The Number One Telehandler in the World is a JCB
Following its launch in 1997, JCB’s Model 520 telescopic revolutionised the agricultural industry, where lift it, load it, hump it, push it then repeat, is part of the everyday grind.
Hitting 200,000 machines sold by 2017, today the JCB Telehandler, that combines the attributes of a forklift truck, with a wheeled loader and a skid-steer, now accounts for 1 in 3 telehandlers sold globally, making it number one in the World and also here in New Zealand.
Offering an extensive range, the core model offering in NZ, is made up of six models, including the 532-60 Agri, the 532-70, 538-60 and 542-70 Agri-Super, complemented by the 532-70 and 542-70 Agri-Pro, topping off the choice.
The entry 532-60 Agri, ideally suited to livestock enterprises, or work in tight confines, offers a 3200kg lift capacity and 6.22m maximum lift height, with power provided by a 109hp / 516Nm, 4-cylinder, 4.4 litre capacity JCB Ecomax stage 3 engine, mated to a 4-speed powershift transmission.
Stepping up a level, the three Agri-Super models offer 3200, 3800 or 4200 kg lift capacities, alongside 6.2 or 7.0 metre reach. Power is provided by the same engine series, this time delivering 125hp /516Nm, with the transmission offering six-speed powershift, with torque lock-up in the fifth and six speeds.
Topping off the product offering, the 532-70 and 542-70 Agri-Pro models see an upgrade to a larger 4.8 litre, 4-cylinder engine delivering 145hp /560Nm, mated to the company’s revolutionary DualTech transmission. DualTech offers a hybrid layout, featuring hydrostatic drive from 0-19kph, to deliver seamless control for precise loading and faster acceleration. Between 19 and 40kph, a 3-speed powershift drivetrain comes into play, offering smooth shifting up to the maximum travel speed, complemented by a direct mechanical drive in each of the speeds, for maximum torque, combined with strong towing capacity and a maintained speed on inclines.
All models offer four-wheel drive, with a selectable two-wheel drive unlock for roading, with switchable transmission disconnect on the brake pedal, for single pedal loading functions on the Agri and Agri-Super versions and permanent inching function on the brake pedal of the Agri-Pro. Agri and Agri-Super models offer Limited Slip differentials on both axles, while the Pro versions utilise the Max-Trac, torque proportioning differential on the rear axle for maximum traction.
Featuring a one-piece, fully welded chassis that offers structural rigidity, the high tensile steel boom is mounted low for excellent visibility and mounted between wide pivot points for rigidity and resistance to twisting forces. Featuring a one-metre overlap at full extension, with friction welded bushes for strength and durability, the boom uses lubrication by Waxoyl at 500-hour intervals, while also incorporating hydraulic locking pins and a simple pressure venting dump on the third service connections. Boom damping is standard as the unit is fully retracted to its start position
All models use the Series 3 Command Plus cabins, featuring one-piece glass that increases previous visibility by 14%, with the Control Pod fitted to the right-hand armrest, utilising a fully proportional single lever control, with a combined adjacent switch pack for all key controls. Operator comfort is ensured with an ergonomic air suspended seat, with auto-temperature and climate control. Safety is taken care with a fully compliant FOPS and ROPS rating with accompanying, external front and rear roof guards. Standard features include a Bluetooth enabled radio, heated rear window and 2-wheel steer, 4-wheel steer and crab-steering modes.
Available options include a 32-tonne rated rear hydraulic pick-up hitch, twin-line hydraulic brakes and a double-acting rear hydraulic coupling.
National Sales Manager-JCB Agricultural, Steve Gorman says, “the Telehandler packages are all about getting the job done efficiently with a minimum of fuss, while also ensuring the machine is easy to operate. We’re proud to be No.1 in New Zealand, but the fact is, we don’t just supply great machines, but we reinforce our users choice of Telehandlers, with 21 locations throughout the country, employ a dedicated team of support specialists and hold over $4 million dollars of parts at our Morrinsville and Rolleston support hubs to offer 24/7, unrivalled support.”