IT'S BEEN a busy time for JCB, with new wheeled loaders, ag-style handlers and the establishment of a new German HQ, announced at the recent Agritechnica machinery show in Hanover, Germany.

The British company, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, launched the latest versions of its popular Loadall range of telescopic handlers at the show. These will have Tier4 Final compliant engines and have the latest 'smart' hydraulics package.

Using SCR to meet the emission standards, the company's agricultural director, Richard Fox-Marrs, said: "The Tier 4 solution is a terrific innovation. We've had a significant number of these handlers on endurance and evaluation with customers across Europe who, apart from topping up with diesel exhaust fluid, are otherwise unaware of the engine change."

The EcoMAX engine has the same power and torque as its predecessors, producing 109hp, 125hp and 145hp, but now there's no need for a diesel oxidation catalyst which can be expensive to replace. The SCR system is all incorporated into an exhaust silencer housed under the bonnet, which will make it easy to tell apart from its predecessor which have an external exhaust.

The introduction of what JCB terms as its 'Smart' hydraulics package has already been proven says JCB. It has used data from more than 4200 Loadalls via its telematics system to prove that it delivers what it says on the tin ¬- faster work cycles with reduced fuel economy. During 2.5m machine hours, Loadal handlers from the 2.6-tonne, 5.6m 526-56 to the six-tonne, 7.9m 560-80 sipped just 5.97 litres per hour on average.

Basically, the system allows faster boom operation, even at low engine speed and JCB's accumulated data has led it to boast that it can improve cycle times by as much as 20% using 15% less fuel than some competitors.

A new high-flow auxiliary pump option gives up to 105 litre/min for more demanding 'add-ons' over and above the 140 litres/min from the main system.

The new line-up of standard Loadalls include the 531-70 and 536-60, the 536-70 in standard or low profile forms, the 541-70 and high lift 535-95, plus the high output 550-80 and 560-80 bulk handling specialists.

In the compact Loadall range, the 526-56 Agri Plus now has a four-speed powershift transmission as standard, with selectable four-wheel-drive, while the hydrostatic drive 527-58 Agri now has Varispeed transmission. Both are rated at 109hp. Further improvements include refinements of the boom hydraulics into a neater package, a new bucket control system and LED work lights.

Moving onto the 'big' stuff, JCB has introduced a number of improvements in its flagship wheeled loader range.

The 435S and 457 Agri models now have the latest CommandPlus cab featuring new and easier to use seat-mounted control arms; Final Tier 4 engines (without the need for DPF), and easier servicing via power operated hoods.

For instance, the 14.6-tonne 435S - which has become a favourite with silage contractors in the clamp - still has its 230hp available from the 6.7-litre Cummins engine, but is more economical thanks to the SCR system. The 457 Agri, rated at 258hp, uses an MTU engine for the first time in a JCB and a feature here is more oomph at lower revs.

— See below for a video of the big Agri models working the silage clamp while under test.