(January 2015) – JCB has launched two new eight tonne excavators that are setting new standards in safety, productivity and value.
The 8.3-tonne 85Z-1 and 8.6-tonne 86C-1 are the first Australian entrants in the new generation of JCB mini/midi excavators, and offer customers the choice of zero or conventional tail swing to suit their needs.
The Z (zero tail swing) and C (conventional tail swing) models are in line with JCB’s plan to offer both options across its mini and midi excavator ranges.
JCB CEA National Product Manager Glenn McLeod says providing both choices means customers can choose the design that matches their working requirements.
“The zero tail swing is there for those who really need it to be able to work on tight sites, but for those without those kinds of constraints the conventional model gives additional stability, reach, digging depth and dump height,” he says.
Glenn says the new generation JCB excavators deliver a high standard specification.
“A full auto lock quick hitch is standard for Australia and allows attachments to be interchanged with JCB backhoes, while a sensor ensures that the bucket is in a safe position before the hitch can be unlatched,” he says.
“Hose burst crane valves are also standard for Australia and the auxiliary hydraulic circuits set the standard for the market. Three programmable auxiliary high/low flow circuits including a breaker circuit are controlled by a thumb roller on the right joystick, and there are 10 progressive settings up to a maximum flow of 100 litres/minute.
“The low flow circuit is controlled by a thumb roller on the left joystick and has a maximum flow of 30 litres/minute.”
The 48 kW Tier 4 Final engine is the result of an agreement signed recently with engine manufacturer Kohler. The engine is branded “JCB Diesel by Kohler” and shares the JCB-developed engine approach of avoiding the need for a Diesel Particulate Filter through efficient design.
This engine is showing fuel savings of 15 per cent compared to the Tier 3 engine in the previous model, with significantly reduced emissions.
A brand new ROPS cab has been designed for the new excavators, and has more leg room than the previous cab. A wide door makes entry to the cab easy.
Excellent visibility is assured, with the design offering good lines of sight for trenching and viewing the tracks when manoeuvring in tight quarters.
“The machines also have great features as part of the in-cab LCD screen. For example, it will briefly show engine hours, time to next service and fuel level before reverting to the normal display screen so operators are reminded when the machine needs fuelling or servicing. ”
Both models share a robust H-frame undercarriage design with an open centre and chamfered track leg extensions to minimise spoil retention.
The revised dozer blade is also designed to minimise soil retention when the blade is raised, while at the same time improving material roll when dozing. Blade float and an angle blade are now options.
Daily check points are all grouped at ground level for ease of access, and are protected by robust pressed steel bonnets. The cab can be tilted to improve maintenance access.
Serviceability is also enhanced by individually mounted steel pipework on the boom and dozer ram hoses passing through a bulkhead outside the undercarriage, to simplify replacement.
“These machines set new standards in performance, economy, comfort and serviceability and offer excellent value for money.” Glenn says.