JCB Debuts Tier IV, Tier IVi JCB Ecomax Powered Backhoe Range

Fri July 19, 2013
Agricultural Equipment Guide

Marking the 60th anniversary of the invention of the backhoe loader by Mr. JCB, the company that bears his initials now introduces the world’s most productive, efficient, powerful and comfortable backhoe loader available. JCB’s solution to Tier IV and Tier IV interim emissions legislation are on display as the expanded JCB backhoe loader range, with the introduction of the new entry level specification 3CX, powered by the JCB Ecomax engine make their debut.

JCB, with its Ecomax engine, is the only leading equipment manufacturer in the world to have met the stringent Tier IVF (74 HP) and Tier IV interim (91 and 109 hp) emissions legislation without the use of diesel particulate filter (DPF) or after-treatment, according to the manufacturer.

JCB has met the legislation through the use of in-cylinder technologies resulting in a cleaner, more efficient combustion process. This has eliminated the need for any external exhaust after-treatment meaning no diesel particulate filter (DPF) or additives such as Ad-Blue, significantly reducing operating costs.

History of Innovation

The JCB Ecomax builds on the success of the original Dieselmax engine and retains the same key characteristics such as high torque at low engine revs, robustness and reliability as well as low noise and vibration. It has been developed following a $126 million investment program and has undergone more than 110,000 hours of testing across a range of diverse applications, machines and environments.

Customer Benefits

As well as the obvious environmental benefit with the reduction in emissions, the JCB Ecomax engine also will offer customers improved torque throughout the rev range coupled with noticeably reduced fuel consumption and lower running and ownership costs.

JCB Ecomax engines can run on standard engine oils, unlike engines with after treatment solutions, which require a more expensive heat resistant lube oil to function correctly resulting in lower serving costs.

The no-after treatment approach also allows for a recalibration option that makes it possible for JCB dealers to recalibrate the Ecomax engine to a non emmissionized state, without any hardware changes. In effect, this recalibration takes the engine out of the EPA emissions tier system, and opens it up for export to non-legislated countries that only offer lower quality, higher sulfur content fuels. This maximizes the residual value of the machine for customers, without sacrificing the Ecomax advantages.

With no DPF or other after-treatment solution required, this also means that the dimensions of the engine and its space claim on the machine are unchanged from Tier III. This removes the need for any increase in mainframe length or hood size maintaining the machines’ maneuverability and visibility.

The JCB Ecomax engine range has been extended, both up and down in terms of power output, and will be fitted into machines spanning the 74 hp (Tier IVF) and 91 to 173 hp (Tier IVi) range, including JCB backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers, wheel loaders, the TM range of telescopic boom wheel loaders, JS excavators, rough terrain forklifts and skid steer loaders.

Backhoe Loader

The introduction of the Tier IVF (74 hp) and Tier IVi (91 and 109 hp) solution sees an expansion of the JCB backhoe loader range, with the introduction of the new entry level specification 3CX-14. This new entry level 3CX is powered by the Tier IV Final compliant 74 hp JCB Ecomax engine, providing a 5 percent reduction in fuel usage, as well as the new dual synchro JCB SynchroShuttle transmission as standard giving the operator smoother and easier gear changes all while being a quieter transmission. The new 3CX retains the triple gear pump EcoDig hydraulic system, allowing the operator to drop the engine revs while operating the backhoe and still maintain the high flow rate needed for fast cycles times and productivity but using up to 16 percent less fuel than its competitors, added benefits of this system are lower engine noise and wear and tear to the engine. The cab height on the 3CX is 6 in. (15 cm) lower than that of the deluxe model 3CX Supers, without sacrificing the operator space.

From there, the deluxe end of the range starts with the family of 3CX Supers, powered with the larger 91 hp and 109 hp Tier IVi compliant JCB Ecomax engine and coming standard with the JCB Powershift transmission along with the new 44 gpm (166 Lpm) variable flow hydraulic pump. These pumps are configured to perfectly match hydraulic flow and pressure to the demands placed on the system yielding up to 6 percent fuel efficiency improvement on top of improved efficiency already achieved by the Ecomax engine itself. The new variable flow pump also results in lower lever efforts, reduced noise levels and rapid control response for up to 30 percent faster cycle times, according to the manufacturer.

Rounding out the top of the range are the four-wheel steer 4CX Supers, coming in at 109 hp, and also featuring the JCB Powershift transmission and the new 44 gpm variable flow hydraulic system.

All of the new Ecomax engines offer increased, usable torque over their Tier III predecessors. The increased torque is low in the rev range, where it is needed for pushing into a pile with the loader end of the machine and where the hydraulic pumps are tuned to provide good digging power at a lower engine rpm with good torque backup for tough digging applications. All of these advantages come with sizeable fuel savings.

The growth of the backhoe range also sees an expansion in the types of controls offered. All machines will have JCB’s classic controls (mechanical “wobble stick” style) to operate the backhoe as standard, while the 3CX Super and 4CX Super will see two additional control options. With JCB Easycontrol, the excavator is controlled via two seat mounted joysticks, giving the operator the same feel and feedback as the classic controls, but with the added benefits of low lever efforts and short throws. With the introduction of the Tier IVi Super range, JCB also has launched its new JCB Advanced Easycontrol, which offers many of the same features as JCB EasyControl, while incorporating the loader controls into the right hand seat controller, giving the operator a low lever effort and short throw servo loader control, as well as simplifying overall operation.

A new in cab monitor is standard on all models, reporting fuel consumption and also allowing operator to bypass daily checks by automatically reporting any fluid levels that are below acceptable levels.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.