JCB Workmax 1000D

Specification

The JCB Workmax 1000D had a very high specification with power steering, front and rear screen, heaters, front and rear hitch, wipers and a road lighting kit fitted. We found it a very nice machine to drive.

It was simple, comfortable, very predictable and the controls were all easy to understand. A nice feature of the rear box body is that its sides can be let down to expose a flat floor.

There was seating for two on the JCB with two individual seats and both could be flipped forward while washing or parked.

Driving

In-field, the JCB Workmax 1000D was reasonably responsive. Its three-cylinder Kohler diesel engine had plenty of low-down torque for slugging through the mud and was well matched to the transmission.

Power steering made it easy to drive but a little bit woolly in very slippery conditions through lack of steering feedback. It has a low centre of gravity, so felt very stable on hilly terrain. The noise rating was low at 86dB.

Time trial

Among the diesels, the JCB was average in its performance. Ground clearance was greatly reduced with the load on-board, while the engine and transmission pulled it through.

The sides and rear of the box-body had a tendency to open under the extreme test conditions. The front windscreen and wiper were essential for protecting the driver from splashes through the waterlogged areas.

Likes

  • Engine and transmission’s agricultural performance.
  • High specification, including heaters and power steering.
  • Sides fold down for flatbed on rear body.

    • Dislikes

  • Poor ground clearance, especially laden.
  • Rear body sides opened under tough conditions.
  • Rear body tip-lock in poor location.