This new loader replaces the 434S Agri, which JCB describes ‘as the industry’s first heavy class wheeled loader built exclusively for agricultural applications’.

There are many ‘shovels’ that have crossed over to farming from mining/quarry type applications. While JCB makes shovels for these sectors as well, the 434 and 435 are from the outset ‘agri’ machines.

Powering the 435 is an emissionised version of the engine fitted in the 434. This is a 6.7-litre Cummins QSB six-cylinder engine with unchanged maximum power and torque performances of 230hp and 945 Nm torque. The emission reduction package to meet European Stage 3B emissions rules includes DOC catalyst and DPF exhaust filter plus EGR and a variable geometry turbocharger.

The engine features a new ECO power setting that limits engine speed to 1,800rpm for light duties plus a new ‘low idle’ feature. The latter automatically cuts engine speed to just 700rpm after 30 seconds of inactivity, when waiting for a silage trailer, for example.

It can also be augmented by an optional auto engine shut-down, if required. JCB states that together with a lower cooling fan speed to cut power loss, these features contribute to significant reductions in lifetime fuel usage.

This loader uses both a ZF six-speed power-shift transmission (6F/3R) and ZF axles. The transmission has automatic shifting and torque converter lock-up in all gears giving no-slip mechanical drive to the wheels.

Standard on both axles are limited slip differentials. There is the option of an automatic locking front axle differential.

The transmission incorporates a new Powerinch facility which disengages the drive when full engine speed is required at low ground speed for optimum loader tear-out and lift.

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On the road, the transmission gearing provides a 48kph top speed option. This enables the machine to keep pace with other vehicles in a silage-making or muck spreading crew.

According to JCB, “the 434S established new levels of performance for heavy-duty farm loading and handling operations with improved traction, faster travel speed and greater comfort and convenience for the operator — and a significant reduction in fuel consumption bringing lower running costs.”

Cab comfort

A new cab on the 435S sees the noise level reduced to 70 dB(A). A new instrument display combines analogue dials and a colour LCD screen. This screen provides the operator with useful information such as fuel consumption to help to help ‘manage’ the loader’s use.

Climate control air conditioning with increased ventilation and air recirculation, plus an Actimo XXL luxury air suspension seat, are both options aimed at improving the operators working environment. Loader arm suspension is standard on JCB’s 435S and on the previous model it was active above 6kph. For the new loader, the operator can ask the dealer to set Smooth Ride Suspension activation at whatever speed chosen.

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Time at the 435s wheel

The Irish Farmers Journal managed to drive JCB’s new 435S Agri in Britain recently and we weren’t disappointed! It’s a fair climb up into the cab, about five steps in total with the bottom one attached by flexible rubber.

This allows for some sinkage into the silage pit. The loader’s rubber mud flaps were tied up on check chains to prevent them being ripped off on the pit.

The cab was large and spacious with large curved windscreen, with bonded extensions at either side. Layout of instruments and controls was simple and logical. The loader control joystick incorporates forward/reverse shuttle function plus shifting between first and second gears.

Functions of float, kick-out and return-to-dig are now selectable rather than permanent features of the loader control system. Also, standard is electrical quick-hitch implement attachment system from the seat for safety, as well as convenience.

With a 12-foot Strimech folding grass fork on the front, the JCB 435S was quick to clear loads as they arrived. There was no shortage of power, either engine or hydraulic to climb the steep face of the pit while building the pit at the same time. Its 13.6 tonnes mass combined with the optional 750/65R26 MegaXBib tyres made it well suited to rolling the pit between loads.

The selectable transmission lock-up facility made a big difference when climbing the steep pit with a full mouthful of grass on the fork. It climbed it quicker with no discernible difference in engine tone. The big 230hp (maximum) Cummins engine was happy to perform regardless of what it was being asked to do.

While our test was brief, there was no question about the JCB 435S Agri’s capabilities. I did miss the shuttle lever on the left. The JCB TM310 from a previous test provides both a left hand and joystick shuttle operation option. From a practical perspective, perhaps it works better on the joystick and is only a matter of getting used to it.

Access for servicing is good. There are two large gull-wing panels on gas struts either side of the engine to provide access for daily checks or servicing.

SPECIFICATION

JCB 435S Agri

Payload/lift height: 4,200kg/3.61m.

Engine: 6.7-litre, six-cylinder Cummins QSB Tier 3B.

Power/torque: 230hp max; 945Nm.

Transmission: 6x3 auto powershift with torque converter lock-up and Powerinch low-speed auto clutch.

Axles: Forward with open, limited slip or auto locking front, LSD rear differentials.

Hydraulics: Dual variable displacement, load-sensing piston pumps; 264-litre/min max.

Weight: 13,688kg.