At The ARA Show 2024, JCB has debuted its new T65D diesel-powered telescopic boom lift. The new machine is powered by a 74-horsepower JCB 444 EcoMAX engine, offers 360-degree continuous rotation, and enough power to accommodate three workers in the basket throughout its full operating range.
"With the T65D, JCB expands its presence in the MEWP sector," says Chris Giorgianni, vice president of product for JCB in North America. "The company has achieved excellent results with its scissor lifts and articulated booms and aims to surpass its customer expectations with this new product line. The addition of this telescopic boom fills another key segment of the market, making JCB a comprehensive provider of solutions for our customers."
Lift capacity of the T65D
"The dual-zone lift capacity of the T65D can handle 1,000 pounds in the basket through 80 percent of its range and 600 pounds through 100 percent of the range. This, along with an eight-foot basket and three access points, enables workers to maneuver and work comfortably alongside each other. With three workers in the basket, tasks are completed more efficiently, and there's no need to bring in a secondary machine," says Connor Stanmore, product manager of access products at JCB.
What control features are on the T65D?
"A five-inch display in the basket shows the total load as a percentage of capacity, rather than have operators guess at how much capacity remains. This information-rich chart enables operators to understand at a glance what to keep and what to leave out of the basket," says Stanmore. "Warning lights, fuel level, and machine position are also displayed on the colour screen. USB charging points come standard with the platform console. The controls on the base of the machine are toggle switches accompanied by a seven-inch touchscreen with built-in diagnostics capabilities."
The platform control box features a dial to control the speed of the boom. This, combined with proportional joysticks for basket control, enables workers to manoeuvre precisely and safely close to working surfaces but also move with speed and efficiency when obstacles are out of the way.
As for accessories, a pipe cradle and glazing kit will be available at launch and more to come.
Diving into the T65D's engine
Known for its high torque and low revs, the JCB 444 EcoMAX engine, is an engine that JCB says drives the T65D and gives it a unique advantage in this size class.
"Most telescopic boom lifts in this size class use a 40- to 50-horsepower engine," says Stanmore. "At 74 horsepower, the T65D has enough muscle to push through muddy terrain, steep grades, and difficult underfoot conditions without bogging down and slowing work."
"For crews that deploy welders in the basket, the T65D uses the Harrison Hydra-Gen PTO-based hydraulic generator. Smaller, more compact, and lighter than engine-powered generators, the Harrison generator can run the welder at full power with no loss of performance from the primary diesel engine," says Stanmore.
Servicability
The Tier 4 Final engine on the T65D does not require a diesel particulate filter or diesel exhaust fluid to meet emissions requirements. All the serviceable items are positioned on the front side of the engine bay for easy access. Diagnostics highlight fault codes on the machine's monitor without the need to connect a laptop. JCB Livelink telematics comes standard and monitors all machines and schedules servicing automatically. Self-lubricating bushings reduce the need for routine greasing.
On the boom, hydraulic fluid is protected in steel pipework rather than hoses to reduce the risk of damage. The steel pipework comes in sections. If one is damaged, it can be replaced with less cost and time than it would take to replace a full-length hosing or pipework. The pipework is also covered with a shield for additional protection. All hydraulic hoses are colour-coded for easier replacement and serviceability.