Building on the successful introduction of its next generation 6-, 8-, 9- and 10-ton (13,000- to 22,000-pound class) compact excavators in 2015, JCB is releasing three additional models with operating weights from 10,000 – 12,500 pounds. These latest JCB compact excavators are available in conventional and zero tailswing configurations to meet the requirements of customers across the world.
Key features include:
- 500 hour greasing intervals
- Improved cab instrumentation
- 18 percent increase in 57C operator’s cab capacity
- 11 percent improvement in visibility
- 9 percent boost to bucket breakout
- 5 percent additional dump height
- 2 percent more powerful bucket breakout force
Durable performance
The three new models are the 48Z-1, which replaces the previous 8045Z; the 55Z-1, which takes over from the 8055ZTS/RTS; and a completely new 57C-1 model. All three share the durable design proven on the larger machines in JCB’s next generation compact excavator range, with 100 percent steel bodywork and sturdy, four-plate dipper arm construction.
The digging end is 100 percent bushed, leading to extended 500-hour greasing intervals. JCB has also redesigned the pin pick-up points to be compatible with a variety of bucket brands, while optional hydraulic or manual quick hitches can be specified for faster attachment changes. JCB has developed a new range of ECO buckets, with a redesigned profile for easier filling and improved material retention.
The excavators feature a redesigned digging end, with a longer main boom and shorter dipper arm, to provide up to 5 percent greater dump height for easier truck and site dumper loading. The upgraded hydraulic system delivers up to 9 percent more bucket breakout force and 2 percent higher dipper arm breakout, boosting performance and productivity.
Operator comfort and control
The excavators feature an improved operator’s cab, with the 57C-1 using the same structure as JCB's larger 22,000-pound machine. The cab is 18 percent more spacious and offers up to 11 percent more visibility, improving both comfort and site safety. Even in zero tailswing configurations, JCB’s compact excavators deliver impressive levels of comfort for the driver, with reduced noise and vibration levels and easily-replaced flat glass throughout.
The biggest development in the cab is the adoption of a new display screen and control system with an automotive-style rotary dial allowing easy access to a host of systems and information. The operator can set auxiliary hydraulic flows for two separate attachments from the cab, while the menu mode button switches the rotary dial between throttle modes, including a one-touch idle function and menu mode.
The cab is also offered with a new soft button switch panel to control auxiliary flow settings, working lights, beacon, wipers and JCB’s 2Go additional hydraulic activation safety system. As with JCB’s larger JS excavators, the compact machines now have nine power modes available, including Eco and, for the first time, an H+ heavy digging mode. The machines can also be ordered ready for tilt-rotator installation from the factory with a programmable third auxiliary function.
Another innovation is the inclusion of an optional Safe Lift feature, complete with an integral Lift Overload warning system. An industry first at this weight. Safe Lift incorporates a green-amber-red graphic in the new monitor panel, with an audible warning that sounds if the machine approaches overload. Expected to be a popular option, the Safe Lift feature is included as standard when hose burst check valves have been specified, ensuring maximum safety for those customers that use the compact machines to lift pipes and other materials on site.
Productivity has been further enhanced with the adoption of an electro-hydraulic dozer control lever, with up to three buttons in the head to control two-speed tracking, dozer float and a four-way adjustable dozer blade where fitted. The sturdy, ergonomically designed lever has a large diameter and improved resistance to deliver improved response and more accurate control on rough ground. Separate buttons in the control lever head activate the machines’ standard ‘auto kick-down’ two-speed tracking, along with optional dozer float and four-way blade control.
The new JCB compact excavators feature 20 improved standard features and 20 new options to improve productivity and performance on site. The cab can be equipped with optional LED work lights that feature a "guide-me-home" function, providing lighting for three minutes after the machine has been turned off to allow the operator to get to a position of safety when working at night. Other safety options include a green seatbelt-in-use beacon and seatbelt isolation.
Low cost of ownership
All three excavators come with a Tier 4 Final, no-DPF engine from JCB by Kohler. The engine produces 48 hp and 225 Nm gross torque.
Access to the engine has been improved thanks to wide-opening steel canopies at the rear and to the side of the machine. The new cab also features a removable floor section, requiring no tools to access major hydraulic components. A fully bushed dig end with 500-hour greasing intervals also reduces downtime and daily maintenance, reducing total cost of ownership and increasing productivity.
The machines feature an open-undercarriage design with angled frames for easy cleaning and to prevent material build-up. All models are available with JCB’s LiveLink telematic monitoring and location service, providing customers with machine work hour data, fuel level and consumption information and a host of critical system alerts.
