balance criteria developed by JCB’s engineers. Increased all-round visibility on the 18Z 2-Post canopy and 19C narrow framed 4-Post canopy and cabs variants ensure clear open views for the operator.
JCB’s 2Go risk mitigation hydraulic cut-out system prevents machine operation through unintended control movement.
Service Easy
The 18Z-1 and 19C-1 are powered by a 12.2kW (16.3hp) Perkins diesel engine that is equipped to meet upcoming emissions regulations. The engine is mounted across the rear of the machines for optimum weight distribution that provides the best machine balance and service access. Ease of serviceability was a prime design criteria. The machines have a rear counterweight that swings away to provide open access to the engine bay for major service intervals. Daily checks can be carried by the operator through a separate swing open steel access door.
The right-hand side panel opens giving access to the hydraulic, tank and filter and the radiators. This all round easy access reduces maintenance time and boosts profitability.
All boom and dipper pins have 500-hour greasing intervals for reduced downtime and extended pin and bush life, which means that greasing only needs to be completed as part of a 500 hour machine service.