JCB’s Electric Dreams

In a move which further underpins its “electric” ambitions, JCB has launched a range of lithium-ion battery powered scissor lift aerial work platforms and also unveiled its first ever electric excavator – the model 19C-1 E-TEC.

JCB Access, which entered the sector a year ago, also announced it has already received an order for 420 of the electric scissors from Dutch rental company Hogwerktwhich is establishing a “green” rental business across Holland.

In 2017, the newly-launched JCB Access business took the wraps off nine all new electric scissors as the company signaled its intention to enter the estimated $8 billion powered access market.

This has been backed up with the launch of the five new lithium-ion models: the S1530E, S1930E, S2032E, S2646E and the S2646E, offering working heights of 6.6m through to 10.1m.

According to JCB Access, lithium-ion batteries offer up to 40% longer operation and a 50% cut in recharging times with Access managing director Jonathan Garnham adding that lithium-ion powered scissor lifts benefits include “significantly” reduced total cost of ownership.

The company added that the biggest concern for all electric work platform operators, particularly in the rental industry, is battery misuse and damage through incorrect recharging. By offering a range of scissor lifts with lithium-ion batteries, in place of conventional lead acid units, JCB Access said it has delivered a solution that will allow platforms to operate for up to 40% longer between recharging periods.

The lithium-ion powered machines come with a Smartphone app which provides wireless connectivity for real-time condition checks of the batteries. The batteries have up to 2000 recharge cycles.

JCB Access has developed a Battery Management System (BMS) that allows customers to monitor each cell in the battery pack, adjusting the load to ensure all cells are performing at their optimum.

Designed to meet a growing need for zero-emission environmentally-friendly construction equipment, JCB will launch the electric-drive 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator later this year. Based on the 19C-1 E-TEC conventional tailswing model, that was unveiled in 2017, the electric excavator replaces the standard machine’s diesel engine with an electric motor and three, next generation 104Ah battery packs, to deliver a full energy capacity of 312Ah (15kWh).

For more information see the forthcoming May issue of Diesel Progress International.

-By Ian Cameron-