Traditionally, JCB would be a very common sight on Irish farms through the years, mainly due to its ability to make light work of labour-intensive daily tasks.
This is still very much the case today in what is a competitive market for agri telehandlers. JCB continues to be one of the market leaders in this field, directly attributed to its innovative attitude with machinery.
Nowhere is this more evident than its latest offering – the AGRI Pro DualTech VT Loadall.
Range
The new range of premium-specification, high-performance telescopic handlers launched by JCB consists of three models – the 531-70, 536-70 and 541-70.
These machines have an advanced powertrain that brings together the power, torque and economy of the 4.8-litre turbocharged JCB EcoMAX engine and the new DualTech VT transmission.
All three models are 7m machines, with lift capacities of 3.1t (531-70), 3.6t (536-70) and 4.1t (541-70).
The range is distinguishable externally by a signature black roof panel. The handlers also have AGRI Pro branding on the instrument panel, steering wheel, cab entry kick strip and an air suspension seat.
Standard specification on the AGRI Pro range includes a seat-mounted servo joystick with proportional roller switches for boom extend and retract, coupled with a transmission forward and reverse trigger switch that complements the traditional left-hand power shuttle, which is still fitted.
Safety when working at night is improved, with high-intensity LED work and front and rear driving lamps that provide 360° illumination. Power brakes, which were first installed on the Loadall 550-80, now feature on the AGRI Pro machines as standard, providing top-level braking performance for heavy towing and reduced pedal effort, further increasing safety during operation.
Transmission
As the name suggests, this Loadall is fitted with two separate transmission systems, which have been cleverly incorporated into one unit. This DualTech VT variable transmission has been developed by JCB’s own engineering team comprising of 30 people, and took no less than six years and 10,000 hours of in-field testing before going into production.
The advanced hardware and control calibration for the transmission are now being produced on a new high-tech assembly line at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham, Wales, where most of the powershift and synchromesh transmissions, transfer gearboxes and axles used in JCB machines are designed, engineered and manufactured.
The transmission uses both hydrostatic and powershift drive systems in one unit. These work in harmony, seamlessly and automatically, to provide easy driving characteristics that can be fine-tuned by the operator in the cab to optimise driving comfort and performance when working in different applications.
The hydrostatic drive system uses an electronically controlled hydraulic pump and motor combination to provide fast response, fine speed adjustment and infinitely variable working speeds up to 19km/h.
This hydrostatic module is optimised for low speed response and controllability, resulting in quiet and smooth operation while also being responsive and power-efficient. When the AGRI Pro telehandler accelerates beyond 19km/h, whether in the field or on the road, the DualTech VT transmission automatically switches to its powershift system, where electronically modulated clutch packs make barely noticeable shifts between three mechanical gears up to the 40km/h top speed.
No torque converter is needed, which allows direct drive in each gear. This makes the most of the available torque in order to deliver quick acceleration, strong climbing ability and allows the machine to maintain its speed on road inclines.
On the road, the transmission will skip-shift down to the lowest ratio, allowing it to be ready to pull away after slowing for a road junction. The transmission can also short-shift when accelerating with a light load, achieving its optimum speed level quicker.
Engine
All three AGRI Pro telehandlers are powered by the 4.8-litre version of JCB’s EcoMAX diesel engine, developing 145hp at 2,200rpm and 560Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm.
Exhaust emissions to European Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final standards are achieved using a compact selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, allowing it to be housed within the exhaust silencer located under the engine hood where it is protected from the weather, mud and dust. Thanks to the EcoMAX engine’s combustion efficiency, there is no need for a costly particulate filter, with its added servicing requirements.
Hydraulics
JCB’s 140-litre/min flow-on-demand piston pump hydraulics system is fitted to all the range.
This system has proven performance and fuel economy advantages, which largely result from the unique regenerative hydraulic circuit for the lift and extend cylinders. This regulates oil flow in a way that allows the boom to lower significantly faster than usual, but still under full control.
JCB claims this system, when tested in side-by-side comparisons of Loadall handlers with and without the system, can improve loading cycle times by as much as 20%, or a 15% reduction in the amount of fuel consumed to move the same amount of material.
A new high-flow auxiliary hydraulics circuit provides up to 110-litre/min flow at 190 bar pressure for implements with a high demand for oil and hydraulic power.
Another feature fitted to this range as standard is a venting system operated by a switch in the cab, which releases pressure at the couplings for quicker and easier attachment changeover.
Speaking to JCB chief engineering and innovation officer Tim Burnhope at the event, he said: “The DualTech VT transmission is a prime example of JCB’s innovation and engineering strengths coming together to create the best of both worlds; a new product range that will bring new levels of productivity, performance, control, refinement, fuel efficiency and positive operator experience to the Loadall.”
Prices for the New JCB AGRI Pro DualTech VT Loadall range will be starting from €95,000+VAT and production will commence fully in May of this year.
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