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Executive Report: Maximum innovation JCB continues to introduce new additions to its line-up of compact plant and equipment targeted at the hire market. Innovation is said to be the hallmark of JCB’s latest products that will be launched at Bauma, running from 23-29 April in Munich. One of the most eye-catching is the new Midi CX, a compact backhoe loader designed to offer the versatility of a mini excavator, a compact loader and a tractor. Bridging the gap between the company’s existing 1CX and 2CX, the 4-tonne machine has an easily detachable excavator section and optional three-point linkage and power take off (PTO), enabling rear mounted attachments to be fitted for construction, grounds care and landscaping tasks. The PTO’s creep speed function allows the speed of the machine and the PTO to be set independently for optimum performance. Powered by a 50hp engine, the Midi CX has hydrostatic transmission and features four-wheel drive as standard. An anti-spill mechanism is incorporated to retain the load when raising the loader. The machine, which has a top speed of 16mph, will initially be available with a ROPS/FOPS canopy, with a fully glazed cab available later this year. For the European market, servo excavator controls will be fitted as standard. The manufacturer will also preview its 8020 mini excavator, a reduced tail swing 2-tonne machine positioned between the existing 8018 and 8025 models, and scheduled for full production later this year. JCB reports particular growth in the 1.9-2.3 tonne mini excavator segment and expects the 8020 to appeal to small building contractors, landscapers and other hirer customers. A 19.7hp engine is fitted. Also being targeted at landscapers and contractors are two new compact articulated loading shovels. The 403 model has a 37.5hp engine and the 404 features a 47hp power unit. The operator seat is positioned on the rear chassis, a configuration that is said to offer excellent forward visibility. Standard and high-lift loader arm sets are available, giving dump heights of 2180mm and 2365mm. Both machines feature an innovative transmission system, where a single variable displacement hydraulic pump drives four individual wheel motors and eliminates the need for conventional axles. The motors are connected so that tractive effort is still generated even if three wheels are slipping. New to the JCB Vibromax compaction machinery line-up is the VMT160 range of tandem vibratory rollers, targeted at the sub-three tonne market segment. They feature large 45-litre capacity diesel tanks for longer continuous operation and greater productivity, and they have a 125-litre water tank. There are five versions with 80cm, 90cm and 100cm drum widths, and 80cm and 90cm models are also available with clear side operation, whereby the drum is only supported on one side to enable the machine to compact right up against obstacles such as walls and kerbs. Electrically controlled hydrostatic direct drive to both drums enables operators to select double vibration, single front vibration or single rear vibration for optimum performance. Weighing in at 1650kg, the VMT160 models provide a compaction pressure of 10.3kg/cm and incorporate 19hp three-cylinder water-cooled engines. Access to the main service areas is straightforward. JCB also reports that its engineering innovation was recently recognised by the Royal Automobile Club, which has awarded its Dewar Trophy to the Dieselmax team that achieved the world diesel land speed record last August. JCB’s Dieselmax vehicle recorded an average speed of 350.092mph at Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States, powered by two modified JCB444 four-cylinder diesel engines producing 750bhp each, instead of the normal 140bhp output. The award is given for outstanding British achievement in the automotive world. Previous winners include Dunlop, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce. • T
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590312 Executive Hire News › Archives › April 2007 › Executive Report › Maximum innovation
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