JCB’s eight new small platform skid steer and compact track loaders

March 12, 2012

JCB, the world’s largest privately-owned construction equipment manufacturer, is building upon the success of its New Generation skid steer and compact track loader line with the addition of eight new small platform machines.

The eight new machines—the 135, 155, 175, 190 and 205 skid steers and the 150T, 190T and 205T compact track loaders—complement JCB’s nine large platform New Generation models launched in November 2010. These smaller skid models are more maneuverable in tight, confined areas and are easily transported from job site to job site. However, they don’t sacrifice power, safety, comfort or productivity. According to John Patterson, JCB North America’s CEO and JCB Group deputy chairman, the small platform machines are designed to meet the needs of a growing market.

“With this launch of these new small platform machines, we now offer 17 models in our skid steer range – both wheeled and tracked with radial and vertical lift designs – providing 97-percent market coverage,” Patterson said. “While the majority of these machines are sold in North America, international demand for smaller skid steers and track loaders is growing at a fast pace. By introducing these small platform machines, JCB is well-positioned to answer the unique needs of skid steer and compact track loader customers worldwide.”

Radial and vertical lift options. The 135, 155 and 150T machines feature radial lift, which offers improved digging geometry for heavy loading applications. Because they contain fewer pins and bushings, radial lift machines perform well in high-cycle applications such as waste, recycling and demolition. The 175, 190, 205, 190T and 205T models offer vertical lift, which provides maximum reach at full height—an important consideration when loading dump trucks, lifting pallets or using an auger attachment.

Superior serviceability. Serviceability is always an important consideration when purchasing heavy equipment. JCB’s small platform skid steers and compact track loaders provide 21-percent or better serviceability than competitive models. Innovative, high-tech electro hydraulic servo controls minimize the potential for leaks while improving both service access and machine controllability. A large opening rear door with a tilting cooling pack provides the best total access for daily service and routine maintenance. A tilting cab offers unrestricted access to the machine’s inner workings when more detailed maintenance is required. Overall, these skid steers and track loaders have 38-percent-fewer parts, 25-percent-fewer leak paths and O-ring face seal fittings throughout, simplifying maintenance and virtually eliminating the possibility of hydraulic leaks.

Unmatched safety. As with all JCB machines, the new small platform New Generation skid steers and compact track loaders offer unmatched safety, comfort, serviceability, productivity and total overall value. With JCB’s famous Powerboom design, these machines feature a unique side-entry door that allows operators to enter and exit the machines without crawling over any attachments. This design also increases the operator’s visibility to 270 degrees—a tremendous improvement over the 160-degree visibility offered by JCB’s competitors.

Class-leading comfort. When it comes to operator comfort, the JCB New Generation machines are second to none. JCB’s cabs are 46-percent larger than those offered by the average competitive machine. The operator compartments come standard with a mechanical suspension seat with an option for a heated, air suspension seat with adjustable arm pods. Because a comfortable operator is a more productive operator, machines have the option of a fully enclosed cab with heat and air con. The machine cabs are also sealed and pressurized to help eliminate dirt and dust ingress. Ergonomically-positioned controls and instrumentation help to further reduce operator fatigue.

Peak productivity. While safety, comfort and serviceability are important factors to consider when purchasing a skid steer or compact track loader, prospective owners also place great emphasis on machines that improve productivity. JCB offers 31 families of attachments that can handle virtually any application, greatly enhancing the productivity and money-making potential of its skid steers and compact track loaders. The eight new small platform models are also available with an optional hydraulic quick-hitch that enables operators to change out attachments in the field 33-percent faster.

Outstanding value. By combining productivity and fuel-efficiency with a lower cost of ownership and safer operation, JCB’s small platform New Generation skid steers and compact track loaders offer industry-leading value in a wide variety of applications, from construction and landscaping to agriculture and beyond. “By adapting the design of our Loadall telescopic handlers and applying it to skid steer loaders, we continue to manufacture a much safer machine that doesn’t sacrifice performance or versatility,” Patterson said. “Our small platform skid steers and compact track loaders are simply another example of how JCB’s innovative spirit continues to help owners and operators meet today’s challenges head-on.”