JCB held a media event last month at its North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga., to introduce several new products. Rock Products Associate Editor Josephine Smith attended the event.
“What we have done is to build on the remarkable achievements of our EcoMAX Tier 4 Interim engine and come up with an innovative ‘one can’ SCR solution. An engine that is compact, fuel efficient and which definitely sets us apart from the competition,” explained Alan Tolley, JCB director of engine programs. “Basically, we have taken EcoMAX engine technology to a new level by incorporating a highly efficient and compact SCR system. Unlike competitors who might choose to operate a ‘three can’ solution with DOC, DPF and SCR, or ‘two can’ solution with DOC and SCR, JCB’s innovative one can SCR solution means no diesel particulate filter, no diesel oxidation catalyst is required in Tier 4 Final.”
The company unveiled the JCB 457 wheel loader with the new CommandPlus cab. It’s the first machine to show off the completely new cab structure, engine cover and rear counterweight design, all of which contribute to improved visibility, lower noise levels, increased internal space and an enhanced working environment for the operator.
“The 457 comes complete with our new generation JCB CommandPlus cab. It puts the operator in complete control; and the feedback on this cab has been fantastic,” said Tim Burnhope, chief innovation and growth officer at JCB. “Our engineers spent endless hours improving cab environments across the entire JCB product range. JCB CommandPlus is a radical design enhancement with an entirely new cab structure giving considerably more width and depth, in fact, giving an increase volume of over 13 percent. A redesigned front windshield offer[s] a panoramic view increasing visibility over 22 percent.”
Tier 4 Final
The JCB 457 is powered by a 7.7-liter MTU Tier 4 Final engine, delivering 258 hp (193kW). The engine delivers the increased output at lower rated engine revs, cutting fuel consumption, noise and emissions compared to the previous model. JCB has also fine-tuned the match between engine, torque converter and transmission, to perfectly match the engine with both the standard four-speed and optional five-speed transmissions.
This has resulted in fuel efficiency gains of up to 16 percent over the previous model. As with other JCB machines, the JCB 457 achieves Tier 4 Final emissions standards without the requirement for a diesel particulate filter (DPF), relying on an efficient combustion process with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and an exhaust fluid additive to meet regulations.
CommandPlus
The CommandPlus cab offers operators the ultimate in comfort. The ROPS structure has A pillars that have been moved out to the same width as the rear of the cab, providing 13 percent increase in interior volume with a panoramic front windscreen. The machine features JCB’s Command Driving Position with revised pedals, a new adjustable steering column and seat-mounted hydraulic controls. The JCB 457 has two full-color LCD screens, one in the central console and a second at the top of the right hand A pillar. This second screen incorporates access to the loader’s operating menus and acts as a monitor for the machine’s rear view camera.
LiveLink
The Tier 4 JCB 457 will come standard with JCB’s LiveLink telematic system. This provides fleet managers and owners with remote access to real-time fuel consumption and machine working data, including operating hours and fault codes. LiveLink also allows customers to set working hour curfews along with geofencing.
JCB also announced that it was further improving its acclaimed JS range of excavators, with the introduction of Tier 4 Final engines in all models from the JS145 to the JS220. Body styling has also been updated to incorporate improved access to the superstructure of the machines and increased cooling capacity.
JCB’s EcoMAX Tier 4 Final engine employs SCR with a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet the 90 percent reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) that is required by Tier 4 Final regulations. The JCB EcoMax engine has no requirement for a DPF or for regular regeneration that can often call for the machine to stop working while the DPF is cleaned.
JS models equipped with a DEF tank also benefit from a larger filler neck on the diesel tank, to allow faster refueling. A new pop-up in tank fuel indicator has also been installed to prevent over filling of the tank. In addition, to assist with regular maintenance, JCB has installed fuel taps to the feed side of the fuel filter, preventing fuel loss during service work.
Hydraulic Pumps
JS220 series machines also benefit from the latest generation Kawasaki hydraulic pumps, which are 3 percent more efficient than the previous pumps used in the Tier 4 Interim machines. The hydraulic pumps produce increased flow, which allows the machine to run the engine at lower rpm for the same hydraulic output, cutting fuel consumption and noise levels.
Tier 4 Final models also have a 34 percent larger cooling pack, with both the charge air cooler and the air conditioning condenser now both fully hinged to allow easy access for cleaning. It is now easier for the operator or service technician to access the engine and top of the upper structure thanks to new steps and handrails, allowing three-point access and egress at all times, improving safety.
Compact Clean-Up Machine
Furthermore, JCB unveiled a 10-metric-ton conventional tailswing compact excavator to meet the growing demand from customers in the U.S., UK, France and 
Germany. The 100C-1 is based on the frame of the recently released 8.6-metric-ton 86C-1 compact machine, but with a more powerful engine, larger dig end and increased hydraulic capacity to boost performance.
Key features include: increased productivity compared to a conventional A-frame excavator; 30-degree tilting cab for excellent service access; 500 hour greasing intervals; spacious operator cab; excellent all-around visibility; and 100-percent steel bodywork for superior durability.
The 100C-1 shares the latest JCB compact excavator appearance, with a revised H-design undercarriage, robust steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and a powerful Tier 4 Final engine that delivers increased efficiency and lower operating costs for the customer. The machine is powered by a 74-hp JCB Diesel by Kohler engine.
Longer digging equipment provides the 100C-1 with a maximum digging depth of 15 ft., a dump height of 18 ft., 6 in., and a reach at ground level of 24 ft., 4 in. A patented reduced loss hydraulic system operates with reduced back pressure, eliminating parasitic losses and the hydraulic system puts less demand on the engine, reducing fuel consumption. All hoses feature O-ring face seal technology and are color coded for rapid identification.
JCB, www.jcbna.com