This year JCB has released three new wheeled loader models primarily aimed at the larger agricultural user such as agri contractors. These new models are the 427 Agri, 437 Agri and the flagship of the range, the 435S Agri, which is the one we had on test.

Having to comply with the latest emissions regulations, JCB also took the opportunity to revamp various other aspects of the wheeled loader in order to increase performance, comfort, efficiency and reliability.

Engine

In order to comply with the latest tier 4 final emissions regulations, the 435S is fitted with the latest 6.7-litre Cummins QSB turbocharged diesel engine. The emissions requirements are met by incorporating the latest selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system along with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).

JCB says that because particulates are dealt with through the combustion process, there is no need for a DPF and its associated servicing requirements. The 230hp 435S Agri is JCB’s high-performance machine. It retains its power-to-weight ratio associated with previous models of 13.6t:230hp.

The fuel tank capacity is increased to 400 litres, which JCB believes will keep downtime refuelling to a minimum. Access to the engine is now achieved via a power-operated one-piece engine hood with a separate fuel and diesel engine fluid (DEF) access panel.

Driving the 435S, which was fitted with a 12ft folding silage fork, you certainly know you are sitting on a powerful machine. As soon as you press the throttle the machine feels alive and ready to be let loose on the clamp, with plenty of low-down torque for shoving a full load of silage.

With a machine of this size and a 12ft fork, power was never an issue at any stage on the clamp. Unlike other machines, the JCB employs limited slip differentials (LSD) on both axles. The reason for this, says the manufacturer, is LSDs are better suited to the twisty nature of farms, providing more grip more of the time, unlike a 100 per cent locking differential which is only any use in a straight line. And to a large extent we can see their logic especially in the confines of a silage clamp. It also means you can forget about having to manage your traction and just leave the machine to do its stuff. Traction certainly was not a problem on the silage clamp. Another unique feature of the JCB compared to the others is the use of parallel lift arms as opposed to Z-bar linkage.

To get the power to the ground, The 435S Agri has a six-speed ZF powershift transmission with torque lock-up in every gear. This feature allows the transmission to put 100% of its power to the wheels. This was instantly noticeable when traction became an issue as the pit became steeper, but to be honest when it did engage the loader tended to lunge forward, leaving you with a heart-in-mouth moment, especially when doing finer work close to the edge. The 435S also features the Intelligent Clutch Cut Off (ICCO) feature and the 264-litre/min twin piston pump hydraulics package which is very useful during loading work as you are not fighting the transmission. A useful feature is the automatic boom suspension system which kicks in above 7km/h, however, this can be adjusted by the dealer if you want it changed.

On the road the 435S can achieve a top speed of 48km/h which really helps it keep up with the convoy moving from farm to farm.

JCB now offers various axle options for the 435S which allow it to be tailored to different applications.

Cab

The most noticeable improvement to the 435S is the new CommandPlus cab, which is definitely more spacious and boasts improved visibility by removing the cross beam along the front window, making it one uninterrupted piece of glass from top to bottom.

The cab is noticeably quieter while the improved ventilation with climate-controlled air conditioning is definitely a welcome addition when under pressure with trailers waiting to tip on a hot summer’s day at grass. A simple but noticeable improvement is that there are more storage compartments for you to keep everything away from the floor under your feet.

Another new feature is the “set and forget” adjustable steering column that returns to your preferred position after being pushed forward in order to ease cab entry and exit, which is handy as you don’t have to keep adjusting it. There is the option to fit a large electric cool box which I would recommend although its position is not ideal as passengers use it as a seat and it will ultimately get broken. You can now even order your 435S with deep pile carpet to add to the ultimate in loading shovel cab comfort but I’m not sure how it will work when loading manure for example.

Operators can choose from a one-piece servo joystick or new fingertip electro-hydraulic multi-lever controls. Both options are seat-mounted as standard, which is a noticeable improvement as the controls move with you and the seat, allowing more precise feel and control.

There are two equipment levels available to choose from. As standard, the cab is fitted with an adjustable steering column, air suspension seat, a single instrument display, windscreen roller blind, heated mirrors and a 12v power socket. The high-spec version has a deluxe heated air suspension seat with adjustable headrest which can be further upgraded to a half leather ventilated Super Deluxe seat with adjustable damping. There are also twin sun blinds and a USB multimedia connection in addition to a second power socket fitted.

A new 360-degree LED lighting package greatly improves visibility for the operator at night.

Operators are kept better informed by new instruments in the cab. An LCD display provides routine vehicle information, help menus, reversing camera display and daily service checks such as engine oil and DEF levels.

There is now a secondary screen which acts as a command centre, enabling the operator to adjust settings for different applications, such as the variable auxiliary hydraulic flow rate, loader arm suspension engagement speed, auto engine shut-off timer and engine fan reversing intervals. JCB says this gives the operator greater control, allowing them to fine tune the machine for the best performance.

Verdict

The new JCB 435S is an improvement on the previous model. It has ample engine and hydraulic power as well as enough weight to transfer the power to the ground. The one-piece bonnet is a great improvement as far as access and serviceability goes, although in the event of an engine fire I think it may be too slow to open in order to gain access. The cab is the most noticeable improvement for me personally – it’s more spacious, the climate control keeps you cool, and the seat and controls move together, making it nicer to use. The instruments are easy to use and the reversing camera display is in your eyeline for added safety.

On the road, the 435S comes into its own with its smooth ride suspension system which floats along at up to 50km/h. Even though it’s quite a large machine, after a few hours behind the wheel you will be confident enough to drive at that speed.

There are, however, some bad points. The hydraulic pipes on top of the tilt rams as well as the headlights are in your line of sight when working a folding silage fork, making it both annoying and difficult when working near the pit edge. Another problem is that the plastic mudguards are protruding too far over the wheels, causing them to get caught quite easily when working in tight spaces or near silage walls.

It is clear this machine was engineered with one goal in mind; to shove material up a clamp.

Torque lock up and a high power to weight ratio are this machine’s party pieces, especially for clamp work. Overall, from looks to performance, it is quite an aggressive machine.