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Executive Report: JCB rolls out Vibromax JCB will announce its entry into the compaction equipment market at the Hire Show. Alan Guthrie reports from the company’s Rocester headquarters. With its purchase of Vibromax, the German compaction equipment manufacturer acquired formally last September, JCB has new opportunities in a market that fits well with its existing construction and landscaping machinery business. Much of the equipment offered by the operation, now called JCB Vibromax, is of great relevance to tool and equipment hirers, who will be able to see machinery from the lighter end of the range at the Hire Show. The JCB Vibromax offering encompasses single drum soil compactors, vibratory tandem rollers and light equipment such as rammers, plate compactors, walk behind and trench compactors, and smaller tandem rollers. New to the line-up are seven reversible plate compactors, with operating weights from 80-635kg and working widths of 325-600mm. Built for low maintenance, they have a self-adjusting centrifugal clutch. Hand arm vibration (HAV) is said to have been minimised, and a ‘stationary’ setting enables the operator to carry out spot compaction. All models, which have the designation VMP, feature hydrostatic gearbox shifting and have solid, cast tamping plates. They are available with optional extension plates or special plates for paving stone compaction. The VMP 14 is among models being highlighted at the Hire Show. The VMF series of plate compactors is designed for use on asphalt, granular soil and other non-cohesive materials. Powered by diesel or petrol engines depending on model type, working width ranges from 350-500mm. For asphalt tasks, each can be fitted with a water sprinkling system. Also on display will be a VMT 120 tandem roller, a double-drum machine for asphalt and soil compaction. JCB says that its fast rolling speed enables a variety of tasks to be tackled, including final rolling of asphalt in yards, access roads, car parks and airports. It has an 800mm operating width and, at 1.2 tonne, the VMT 120 is the lightest model in a line-up ranging up to 10.5 tonnes. The line-up of VM self-propelled single drum compactors range from 4.6 tonne upwards. The VMD series of double drum walk-behind compactors comprises three models of 600, 800 and 1135kg. Their water tanks are made from stainless steel to prevent rusting and the exciter shafts are oil splash lubricated. The drums are hydraulically driven for better traction. Two rammers are being launched. The VMR 60 and VMR 75 have respective operating weights of 60 and 73kg and both have a 280mm working width. Equipped with petrol engines, they have a horizontal force component for forward movement. The JCB Vibromax portfolio includes two multi-purpose trench compactors. The VM 1500 M and VM 1500 F have four-drum drive and steering, permitting operation in confined areas, especially in situations where turning would be difficult or impossible. The permanently lubricated, centre mounted eccentric system is designed to generate high compaction output and optimum performance. The VM 1500 M is operated manually and the VM 1500 F is radio controlled. JCB will highlight other machines from its compact plant portfolio at the Hire Show. These will include the 8014 mini excavator from the company’s redesigned range of 1.5 tonne models, said to offer smoother and quieter running and simpler controls. JCB says that, since its launch last year, the unit has been bought by several national hirers including HSS, Hire Station and Speedy. Other products being targeted at the hire industry include the Mini CX backhoe loader, the diminutive JCB Micro mini and the company’s range of power packs. Given the growth in hire of compact plant and light construction equipment, JCB’s stand should be a busy one. • T
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590312 Executive Hire News › Archives › January 2006 › Executive Report › JCB rolls out Vibromax
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