JCB has launched a new high lift 542-100 Loadall telescopic handler. The new handler is built with fresh chassis and boom design allowing a load capacity of 4.2t and 9.8m lift height, both significant gains over the current 536-95 but with no increase in overall size.

The 542-100 has been introduced alongside the current 536-95 with higher specification as a premium machine with increased capabilities. The 542-100 lifts 1.8t to a height of 9.8m, designed for stacking bales of straw into large stacks etc. It lifts 4.2t to around 5.8m and 3t to 7.8m, combined with a 2.72m wheelbase and 5.02m overall length that is no bigger than other models in the Loadall range. It features high-capacity hydraulics using a 160-litre/min flow-on-demand pump and a regenerative circuit.

The geometry at the headstock has been improved by 54%, compared to the previous 536-95.

Inside the cab.

To keep the boom retraction point clean, it now features bristles rather than rubber, which JCB considers to be more effective.

Engine and transmission

The new Loadall 542-100 is equipped with JCB’s DualTech VT transmission, which provides initial movement by hydrostatic drive before automatically switching to direct-drive powershift at faster field and road speeds.

The Agri Super model is powered by a 130hp, 550Nm version of JCB’s 4.8-litre DieselMAX engine, while the Agri Xtra, which adds air conditioning, LED lighting, limited slip front axle differential, boom extension dust covers and centralised greasing to the base specification, has a 150hp, 600Nm version. Both send power through a 40km/h variant of the DualTech VT transmission. In Agri Pro, its highest-specification, the 542-100 has 173hp and 690Nm, and is also faster with a 50km/h DualTech VT transmission.

Common with other Agri Pro handlers, the new high-lift machine benefits from heavier-duty axles with 10-stud hubs, wider 500/70R24 traction grip, hybrid or hard-surface tyres, full-time four-wheel drive with auto-selectable two-wheel drive for road travel, and a dual axle power braking system.

A new option for all full-size JCB loadall telehandlers is IntelliWeigh Lite, a load-weighing system that operators can use to record all materials handled or loaded.

In common with other loadall Agri Pro handlers, the new high-lift machine benefits from heavier-duty axles, with 10-stud hubs.

It features 160l/min flow-on-demand hydraulic pump standard on all versions.

New additions

The geometry at the headstock has been improved by 54%, while the pipework has been moved from the centre to the side of the boom, to protect it in the case of a bale falling off. To keep the boom retraction point clean, it now features bristles rather than rubber. In a bid to protect the glass roof from any stones falling when stacking bales, a fine mesh protection grid has been added to the roof of the cab. Both rear and side view cameras are now optional. A new option for all Loadall telehandlers is IntelliWeigh Lite, a load weighing system that operators can use to record all materials handled or loaded.

Depending on the spec, the variations include the 97kW (130hp) AGRI Super, 112kW (150hp) AGRI Xtra and the 129kW (173hp) AGRI Pro.