JCB Boosts Its Electric Portfolio

More than 43 years after JCB was at the forefront of the development of telescopic handlers the company has launched an electric version.

The company has launched its first ever electric Loadall model as the expansion of its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines continues.

The announcement was part of a raft of new product launches by the company this week – with the emphasis very heavily on all-things electric.

Headlining the launches was the 525-60E, a full electric version of the Loadall which, the company said, is designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, and offers a zero-emissions load handling solution to construction, industrial and agricultural customers.

JCB Chief Innovation Officer Tim Burnhope said the JCB 525-60E “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.”

JCB said that one of the key features of the new Loadall is two Jungheinrich electric motors – one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system.

The 17 kW traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to JCB drive/steer axles. The 22 kW 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.

Other features include brake regeneration which boosts battery charge, full shift operation capability and a range of charging options, including on-board and rapid charging.

The electric motors are 85% efficient, which, JCB said, compares well with the 45% efficiency of a diesel engine. The company added that analysis of customer duty cycles, through JCB’s LiveLink telematics system and on-site studies, tests and evaluation, has allowed its engineers to optimise the machine’s battery to meet customer requirements. The 96V lithium-ion battery, can provide full-shift operation, it added.

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 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

JCB said a secondary benefit of electric operation is a 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 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.

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, said JCB. It can be used with forks, a range of buckets and many other JCB Loadall attachments.

Other significant launches by JCB included its first ever electric site dumper with the unveiling of 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 suitable partner for JCB’s 19C-1E electric mini excavator, JCB said.

JCB also introduced a range of power packs to support its growing line of fully electric machinery – offering zero-emissions electrical back-up to remote and urban construction projects. The packs feature four or eight batteries giving 23 or 46 kWhr of storage capacity and 8kW/10kVA single phase output.