A revised version of JCB’s unique DualTech VT transmission is at the heart of a new flagship model for the Loadall telescopic handler line-up.

Coupled to a more powerful version of the manufacturer’s own four-cylinder diesel engine, it delivers top-speed potential of 50kph, enabling operators to travel further or reach remote work sites in less time.

Once on site, operators can exploit a 14% increase in hydraulic flow to lift and load at a faster pace, thereby contributing to an overall improvement in productivity potential.

John Smith, JCB Agriculture managing director, said: “The Loadall design is already a world-beater in terms of performance and productivity, and now this new model takes materials handling capabilities to a new level. Its standard specification gives the machine tremendous operator appeal while setting a new benchmark for loading, handling and towing.”

The Loadall 542-70 Agri Pro, with 4.2 tonne maximum capacity and 7.1m lift height, has a comprehensively upgraded specification over the 109hp Agri, 130hp Agri Super and 150hp Agri Xtra versions, not least in having a 173hp variant of the 4.8-litre JCB DieselMax engine.

That means power is up 16% and torque 15%, while dynamic tractive effort is reckoned to be 22% ahead of other models, giving more ‘oomph’ when digging into compacted cattle yard muck or scooping up grain or sugar beet with a large volume bucket.

Revised gearing and axle ratios result in the DualTech VT transmission’s hydrostatic element covering speeds up to 22kph, rather than 19kph, but as before there is a seamless switch to the three-speed direct drive powershift and its 50kph gearing.

To handle the added power and speed, there are heavier-duty 10-stud front and rear axles, and individual hydraulic braking circuits to meet the requirements of European T1b tractor homologation. In addition to running in rear-wheel drive on the road for towing traction and stability, the Agri Pro automatically engages four-wheel drive when the brakes are applied to ensure the maximum tyre/surface contact patch for shorter stopping distances.

Read more: More firepower and transmission options for JCB's Loadalls

New rubber spring and polymer vibration-damping cab mounts are designed to maintain comfort alongside a re-calibrated boom suspension system, and in addition to a half-leather heated and ventilated air suspension seat with electric lumbar support adjustment, the Command Plus cab with its arching windscreen can have climate-controlled air conditioning.

Once on site, the operator takes command of a higher capacity hydraulics package using the standard seat-mounted servo control joystick. Comprising a 72cc variable output piston pump, the upgraded system delivers oil at up to 160-litre/min – a 14% increase in output over the regular 140-litre system.

This extra flow gives quicker responses to joystick control inputs, according to JCB, especially when using more than one function at a time, such as when crowding a bucket while raising the boom. Unchanged are other elements of the ‘smart hydraulics’ system that allow the boom to be lowered and retracted faster for speedier loading cycles, and cylinder end-stroke damping on the boom lift and retract rams.

Automated bucket or fork ‘rattle’ instigated with minimal control input helps shift sticky material, or dispense wood shavings and saw dust in a controlled manner when used for bedding.