Offering more vehicles with zero emissions was the focus for UK manufacturer JCB during its first-ever virtual media launch
More than 43 years ago, when JCB first introduced the Loadall telescopic handler, no-one could have imagined it would be fully powered by electricity someday.
But that’s exactly what has happened as JCB launched its new 525-60E fully electric version of the popular Loadall. Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, the 525-60E offers a zero-emissions load handling solution as is being demanded by operators in construction.
“JCB has taken a pioneering lead in the move to electric propulsion in construction, agricultural and industrial machinery, having successfully introduced the 19C-1E mini excavator and the 30-19E Teletruk to the market,” says JCB chief innovation officer Tim Burnhope.
“As a world market leader for telescopic handlers, the launch of the JCB 525-60E Loadall takes equipment electrification further into general construction, industrial and agricultural markets, offering a zero-emissions load handling solution with no compromise in performance or productivity. We are very excited about the prospects for this machine,” he says.
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JCB has added a new Loadall to its electric portfolio
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The 525-60E uses two proven electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system. The 17kW traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to proven JCB drive/steer axles.
The 22kW hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum 80 litres/min of flow. Flow is proportional to joystick position and the lift end is controlled by an electro-hydraulic valve block, with hydraulic regeneration on boom lower and retract.
The electric motors are 85% efficient, which compares well with the 45% efficiency of a diesel engine. Extensive analysis of customer duty cycles, through JCB’s LiveLink telematics system and on-site studies, tests and evaluation, has allowed JCB engineers to optimise the machine’s battery to meet customer requirements. The 96V lithium-ion battery is capable of providing full-shift operation
The traction drive motor utilises regenerative braking, instead of a traditional braking system, topping up the battery in the process. The hydraulic system also regenerates flow whilst lowering the boom, reducing the power requirement and extending operating hours. The brake regen function automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged.
The machine has the same on-board charger as other JCB E-TECH products, capable of recharging the battery in eight hours using a standard 240V, 16A electrical supply. An optional JCB Universal Charger can be used for a rapid top-up during breaks, in as little as 35 minutes.
The 525-60E has been designed to meet the current and future needs of customers in a variety of industry sectors, providing zero-emissions operation for working inside buildings, in underground construction and maintenance work and in urban areas with stringent emissions regulations, such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
A secondary benefit of electric operation is a significant reduction in noise levels, making the Loadall suitable for extended operation in sensitive urban job sites.
The 525-60E delivers an in-cab noise level of just 66.7dB, while the external level is 92.2dB. A white noise reversing alarm is available as an option, to warn site workers of machine movement.
The fully glazed cab has a 2.2kW heater, heated front, rear and side screens for rapid defrosting and demisting and a heated suspension seat, ensuring the operator is comfortable regardless of outside temperature. The 525-60E also uses JCB’s well proven and patented Load Control System, ensuring optimum safe load handling.
External dimensions are unchanged from the diesel model and the 525-60E offers the same 3.7m outside turn radius. Maximum lift capacity is 2,500kg, with a 2,000kg maximum load at the full six metre lift height.
The machine has been designed to deliver similar cycle times as the diesel telescopic, with no loss of performance. It can be used with forks, a range of buckets and many other JCB Loadall attachments.
First electric site dumper
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JCB has also introduced its first-ever electric site dumper, the 1TE
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JCB has launched its first-ever electric site dumper, the 1TE, which is a one tonne high-tip model powered by lithium-ion battery technology.
Designed to work indoors, underground and in emissions-sensitive areas, the 1TE electric dumper is an ideal partner for JCB’s market-leading 19C-1E electric mini excavator.
The 1T-E site dumper is a durable, compact machine with a full steel skip and heavy-duty articulated chassis. The machine replaces the individual wheel motors of the hydrostatic 1T-2 with conventional drive axles and a drop box, to provide full-time all-wheel drive.
A 7kW hydraulic motor delivers drive to the drop box, while a second hydraulic pump is used to power the machine’s standard hydraulic circuit, for steering and skip lift.
The power is supplied by two 5kWh lithium-ion batteries, capable of providing full shift operation in normal use. The batteries can be recharged from conventional site electrical supplies, with 110V and 230V cables available.
A ROPS frame is standard, along with LED amber and green lap-belt beacons. The dumper also comes with powerful LED working lights, providing maximum visibility in low light conditions.
Productivity and performance are identical to the conventional diesel model, both in travel speeds and in tipping cycle times. The machine offers a maximum payload of 1,000kg and a maximum load over height of 2,392mm.
And a new electric dumpster
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An electric tracked dumpster, the HTD-5e, has been launched
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An electric version of the popular HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier, the HTD-5e, has also been launched.
It also comes with the brand-new optional ride-on SmartStep for enhanced versatility, safety and operator comfort. The feature isolates power to the tracks if the operator steps off the step while moving, but still allows power to the skip and hydraulics. When the SmartStep is folded up, all hydraulics are enabled, and the operator can walk behind.
The E-Dumpster is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged using a standard 240V or 110V electrical supply. Maximum recharge time is just two hours.
Designed to meet the needs of contractors and rental companies, the E-Dumpster provides a zero-emissions carrying solution for indoor work, tunnelling applications and other urban sites requiring zero emissions equipment.
New charger
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Less noise and fewer emissions are perks of electric vehicles
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JCB has developed a new rapid Universal Charger, compatible with current and future E-TECH electric models. Working with machine electrical systems from 48V to 96V and above, the JCB Universal Charger offers customers a future-proofed off-board rapid-charging solution, to allow extended working capability with battery electric construction and industrial machinery.
All JCB E-TECH equipment is supplied from the factory with a standard built-in charger and rapid charger preparation, allowing customers to simply plug into the JCB Universal Charger for a high-speed boost to battery performance during the working shift.
The charger unit, which is available through JCB dealers and JCB Parts, can easily be transported to site and located to suit the individual operation.
By offering a Universal Charger, rather than chargers dedicated to each product line, JCB is delivering a single rapid-charge solution, which can be used across a fleet of machines on site or in the depot.
The unit is capable of recharging the 19C-1E electric mini excavator from zero charge to full in just 2.5 hours and can be used to top-up machines during lunch breaks or when they are not in use. It requires a standard 415V three-phase electrical supply and comes with both four and five-pin connectors, to suit site power provision across Europe.
New cab for electric mini excavator
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A new fully glazed cab for JCB’s electric 19C-1E
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A fully glazed cab on JCB’s electric 19C-1E is an industry first for this sector. The machine will use the same spacious cab as JCB’s conventional 1-2 tonne models and will be equipped with an electric heater to provide instant heat to demist windows and warm the cab working environment for the operator.
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Photography: Supplied