JCB’s 19C-1 ETECH machine made company history last year unveiling its first ever electric excavator, the quietest digger in the JCB range and one delivering zero emissions.
With machines now here in Australia JCB CEA has taken the opportunity to showcase the machine and its capabilities to the market. Key features:
- Three lithium-ion battery packs providing a 312Ah (15kWh) storage capacity
- A standard load-sensing hydraulic system delivering powerful digging performance
- Convenient on-board charger with 230V input for 6-hour recharging capability
- Comprehensive battery management system ensures full-shift availability
- Fast charge option on launch allowing a full charge in 2.5 hours
National Product Manager for Backhoe Loaders and Compacts Glenn McLeod said, “Showcasing the 19C-1 ETECH to the Australian market has been really exciting.
With its ability to operate inside buildings and in emission-sensitive inner-city environments the 19C-1 ETECH allows operators to work for longer periods and outside of traditional working hours. The external noise of the machine is 7dBA lower than a traditional machine making it five times quieter than its diesel-powered counterpart. The fact that it can also operate in tunnels and underground, without having to install costly exhaust extraction equipment makes it extremely practical for a large range of tasks.”
While the 19C-1 ETECH may run off electricity there has been no compromise on performance. Once fully charged the machine can complete a full day’s work in normal operating conditions. The electric excavator replaces the standard machine’s diesel engine with an electric motor and three, next generation 104Ah battery packs, to deliver a full energy capacity of 312Ah (15kWh). “The modular batteries utilise the most advanced NMC lithium-ion cells in a rugged battery pack housing that has been designed to withstand the rigours of off-highway construction use,” said Glenn.
“Using the latest 48V electrical system, the highly efficient electric motor delivers instant and greater torque than the standard machine’s diesel engine. The motor drives the 19C-1 E-TECH’s proven Bosch Rexroth load-sensing hydraulic system, delivering the same sector-leading digging performance as the standard 1.9-tonne excavator.”
The efficiency of this advanced electric- hydraulic combination means a considerably lower cooling requirement – only a small hydraulic cooler with a small thermostatic electric fan and no engine radiator – contributing to longer battery life and the much lower noise level. The 19C-1 E-TECH is equipped with the same adjustable undercarriage and choice of digging equipment as the diesel model to provide a maximum digging depth of 2576mm with the longer 1100mm dipper arm.
Available with the ROPS/TOPS and FOGS certified canopy. Based on the premium specification 19C-1, the excavator comes with proportional rocker switches for auxiliary functions and boom offset swing. The premium model also has a membrane switch pad to the right of the operator for all additional controls, while the fuel gauge has been replaced by an easy to read charge level readout.
The 19C-1 E-TECH also benefits from a new box section main boom and dipper arm, with all hoses routed through the boom structure for added protection. The boom pins and dozer pivot points come with sealed graphite-impregnated bushings, allowing 500-hour greasing intervals. All grease points are located on one side of the machine to reduce downtime and there are fewer daily checks because the 19C-1 E-TECH has no engine oil, coolant or fuel tank.
As part of the standard package a convenient on-board charger is provided, allowing the machine to be fully recharged in six hours, using a conventional 230V plug. There is also a fast-charging option, a heavy duty off-board unit, allowing a full charge in just 2.5 hours. The self-contained power system means that there is no requirement for an electrical power connection or cable during machine operation. The battery packs allow a full working day in a typical duty cycle or four hours of operation in an extreme duty cycle. The 1.9-tonne machine will be capable of handling a range of powered attachments, making it an ideal base carrier for demolition and refurbishment projects.
Not only can the machine operate in a variety of conditions and locations, no daily checks of coolant or engine oil levels means the machine is off to work quicker than its diesel counterpart.
“The 19C-1 ETECH is a practical and affordable solution for applications that demand zero emissions and quiet operation,” said Glenn.
“We have seen a lot of interest around the machine given its ability to provide contractors with a zero-emission, low-noise solution, allowing them to work independently in late night urban conditions within buildings and even in rail tunnels with no requirement for costly exhaust extraction equipment.”
The 19C-1 E-TECH is leading the way for a zero-emission future with JCB mini excavators.