Known for producing some of the finest construction equipment, JCB showcased a range of material handling equipment.

Story by:

Anirudh Raheja

JCB is emphasising on material handling equipment. It believes that the market could soon experience strong growth due to a rise in infrastructure. Understandably, the company showcased a range of material handling solutions at Delhi recently. These make cost-effective solutions that have been developed in India, and include telehandlers, skid steer loaders and super loaders. Replicating its global practices of offering safe and versatile machinery for material handling industry, the trio expands the JCB product portfolio to 48, across eight categories. “Regardless of B2B or B2C, various industries are picking up pace in India. This is certain to increase the demand for better infrastructure. The (material handling) machines that we have showcased will serve the growing need for technologically advanced and intelligent product solutions across verticals,” expressed Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, JCB India. He touched upon the industry best period of 2011, and how the industry came to face turbulent times thereafter. From 2012 to 2015, the off-highway equipment industry experienced a sharp decline. The numbers till December 2015 were nothing to cheer home about.

Green shoots were visible in early 2016; they were a reflection of the industry’s recovery. The pace of recovery has attained good speed now, and is adding to the confidence of manufacturers like JCB to showcase new, game changing equipment. Averred Sondhi, “In the first half of 2016, the industry grew by 40 per cent. Where irrigation sector to some extent is starting to move, other sectors like the railways are also showing signs of moving.” “It is the road and highways that is really driving our industry for now,” he added. The products that JCB showcased may not find their way into the road construction industry, they are however certain to find their way into other industries experiencing growth. Opined Sondhi, that the products will offer paradigm shift in India as each of them can offer flexibility, enhanced productivity, and better performance.

JCB Loadall

Known for its backhoe loaders, JCB has also been pioneering the development of telehandlers for close to four decades now. The intention is to have an equipment that would help with the loading, unloading, and palletisation of load at various heights and reach levels. Made entirely locally from components procured locally, the Loadall that JCB is offering, is powered by a 76 hp four-cylinder naturally aspirated JCB 448 engine, which produces a peak torque of 310 Nm@1100 rpm. Coupled to a four-wheel drive synchro-shuttle fully synchromesh transmission with an integral torque converter and an electrically operated forward-reverse shuttle to maintain traction and performance, the Loadall has its front live axle rigidly mounted. Connecting the front live axle with the transmission is a propeller shaft through a max-track torque proportioning differential. The live rear axle is centrally pivoted with an oscillation angle of 16-degree.

For easy manoeuvrability, the Loadall comes with a rear wheel hydro-static power steering with manual capability in case of an engine or hydraulic failure. The steering angle is (plus or minus) 48-degrees. The cabin of Loadall conforms to Rolling Object Protection System (ROPS) and Falling Object Protection System (FOPS) norms for operator safety and the angle roof boards offer optimal visibility. Ergonomically positioned controls find place next to a fully adjustable driver seat. For safety, JCB has also fitted a Lateral Load Moment Indicator (LLMI), which sounds an alarm in case the machine exceeds its loading limitations. The Loadall is also fitted with an Inclinometer to ensure stability. To minimise stress on the machine, especially the joints, the Loadall is fitted with a ‘U’-shaped boom with single closing plate welds apart from single side plates that ensure higher strength for the machine. Available in two different models, 530-70 and 530-110, the Loadall comes with a stacking and dumping capacity of 7 m and 11 m along with a forward reach of 12 ft and 23 ft respectively. In order to bring the machine to a stop, JCB has fitted the Loadall with hydraulically actuated, dual line compensated oil immersed multi-disc brake on the front axle and the rear axle, which can be operated through independent pedals.

JCB Robot

JCB Robot is a skid steer loader, and available in two models – Robot 135 and Robot 155. Either model has been designed with a single loader arm with internal baffle plates for longer life. The arm has 20 per cent more tensile strength and makes for a stronger, lighter construction. The hydraulic hoses are routed within the main boom structure giving maximum protection to both, the driver as well as the machine. This boosts all round visibility and makes it easier for the operator to enter and exit through the side door. Certified with ROPS and FOPS level-one standards, the tilting cabin ensures easy access to vital components of the machine. The cabin is claimed to offer 46 per cent higher space as compared to the competition. A mechanical quick hitch comes as standard for faster change of attachments in various applications. The Robot can rotate a full 360 degree to perform better even in confined areas. Flaunting 50 per cent local content. JCB Robot has got a 98-litre fuel tank for longer working hours. An advanced fuel filtration system helps the machine to withstand poor quality of fuel. JCB has fitted the Robot with a naturally aspirated 46 hp Perkins 404 D-22 engine on Robot 135. The Robot 155 is powered by a 57 hp turbocharged version of the engine. A full servo controlled hydro-static transmission ensures good availability of engine power to ensure maximum performance.

JCB Super Loader

A dedicated loader for loading applications at various heights, the JCB 2DXL Super Loader is available in two different models 2DXL-31 and 2DXL-40. The 2DXL-31 and 2DXL-40 have a dumping height of 3.1 m and 4 m respectively. Powered by a 50 hp Kirloskar 4R810 four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, the super loader is fitted with JCB’s SS700 synchro-shuttle four-speed fully synchromesh gearbox with an integral torque converter. The 2465 psi hydraulic system pressure enables the machine with higher breakout force to tackle tough working conditions. The two-wheel drive front axle is steerable and centrally pivoted with an oscillation angle of 16-degrees. The rear drive axle incorporates max-torque proportioning differential. Locally produced with 100 per cent local content, the Super Loader complies with CMVR BS III emission norms. It is offered with 10 optional attachments for increased versatility and performance.

Domestic stability to drive growth

It was at the Excon fair for construction equipment late last year that JCB announced a thrust on telematics. Sondhi spoke about turning machine operators into entrepreneurs by helping them to own a machine, operate it and provide employment to others. Sondhi’s comment that India is at the cusp of a change, and material handling is one of the most promising sectors as of current is reflective of the course the company is taking for growth. Stress is on reaching out to the customer and make him understand the product better. A pioneering concept it is, the move to explain why and how beneficial it is for their business and to generate better returns. JCB is working with 20 NBFCs in India to provide easy finance options for its products that may find application in construction, agri-logistics, material handling, ceramics, bottling, sugar, cement, cotton, and processing industries. Stressing upon the fact that one sector alone cannot drive growth, Sondhi expressed that two or three sectors need to move forward and start participating in infrastructural growth. With a strong supply chain that includes 380 suppliers and 60 dealers, JCB is looking at various ways of growth. The company is keen to develop a strong base domestically for their battery of material handling equipment for certain.