JCB has announced its intention to become a major player in the $8 billion powered access market by entering the sector for the first time with the launch of a brand new range. The company has been developing and engineering a line-up of powered access machines in secret for the past two years. The first products announced are nine all-new electric scissor models. By the end of 2017 the newly-launched JCB Access business will be offering a total of 27 new platforms, including scissors, articulated booms and telescopic boom machines.
JCB's move is geared to grab a slice of a market where 130,000 units a year are sold – generating an annual revenue of $8 billion. Powered access platforms are a common sight around the world where temporary access is needed for people to work at height, particularly on construction sites. JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “The access market is a truly global market and offers immense opportunities for growth for JCB. It’s a market that is ripe for a new supplier with the ability to offer industry leading, round-the clock-product support. JCB’s 770 dealers with 2,200 depots can deliver the back-up that global customers expect.” The new JCB Access products - designed in-house to meet the needs of rental companies and contractors worldwide - will initially be offered in the UK, France, Germany and North America.
The JCBs Access range has been certified by TUV ensuring the highest product quality standard. It will also comply with the latest ANSI & CSA legislation. Lord Bamford added: “Customers in this industry now have a highly credible alternative with a range of products built and certified to a higher standard. We are very excited about the opportunities this offers the rental customers that we already know very well.”
JCB’s dealer network has been undergoing full sales and service training to be able to provide world-class back-up for the access platform ranges. JCB’s LiveLink telematic system will be incorporated as standard on all booms, and available as an option on the scissors. By the end of 2017 JCB’s range of access platforms will include:
- Nine electric and three diesel scissor lifts from 15’ (4.6m) to 45’ (13.8m)
- Five articulating booms – four diesel and one electric - from 49’ (14.9m) to 81’ (24.6m)
- 10 diesel telescopic booms from 67’ (20.6m) to 136’ (41.6m)
The scissor lifts weigh between 1,330kg and 3,366kg. The two smallest models (S1530e & S1930e) have platforms measuring 1.64m long by 0.76m wide, while all larger models use a 2.5m long platform, apart from the largest S4550E model which has a 2.64m long working area. The machines are rated for basket capacity from 227kg to a maximum of 550kg. The electric scissors are powered by four 6V or 12V batteries, with hydraulic drive. Three diesel models will be introduced later in 2017.
JCB will introduce four articulated booms in 2017, with platform heights of 49’ (14.9m) through to 81’ (24.6m). All four models will be offered with four wheel drive and two-wheel steer, delivering up to 40% gradeability and a maximum stowed driving speed of up to 7 kmh. These will be joined by a 45’ (13.7m) platform height AJ45E electric powered articulating boom model in quarter 3. The electric model has two wheel drive and two wheel steering, with up to 30% gradeability.
The AJ50D diesel articulating boom is powered by a Perkins engine, while the other three articulated models and all telescopic models use the JCB by Kohler engine already proven in many of JCB’s compact machines. These engines all meet Tier 4 Final emission standards, making them suitable for the North American and European markets. Load capacities range from 227-250kg, again enough for two occupants and tools. A range of 10 diesel-powered telescopic booms will also be added throughout 2017. These will offer platform heights from 67’ (20.6m) to 135’ (45.6m). There will be a high degree of parts commonality between the three model ranges.
