More firepower and transmission options for JCB's Loadalls

The extra grunt comes from the more powerful Euro Stage V emissions-compliant engines, while the unique DualTech VT becomes available on more models.

This award-winning transmission, which combines hydrostatic drive for low speeds and powershift mechanical direct drive at faster speeds for better performance and versatility, is no longer reserved for the top-specification Series III Loadalls. It can now also be specified for AGRI Super versions, as well as the smallest full-size Loadall – the 532-60 – for the first time.

JCB Agriculture's MD, John Smith, pointed out: “DualTech VT has been immensely successful and popular in our top-spec' agricultural Loadall and now we are making it more accessible to a wider range of farm businesses by adding it to the AGRI Super equipment package and to our 3.2 tonne, 6m 532-60 introduced in early 2020.

“User experience and data from our LiveLink telematics system confirmed our view that this uniquely versatile and capable transmission increases productivity and improves fuel efficiency.

"It’s also a pleasure to use and really does offer the ‘best of both worlds’ characteristics of hydrostatic and powershift drive,” he added.

These latest Loadalls are powered by 4.8-litre JCB 448 DieselMAX engines, which come with a compact package of exhaust after-treatment technologies to meet EU Stage V emissions compliance and power outputs that relate to the AGRI, AGRI Super and AGRI Xtra specification levels.

In AGRI models, the engine has unchanged ratings of 109hp (81kW) and 516Nm torque; for AGRI Super versions, there is an extra 5hp (4kW) at 130hp (97kW) along with 550Nm of torque; and for AGRI Xtra models the engine also has an additional 5hp (4kW) at 150hp (112kW) but also a 7% increase in peak torque at 600Nm for livelier performance.

Mr Smith said: “These proven engines have been equipped to meet the latest exceptionally stringent EU particulate matter and NOx levels while eliminating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and the variable geometry turbocharger, which has been replaced by a simpler electronically-controlled wastegate turbo.

“At the same time, performance characteristics and service requirements have been maintained and the advanced combined SCR and DPF exhaust treatment technology still fits neatly beneath the engine cover – with the exhaust end pipe now replaced by streamlined vent making the Loadall’s class-leading rear three-quarters visibility even slightly better than before.”

The efficient fuel combustion characteristics of the DieselMAX engine that help minimise after-treatment requirements also contribute to attractive fuel consumption, which is further enhanced by the new Auto Stop feature that can shut down the engine after a period at idling speed to eliminate fuel wastage.

The revised model and specification line-up starts with the JCB Loadall 532-60 AGRI, which continues with a 109hp (81kW) engine but now has JCB’s 40kph four-speed TorqueLock 4 powershift transmission, featuring torque converter lock-up for power-efficient direct drive.

This model is joined by the new 532-60 AGRI Super, which has a 130hp (97kW) engine and the DualTech VT hydro-mechanical transmission to bring its combination of smooth and precise low speed hydrostatic drive and power-efficient mechanical drive to the small to medium-size livestock farm for the first time.

At the top end of the performance scale, the bulk handling 560-80 AGRI Super has a regular four-speed powershift but in new top-spec AGRI Xtra guise comes with the 150hp (112kW) engine and either JCB’s familiar six-speed AutoShift transmission or the seamless DualTech VT.

All other models in the range – the 538-60, 532-70, 542-70 and 536-95 – are available with a choice of AGRI 109hp (81kW) specification with JCB TorqueLock 4 transmission; AGRI Super 130hp (97kW) spec with four-speed Powershift, six-speed AutoShift or DualTech VT drive; and with the AGRI Xtra package combining the 150hp (112kW) engine with six-speed AutoShift or DualTech VT.

AutoShift-equipped AGRI Super and AGRI Xtra versions of the 542-70 and 536-95 are available as ‘sway’ models with hydraulic chassis levelling for safer extended boom working on uneven ground, and 40kph top speed is now standard on all 6m, 7m and 9.5m models for quick yard-to-field journeys thanks to a new gearbox and axle combination for AGRI Super variants equipped with the four-speed Powershift transmission.

All Series III handlers now come with a seat-mounted control joystick as standard, providing the ultimate in comfort and convenience within the Command Plus cab with its first-class all round visibility, logical control layout and plenty of interior space.

Air conditioning is optional on AGRI and AGRI Super versions, and on AGRI Xtra models the standard system can be upgraded to auto temperature climate control.

AGRI Super spec' adds auto smooth ride suspension for the boom and the option to fit up to 11 LED work lights to turn night into day all around the machine – a feature that is standard with the AGRI Xtra spec'. That also includes a limited slip diff front axle, dirt and dust covers between boom sections, and centralised rear grease points on 7m and 8m versions.

JCB Loadall Series III Stage V

Engine: 4.8-litre JCB DieselMAX

Emissions: EU Stage V – single DPF/SCR unit under engine cover

Power: Agri Xtra – 150hp (112kW)

Agri Super – 130hp (97kW)

Agri – 109hp (81kW)

Transmissions:

DualTech VT – 40kph multi-mode hydrostatic to 19kph, auto 3-speed direct drive to max speed

AutoShift 6 – 40kph 6-speed manual/auto powershift with torque converter lock-up

Powershift 4 – 40kph 4-speed manual powershift (560-80 – 33kph or 37kph, tyre dependent)

TorqueLock4 - 40kph 4-speed manual powershift with torque converter lock-up

UK’s biggest telehandler hirer buys £26m in Loadalls

Ready for shipment - UK hirer, Ardent, has placed a £26m order for JCB machines

The UK’s biggest telehandler hirer is expanding its fleet with an order for £26m-worth of JCB Loadalls.

Ardent Hire Solutions is adding 525 new telescopic handlers to its fleet as the UK construction hire equipment market rebounds strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The order spans the compact 525-60 to the 540-200 models, which have reaches of between 6-20m.

The machines – supplied by JCB dealer, Watling JCB – have already started rolling off the production line at JCB’s World HQ, in Rocester, Staffordshire along with 25 3CX backhoe loaders, which are also part of the massive deal. If follows a deal in 2019 from Ardent for £75m-worth of JCBs.

London-headquartered Ardent Hire Solutions is one of the UK’s biggest plant hire companies and covers the length and breadth of Great Britain through 11 hire depots, from Glasgow in the north to Fareham in the south and has more than 7000 units for rent with an average age of less than three years.